Indoor dining has been established as one of the primary spreaders of the ever-mutating virus; but that doesn’t mean we have to give up our cravings altogether. Food is life — and in a depressing pandemic, it’s also all the more a source of comfort and warmth. Fortunately, many of our favourite food establishments have shifted gears to continue serving us: from opening delivery services to launching drive-thru stores.
In 2021 alone, we saw several drive-thru stores open across the Philippines that we’ve started to lose track of them all. So, we’ve decided to compile all the notable ones in a list — just in case an intense craving hits us again.
Whether you want Choco Butternut munchkins or just an affordable but effective pick-me-up, you can drive to Dunkin’s several drive-thru locations across the Philippines. The best part? Most of their branches are bicycle-friendly!
After launching its first drive-thru branch in January 2021, Dunkin’ has opened more stores with a similar feature. You can now access Dunkin’ drive-thru stores at the following locations:
Heads up, Lola Nena’s enthusiasts! The homely bakeshop opened its first drive-thru branch in November 2021. From the comforts of your car, you can finally order your favourite cheese doughnuts, toasted siopao, and pichi-pichi in Madison Square, Alabang-Zapote Road, Las Piñas City.
Priding itself as the first carinderia with a drive-thru option in the Philippines, Jaco’s Ulam Drive-Thru opened during the pandemic at KM 41 McArthur Highway, Sumapang Matanda, Malolos, Bulacan. Owners Rica del Rosario and her husband conceptualised the trailblazing carinderia out of the country’s lack of non-fast food drive-thru options.
Jaco’s Ulam Drive-Thru serves Filipino favourites — like dinuguan, bistek, sisig, and homestyle fried chicken — starting at ₱90. They also offer milk tea, with Filipino-inspired flavours like buko pandan.
A go-to for delectable cakes and classic Filipino dishes, Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant finally opened its first drive-thru branch in the Philippines in May 2021. Situated in Anabu, Imus, Cavite, the store is Conti’s 50th branch in the country and serves its homegrown menu, including the best-selling Mango Bravo and Baked Salmon.
Nobody does flavoured fries like Potato Corner, a snack chain that has long stood as walk-in stalls in malls. But now that we’re avoiding malling as much as possible, we definitely need accessible outlets along the road.
Potato Corner is set to open its first two drive-thru stores in February 2022: one along Congressional Avenue, and another along E. Rodriguez Avenue.
Need food, drinks, and other random essentials? You’re in luck, because 7-Eleven finally opened its first drive-thru branch in the Philippines in September 2021! Unfortunately, its only branch with a drive-thru is at SBGP FSI Commercial Complex in Subic Bay Gateway Park, Subic Bay Freeport Zone. But who knows? They might just open more drive-thru stores soon.
Sometimes, you just crave fast food that doesn’t taste like fast food. In this case, you might want to chow down a wood-fired rotisserie chicken from Kenny Rogers Roasters.
In October 2021, the chain opened its first drive-thru restaurant at L. Sumulong Memorial Circle in Antipolo City. Rest assured, you can finally enjoy all your favourite Kenny’s meals safely and conveniently.
Also read: 15 Antipolo Overlooking Spots to Visit Right Now
A leading milk tea and bubble tea brand in Singapore, Shakey’s R&B made its way to the Philippines in October 2020. Over a year of a successful run, it finally opened its first drive-thru option in Retiro corner Apo, Quezon City.
Not sure what to order? Try out its best-selling drink, the Milk Tea with Brown Sugar Pearls and Cheese Brulee for ₱135.
Keeping up with the new normal in Cebu, Leylam, the largest shawarma chain in the Philippines, launched its first drive-thru branch in September 2021 along V. Rama Avenue in Cebu City. Open 24/7, the store offers Turkish-inspired food, including shawarma wraps, rice, and noodles.
Also read: 15 Roadside Coffee Shops in & Near Metro Manila
At the onset of the pandemic, Starbucks continued to cater to its loyal customers through its multiple branches serving drive-thru orders. As a globally popular coffee chain, the brand made sure to have open drive-thru stores across the Philippines. You can find Starbucks drive-thru branches at the following locations:
Starbucks is also set to open its first drive-thru branch in Mindanao by the second half of 2022. According to Damosa Land Inc. President Ricardo F. Lagdameo, the branch will be in Damosa Gateway, Davao City.
Also read: 15 Prettiest Starbucks Branches in the Philippines in 2021
We can only imagine the challenges of maintaining a food business amid a pandemic, so let’s make sure to support our neighbouring local establishments when we can. Do you know of any new drive-thru stores in the Philippines? Let us know in the comments or tag us on Instagram at @tripzillaph.
Featured image credit: Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant | Official Facebook Page
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