Static Drive-Thru Menu Boards
Price range: $3,000 - $8,000
Learn more about static drive-thru menu boards →
At the moment, this is the most common type of drive-thru menu board because, for the first 50 years or so of drive-thrus, this was all there was. Typically, the board consists of a metal enclosure and printed graphics.
What affects the price?
The price is mostly determined by the number of doors it has—usually 1-5. The doors also vary in size, typically from 18 inches to 27 inches wide. Within each individual door, there may be dividers, so a single door may have up to 3 different individual graphic panels.
The cost is also influenced by the construction of the enclosure:
- Metal type and construction: Extruded aluminum frames are great because they don't rust. Click here to read more about the differences between metals used in cabinets.
- Illumination method: Some doors are backlit—these are sometimes called light boxes—meaning the light comes from behind translucent graphic panels. If the boards are not backlit, some type of external lighting will be needed for visibility at night.
Questions to ask your vendor:
- Can the board be painted in my brand colors? (Custom colors will cost more)
- Is it wet painted or powder coated with a zinc primer to prevent rust?
- Are the printed graphics included in the price of the frame?
- Do you have graphic designers on staff who can create a menu design or enhance the one I already have?
- What is the estimated life expectancy of the enclosure?
- Will the color of the enclosure or the graphics fade over time?
- What is the wind load rating, and how does that compare to the requirements from your zip code?
- If illuminated, is the menu board UL-rated? (This is required for permitting/inspection approval in most municipalities)
Digital Drive-Thru Menu Boards
Price range: $5,000 - $25,000
Learn more about digital drive-thru menu boards →
Digital drive-thru boards are increasing in popularity, and restaurants from single units to major chains are moving to this option. The most basic system includes an enclosure and 1-3 digital screens.
This seems like a huge range, and there are many more variables that can affect the price. The biggest factor is the number and size of screens.
What's included:
Digital menu boards include a metal enclosure, which could be either a closed case or a structure similar to a picture frame that holds the screens but offers little protection from the elements. Depending on the screen specifications, the enclosure may need to provide protection against weather and theft, and include a reliable method to vent the heat generated by the screens.
About the screens:
The industry standard for drive-thru screens is 55". They are NOT "off the shelf" TVs that you can get at a big box store. They are outdoor-rated, meaning they can handle the elements—blazing sun, below-zero temperatures, dust, and precipitation. They must be able to handle extended uptime. There is a whole rating system for outdoor digital screens. Click here to learn more.
Additional cost components:
Beyond the stripped-down cost of just the frame and screens, several items add to the total:
Hardware:
- HDMI cables: As with any digital screen, the content must be piped to it. The length of the cables depends on where the board is installed and where the content source is.
- Screen warranty: Let's face it, screens can fail, so a warranty is a necessary evil. Warranties usually run for 3-5 years and range in scope from "white glove" (where the manufacturer handles everything and you have very little downtime) to basic (where you have to pull the screen down yourself, pack it up, ship it back, and wait for the manufacturer to send a replacement).
- Media player: This is the computer that makes the screens display the content you want. It can be included within the screen (this is known as SOC or system on chip), or it may be an external player.
Software:
- Content management software that controls what content is playing (varies by number of screens)
- Content management software hosting and maintenance (varies by number of screens)
- Monitoring software that allows the screen manufacturer and vendor to troubleshoot remotely
- Order confirmation software that integrates with the POS
- 24/7 technical support
Questions to ask your vendor:
- Can the frame of the menu board be painted in my brand colors?
- Do you have graphic designers on staff who can create a menu design or enhance the one I already have?
- Do you offer content management services?
- Does the board require an internet connection?
- What does my IT department need to know to make this work?
- What is the life expectancy of the screens?
- Is the system UL listed?
- Will the color of the enclosure or the graphics fade over time?
- What is the wind load rating of the enclosure?
Hybrid Drive-Thru Menu Boards
Price range: $3,000 - $25,000
Learn more about hybrid drive-thru menu boards →
A hybrid menu board is a combination of static and digital in the same enclosure. The benefit of a hybrid is that you get the dynamic capability of the digital screens while enjoying the lower cost of printed graphics in some of the panels/doors.
The cost will vary greatly depending on the number of digital screens. See the additional cost adders in the static and digital options above—all of those apply to hybrid boards.
Additional questions to ask your vendor:
- What combinations of static and digital are available?
- Can you upgrade static to digital in the field?
Directional Signs
Price range: $500 - $800 (not including installation)
Learn more about directional signs →
The directional sign is what points guests to your drive-thru. They can be illuminated, which will cost a bit more because you must run electricity to where they are installed. They can also have graphics printed in your brand colors.
Many operators have signs that point to their drive-thru lane and then thank guests as they're leaving and point them to the exit.
Clearance Bars
Price range: $800 - $4,000
Learn more about clearance bars →
The clearance bar is a great piece of hardware to include because it protects your building from vehicle damage if you have an overhang at the pick-up window.
Configuration options:
- Single bar: Looks like an upside-down L
- Double bar: Looks like a T
- Standard heights: 8.5' or 9' (depending on whether they're installed on the curb)
Many restaurants choose to use the bar for printed welcome messages or height indications, and sometimes they're painted in custom brand colors. Another handy feature is a helix, which allows the bar to swivel out of the way when impacted by a vehicle.
Presell or Preview Boards
Price range: Refer to menu board pricing above
A presell or preview board is an additional, usually smaller menu board placed just after the entrance to the drive-thru lane. The reason to install a preview board is to give your guests a sneak peek at your menu while they're waiting in line.
Two main benefits:
- Promote high-margin items: You can use them to promote your highest-margin items and promos.
- Speed up the line: You don't have to wait for guests to review the menu for the first time when they get to the ordering station.
Preview boards are usually one or two doors or panels and can be digital or static.
Canopies
Price range: $3,000 - $15,000
The canopy is placed at the ordering point and is useful to shield the guest from the weather and therefore improve the ordering experience. In addition, they can function as a clearance bar.
There are many styles of canopy—flat-top, curved-top, offset, or maybe a custom design for your brand standards. Some have lights. They can house the speaker and microphone (see below). Because they are so different, prices can range significantly.