Drive-through ( or drive-thru ) restaurants provide people with the immense convenience of being able to purchase and pick up meals without needing to leave their vehicles. These restaurants have been around for decades, and their success has spawned a number of equally handy services.
The drive-through concept originated with the drive-in restaurant, the first of which was established in the US in 1921. Patrons would order and eat the food that was delivered to their cars by workers called “carhops.” Ten years later,a drive-through service was introduced, but it was not until 1947 that the first exclusively drive-through restaurant opened its doors: Red’s Giant Hamburg in Missouri, US. A year later, Harry Snyder, owner of the In-N-Out Burger chain, devised a two-way speaker system to facilitate the ordering process. This innovative system allowed drivers to order while still in their cars, thereby eliminating delays. Numerous fast-food restaurants, including McDonald’s and Burger King, jumped on the bandwagon. As a result of their popularity, drive-through restaurants had mostly replaced drive-ins by the 1970s.
It should be no surprise, therefore,that the drive-through model has expanded into other walks of life. People can collect their medical prescriptions at drive-through pharmacies or mail letters at drive-through mailboxes. One unique variation is the drive-through marriage chapels in Las Vegas, US, where couples can tie the knot in their cars. Who knows what creative and convenient drive-through services might become available in the future!
得来速（音译自 drive-through，也写作 drive-thru）餐厅为人们提供了极大的便利，他们可以在无需下车的情况下购买和领取餐点。这类餐厅已经存在了几十年，它们的成功催生了一些同样便捷的服务。
得来速的概念源自免下车餐厅，第一家免下车餐厅于公元 1921 年在美国成立。顾客可以在车中点餐并享用食物，这些食物由被称为「车服员」的工作人员送到他们的车上。十年后，得来速服务问世，但直到公元 1947 年，第一家专门提供得来速服务的餐厅才开业：位于美国密苏里州的 Red’s Giant Hamburg。一年后，In-N-Out 汉堡连锁店的老板哈利•史奈德设计了一个双向对讲系统以简化点餐过程。这项创新系统允许驾驶在车上点餐，从而消除了延迟。众多快餐餐厅，包括麦当劳和汉堡王，纷纷效仿。由于它们大受欢迎，因此到了公元 1970 年代，得来速餐厅取代了大多数的免下车餐厅。
因此，得来速模式已扩展到生活的其他方面也就不足为奇了。人们可以从得来速药局领取他们的处方药物，或从得来速邮筒寄信。在美国拉斯韦加斯有一种独特的变化是得来速婚礼教堂，情侣们可以在车上喜结连理。谁知道未来还会有什么创意和便捷的得来速服务可供使用！
1. immense (adj.)巨大的；无限的；非常好的
The mountain’s immense height made it a challenging climb for experienced hikers.
这座山巨大的高度对经验丰富的健行者来说是一项具挑战性的攀登。
2. convenience (n.)方便；便利（设施）
Online shopping offers the convenience of shopping from the comfort of your home.
网络购物提供了在家舒适地购物的便利。
3. concept (n.)概念；观念
The concept of time travel has fascinated scientists and writers for centuries.
时间旅行的概念已经吸引了科学家和作家几个世纪。
4. patron (n.)顾客；赞助者
That restaurant has many loyal patrons who eat there every week.
那家餐厅有很多忠实的顾客，每周都在那里吃饭。
5. innovative (adj.)创新的；新颖的
The innovative design of the eco-friendly car reduces emissions and saves fuel.
这款环保汽车的创新设计降低了排放并节省了燃料。
6. thereby (adv.)从而；因此
By studying diligently, Karen improved her grades and thereby earned a scholarship.
通过刻苦学习，凯伦提高了成绩并因此获得了奖学金。
7. popularity (n.)人气；受欢迎；流行
The bakery’s pastries gained popularity due to their delicious taste and quality ingredients.
这家面包店的糕点因其美味的味道和优质的原料而受到欢迎。
8. expand (v.)扩大；增加
To meet the growing demand for online courses, the university decided to expand its e-learning platform.
为了满足对在线课程不断增长的需求，该大学决定扩展其电子学习平台。
9. chapel (n.)小教堂；礼拜堂
The wedding ceremony was held in a charming chapel with stained glass windows.
这场婚礼在一座带有彩色玻璃窗的迷人小教堂举行。
用户评论