Pandemic-fueled drive-thru boom good for everyone in real estate, expert says

Drive-thrus are in high demand, according to Rafael Melara, director of leasing and investment sales with Houston-based Hunington Properties Inc.

Over half of Melara’s food and beverage clients are looking for drive-thru spaces, from national fast-casual brands to local to-go daiquiri joints. The daiquiri joints are exploding in particular, Melara said, especially now that new state regulations will permanently allow alcohol to-go.

But because fast-food tenants don’t close frequently, Melara…