DRIVE-THRU
HEADSETS &
TIMER SYSTEMS

The holiday rush is behind us, and now’s the perfect time to reset, restock, and refocus. A new year brings new goals and your drive thru operation deserves a strong, streamlined start. Whether you’re gearing up for higher car counts, faster service times, or smoother day-to-day operations, use this quick checklist to make sure your team and equipment are ready for success.

In today’s fast-paced QSR environment, the right technology doesn’t just support your operation—it drives it forward. That’s why upgrading to ZOOM Nitro® is more than a system refresh; it’s a strategic move that unlocks a smarter, more efficient, and more connected experience for customers and crews alike.

At the heart of it all is the ZOOM Nitro timer, the engine behind the entire Nitro platform. More than a timer, it’s the gateway to elevating every aspect of your operation and the core that powers multiple advanced service levels designed to take your performance to the next level.

A new year is the perfect time to reset, refocus, and reenergize your team’s performance goals. Whether you’re aiming to strengthen your operational foundation, unlock richer insights, or spark more engagement across your stores, the ZOOM Nitro® platform has a service level designed to meet you exactly where your business is and help you grow.

When drive thru traffic spikes—whether it’s holidays, lunch rush, or weekend crowds—clear, reliable communication becomes absolutely critical. That’s where NEXEO | HDX stands apart. Built on HME’s patented Wideband HD Audio and delivered as a fully digital, end-to-end system, NEXEO brings an unmatched level of sound clarity to every customer interaction.

The holiday season brings a surge of shoppers, travelers, and families on the go, which means more cars in your drive thru than almost any other time of year. With customers out and about, grabbing meals between errands or during long road trips, your drive thru becomes a critical part of their holiday routine.

The holidays are here, and that means one thing for quick-service restaurants: traffic is about to surge. Shoppers are out in full force, families are on the road, and everyone is looking for fast, convenient meals between the hustle and bustle. For drive thru teams, this season brings exciting opportunity and serious demand.

Support for the legacy ZOOM® timer will soon be retired, which means essential cloud-based features will no longer be available. To avoid disruptions and stay connected, upgrading to ZOOM Nitro® ensures your operation has the modern tools it needs to thrive.

According to the 2025 Intouch Insight Drive-Thru Study, the average total drive thru time has climbed to 5 minutes and 35 seconds, with customers waiting 1 minute and 21 seconds before even placing an order — the longest pre-order delay since before the pandemic.

And those invisible minutes? They’re costing operators thousands in lost revenue, loyalty, and throughput. In fact, every 5-second delay can cost a store up to $9,500 annually. That’s the challenge our recent webinar tackled head-on: how to measure, manage, and monetize every second in the drive thru lane.

Running a smooth drive thru requires clear communication and reliable equipment. With the right headset and accessories, your team can take orders accurately, stay connected, and serve customers faster. The HME Store offers a variety of HME drive thru headsets and accessories. Shopping online makes it easy to find exactly what you need—whether you’re replacing batteries or stocking up on extras to keep operations running without interruption.

Your HME headset is a lifeline for clear communication and smooth drive thru operations. But without proper care, even the best headset can lose its performance, comfort, and hygiene over time. Luckily, maintaining your equipment doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple habits, you can keep your headset clean, comfortable, and working at its best every day.