The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Big demand for drive-thrus
The changing political and economic landscape has resulted in major changes to the way we live and work in a postCovid world.
Ongoing challenges and the threat of recession has meant many sectors have been struggling to adjust and, while investment in certain sectors continues apace, others have declined.
The commercial property sector is no stranger to such challenges – the way people live their working lives has changed dramatically, with many continuing to work from home or on a hybrid basis between home and the office.
During the pandemic there was a sharp rise in demand for takeaway and drive-thru food and drink, seen as a “safer” way for such businesses to operate.
While all restrictions have now been lifted, the legacy has been a rapid expansion and demand for drive-thru sites throughout the country.
Traditionally fast-food retailers such as McDonald’s, Burger King and KFC began to offer such services 20-plus years ago – a concept borne from our American neighbours for convenience of service.
But, over the past few years, there has been an influx of new drive-thru operators.
Canadian chain Tim Hortons took over the former Frankie & Benny’s site in Perth in 2020 and converted the building to offer a new drive-thru option too.
Tim Hortons have also announced a site planned for Dundee, at the New Craigie Retail Park to the eastern extent of the Kingsway.
Local food retailers have joined the race with the announcement of a new drive-thru Clark’s Bakery to sit alongside Asda and Starbucks at Myrekirk Road, Dundee.
Local coffee operator Henry’s Coffee House is seeking permission for a new site in East Dock Street, Dundee – in close proximity to the site of the upcoming Eden Project.
Accommodating coffee and fast-food operators is now seen to be the norm for out-of-town developers who are now including food/coffee drive-thru sites within their masterplans.
One such development in Dunfermline at Halbeath, which features a Costa drive-thru alongside a Burger King and a parade of retail units, has recently been completed. From discussions with the developer, these units have already been sold on to new international owners, demonstrating that this sector of the market continues to generate investment.
In the west of Scotland, the accelerating demand for drive-thru sites has now become a political issue.
According to the Scottish Greens, Glasgow is now the “drive-thru capital of Scotland”, with more
sites than Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee combined.
Party co-leader Patrick Harvie said take-out services generate more traffic and pollution in the interests of big multinational companies.