By popularizing the idea of a quick restaurant meal, [James L.] Watson’s study [published in Golden Arches East (Stanford University Press, 1998)] suggests, McDonald’s led to the easing or elimination of various taboos, such as eating while walking in Japan. McDonald’s also flattens the social strata during dining — there is no problem of losing face for certain customers (who might be embarrassed when someone else ordered a more expensive item in a restaurant); the food at McDonald’s is all similarly priced.

For more on McDonalds, check out Commercial Heaven.

A drive-through or drive-thru is a business, most commonly a restaurant, that serves customers who pull up in their vehicles. Orders are taken and goods or services are provided using a window or microphone, while the customers remain in their vehicles. The format was first pioneered in the United States in the 1940s but has since spread worldwide.