What does the "drive-thru" model allow customers to do?

The drive-thru model is specifically designed to enhance convenience for customers by allowing them to order food without leaving their vehicles. This service caters to those who may be in a hurry or prefer the ease of not having to park and enter the restaurant. By utilizing a drive-thru, customers can place their order at a speaker box, usually while remaining seated in their cars, and then pick up their food at a designated window. This model is particularly popular in quick-service restaurants, as it streamlines the ordering process and enables faster service, thereby meeting the needs of on-the-go patrons.

The other options do not align with the primary function of a drive-thru. Dining inside the restaurant pertains to a different service model, making reservations is typically associated with full-service restaurants, and paying before receiving orders is a practice that can vary but is not a defining characteristic of drive-thru operations. Thus, the focus and purpose of the drive-thru are well encapsulated by the ability to order food while remaining in the vehicle.