Drive-Throughs for Mommies

Several years back, we were stationed at an installation with a popular coffeehouse chain that was converted from a former fast-food building. It was constructed for a drive-through, but the coffee shop did not utilize that service. The absence of drive-through service was a huge ongoing conversation with us mommies who all had little ones we were lugging around.

One rumor stated that we women were lazy for not just going inside the store to order, that the drive-through wasn’t necessary. My close friend countered that it had nothing to do with laziness. The fact is, it takes 20 minutes to unload all the littles, walk-in to order while those littles run around and grab things off the shelves, and then try to balance a hot drink while walking out with kids in hand, just to take several more minutes to load them all back up.

Yes, total truth!

We may not have the time, or the sanity, to deal with it. As a result, mommies simply won’t be able to offer business to an establishment for these and similar reasons.

One day, I saw a small line-up of cars in that coffee shop’s drive-through lane as I was driving by. With my baby sleeping in the car seat in the backseat, I got so excited! They were finally utilizing the drive-through! I pulled in line and waited a minute. I looked around at the people walking into the store, probably checked my phone quickly, then looked up and still waited. The line wasn’t moving. Then, I looked more closely at the car in front of me and saw there was no one in it. I tried to look through to the other cars further ahead and didn’t think I saw anyone either! That’s when I realized, the drive-through lane was being used as employee parking.

I was so frustrated!

I drove away.

I wasn’t going to unload my sleeping baby and walk inside. The coffee shop lost $4 from me that day because they didn’t use their drive-through.

My friends and I discussed how this store would make a lot more money from all the busy mommies if they operated the drive-through. I still don’t know why they never opened it.

Over the past year businesses have been forced to up their game with special drive-throughs, drive-ups, curbside pick-ups, delivery options, and more. Even if they don’t publicly advertise it, many businesses are still willing to go the extra mile to serve us for the sake of safety, and quite honestly, to save their business. As a mom, I have absolutely loved this and have taken advantage of it whenever I can. As a mom who also doesn’t like spending an extra penny if I don’t have to, I have also loved the fact that these services usually don’t cost me anything extra.

Here is a short list of businesses I’ve used regularly in the past year, that offer a drive-through or curbside pick-up, who don’t charge me an extra fee, and that you may find helpful as a mommy, daddy, or otherwise busy individual.

• Wal-Mart for groceries: Pick-up is free; delivery requires a fee.
• Target for all the extras: Drive-up is free; delivery requires a fee or a Shipt membership.
• Staples for print services and school/office supplies: No apps or special instructions needed for this! I put my order in online, then I just call and tell them I’m on the way.
• Local coffee shop with no drive-through: I order by phone or online, call when I pull up, and they bring me my drink.
• Pizza shops (we’ve used Dominos, mostly): Just note curbside pick-up on your order and they will bring it to your vehicle; of course, delivery will require a delivery charge.

These are just a few examples of places I have taken advantage of—and not just because of COVID anymore. Because mommies need drive-throughs, or drive-ups, or pick-ups, or whatever you might want to call them. We need them.

So, to that coffee shop back on the installation and all you businesses who want to make just a little more money, pretty please offer a drive-through for mommies? You will have a lot of people thanking you. Thanking you for the service, the convenience, and their sanity.

Even if a business does not publicly advertise any sort of drive-through experience, just call them and ask. I am finding that many people are more willing these days to go the extra mile to serve others.

If you know of more businesses, popular chains, or shops local to an installation that offer similar services, please advertise here in the comments! You will be helping a fellow mommy out!

If you enjoyed this, you may also like How to Make Friends Fast in a Crazy Military Life, and the Post with the Most series.