Smokey Bones To Bring QSR Vibes With Addition of Full Drive-Thru

The full-service concept Smokey Bones is adding a quick-service feel to the brand with the launch of a fully equipped, all-digital drive-thru.

The drive-thru will have everything a quick-service restaurant has, meeting the expectations of a traditional drive-thru customer. Smokey Bones claims it will be the first casual brand in the U.S. to open a full drive-thru experience.

In what it calls another industry first, it also will offer its two virtual brands—The Wing Experience and Burger Experience—in the drive-thru. Smokey Bones developed the brands as quick service-style brands in late 2019 and says they’re well-suited for a drive-thru experience.

“Not only does a drive-thru lane address the way people are dining today with more to-go orders, but it makes it faster, easier and more convenient for guests to enjoy Smokey Bones ‘anytime anywhere,’ our vision for Smokey Bones’ off-premise dining,” says CEO James O’Reilly in a press release. “We believe drive-thru is a next-generation initiative for casual dining and has the potential to redefine what ‘fast casual’ really means.”

The first drive-thru will launch at the Bowling Green, Ky., restaurant and be open to guests in April.

Smokey Bones, an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, has 61 locations across 16 states.