America’s constant quest for convenience has driven some of the most popular trends in eating out: the drive-through lane, the Styrofoam container, the to-go counter.
Take all those conveniences, add the cell phone and the Internet, and you have the fastest-growing sector in casual dining: curbside to-go
Curbside to-go is a simple concept. You call the restaurant ahead, place your order and tell them the kind of car you’re driving. Pull into a designated parking space and your food, packed to go, is brought to you.
It’s an improvement over a drive-through because you don’t wait in line, and the restaurants that feature curbside service are a step above fast food.
Curbside to-go is becoming a habit for some consumers, and an important part of many restaurant chain’s bottom line. At Outback Steakhouse, 10 percent of its sales are transacted through the car window.
https://www.enquirer.com/editions/2004/10/06/tem_wedlede06.html