In the 1950s, car culture spread across the US. With the rise of the country's economy, nearly every family could afford a car. This led people to create new businesses that depended on carsgas stations, auto shops, and some drive in res
These restaurants didn't have an indoor seating. You would drive your car to an outdoor "booth"—a parking spot with a menu displayed(展示) next to it. A waitress would come over (usually on roller skates) and take your order. She would then bring you your food and you would eat it in your car.
Eating in your car is seen as something to be done only when you're in a hurry these days. But back then, it was a new experience. Sitting in your brand-new vehicle, drinking delicious milkshakes and eating burgers became a trend(趋势). Like all trends, it died out eventually－most driveins have been replaced by drive-thrus (汽车餐厅)．
You already know two of the biggest drive-thru restaurant chains—McDonald's and KFC. They became popular as the pace of modern life increased in the 1970s and 1980s. They're not known for the experience that driveins once offered. They offer pure speed and convenience, especially for parents and other busy people.
I myself remember eating McDonald's for lunch in the back seat of my mom's car as we ran errands(办事)on the weekend. Though the convenience of drive-thrus is nice, I do wish I could have experienced the drive－in restaurants in the past.
