Knoxville store’s drive-thru lane will serve third-party delivery and mobile app users only
Pokeworks, betting on the future of online ordering, delivery and pickup, is preparing to open a prototype drive-thru concept to fulfill third-party delivery and mobile app-based orders.
The new “Cruise-Thru” location in Knoxville, Tenn., represents an evolution of the Irvine, Calif.-based fast-casual chain’s efforts to accommodate increasing demand for off-premise dining. Peter Yang, chief development officer and cofounder of Pokeworks, estimated that third-party delivery sales doubled in 2020, compared with 2019 levels.
“We feel this habit is here to stay,” Yang said, even if delivery and takeout growth slows as the pandemic eases.