'Would you like fries with your marriage?'
A look at drive-through culture
By Mike Fink
CNN Headline News
(CNN) -- With all of the political goings-on this summer, you may have missed out on an important holiday last July 28 -- National Drive-Thru Day. The day celebrates the fact that it's now possible for drivers to take care of practically all of life's errands without ever having to leave their cars. The following is a drive-by of the ever-expanding world of drive-through services.
Most know you can drive up to get fast food, dry cleaning and coffee, but drive-through culture is moving way beyond those staples. For example, many community hospitals offer drive-through flu shots. In several states you can actually drive up to order liquor and beer. One store in South Carolina has a drive-through dedicated almost entirely to selling lottery tickets. And in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, there's a drive-through grooming and veterinary clinic for pets. But why limit the drive-through experience to routine errands?
Drive-through weddings, especially ubiquitous in Las Vegas, are a quick and convenient way to dedicate yourself to the love of your life. Many such places offer perks such as "just married" bumper-stickers and commemorative license plates. There are also drive-through vow renewals if you're feeling especially sentimental. If you are in Vegas and don't feel like getting married, there are casinos where gamblers can place a bet from the comfort of their automobile.
After you get married, your spouse may want you to unload your electric guitar or DJ equipment. That's where a place such as Dean's Drive-Thru Pawn Shop in Oklahoma City might come in handy.
If you're feeling spiritually deprived, but really don't want to go to the hassle of parking your car in order to go to church, there's drive-through worship. The New Hope Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Georgia, has a prayer drop-off box, at least.
There is known to be drive-throughs for funeral homes, loan agencies, strip clubs and art galleries.
But for those who think drive-throughs are exclusively American, consider that China now has at least two KFC drive-throughs. Also, officials in Venlo, Netherlands, recently released plans to sell marijuana and hashish through handy drive-throughs.
No matter where they're located though, drive-throughs provide hours of entertainment for teenagers. The list of drive-through pranks is long and includes such activities as: driving through them backward, repeating everything the order-taker says, and of course, using expletives.
Modern technology is changing the business of drive-throughs. Some fast-food franchises are outsourcing drive-through orders through single location call centers. There has also been talk of vehicle-recognition systems to make ordering and pick up even quicker.
There seems to be no limit on the goods and services available via drive-throughs. In fact, if your drive-through marriage doesn't work, there is always the drive-through divorce. In the meantime, all that seems to be missing, if any entrepreneurial therapists are reading this column, is drive-through marriage counseling.
