On April 14, 2026, Toast Inc. (NYSE: TOST), a leading digital technology platform tailored for the hospitality industry, announced the launch of its latest innovation: Toast Drive-Thru. This enterprise-grade solution aims to modernize operations for quick-service restaurants (QSR) by enhancing throughput and order accuracy while optimizing labor efficiency, all through a unified platform.

2. Addressing Industry Challenges

According to data from Technomic Ignite, there are over 140,000 drive-thru locations in the U.S. restaurant sector. Operators in this space face mounting pressure to provide rapid and error-free service while managing labor efficiency. The increasing adoption of AI voice ordering technology has further complicated integration for many brands, which often rely on outdated and fragmented systems that involve multiple vendors for point of sale (POS), menu boards, and audio systems.

3. Features of Toast Drive-Thru

A Unified Ecosystem

Toast Drive-Thru seeks to replace these disconnected systems with a comprehensive platform that incorporates trusted hardware, POS-native software, and AI voice ordering integrations. This solution is backed by "white-glove" support designed to ensure that drive-thru operators can thrive in a competitive landscape.

Technical Advancements

Leveraging the expertise of Delphi by Toast, the new system integrates the following key features:

POS-native Software & AI Voice Ordering Integrations: Toast Drive-Thru introduces a specialized POS mode tailored for high-volume lanes. This mode simplifies the ordering process, allowing staff to easily enter critical information like vehicle identification and lane tagging. Additionally, an Advanced Order Confirmation Screen displays orders as they are entered, minimizing error rates. The integration of AI voice ordering solutions, such as those from Incept AI, aims to automate order taking and enhance service speed, while also providing analytics for identifying bottlenecks.

Trusted Hardware: The hardware component, developed by Delphi, is already trusted by leading QSR brands globally. It features high-brightness 55’’ screens that adjust to varying lighting and weather conditions, bolstered by a specialized media player capable of supporting multiple screens.

Turnkey Services: Toast offers comprehensive support services, including site surveys and design consultations, creative content development for digital menu boards, and ongoing installation and support services. This ensures that drive-thru locations can operate at peak efficiency from day one.

4. Client Testimonials

The importance of Toast Drive-Thru is underscored by feedback from clients like Gilberto Salinas, Manager of Information Systems at Palenque Group. He highlighted the transformation brought about by Toast's solutions, stating, "Toast has always made it easy and intuitive for our staff to enter orders, and even more so now in our drive-thrus with POS Drive-Thru Mode." Salinas emphasized that the Advanced Order Confirmation Screen significantly reduces order verification time, aligning with Taco Palenque's brand identity while enhancing operational clarity.

5. Availability and Future Prospects

Toast Drive-Thru will be rolled out gradually, prioritizing brands with 15 or more locations. This strategic focus aims to facilitate a smoother transition for larger enterprises looking to modernize their drive-thru operations.

6. About Toast Inc.

Toast is a cloud-based, all-in-one platform designed specifically for the restaurant community. By offering a suite of software as a service (SaaS) products alongside financial technology solutions, Toast empowers restaurants to streamline operations, increase revenue, and enhance guest experiences across multiple service channels.

In summary, Toast Drive-Thru represents a significant step forward in the evolution of quick-service restaurant operations, providing an integrated solution that meets the demands of modern consumers while setting the stage for future innovations in the industry.

Original press release