Forget the drive-thru jokes . . . to the employees at a Syracuse Arby’s‚ it’s serious business. So much that their restaurant has been crowned the fastest Arby’s drive-thru in the U.S. In fact, on average, employees turn out meals within 30 seconds while also maintaining the integrity of each and every order. Arby’s franchisee Trevor Streeter, with Home Cafe¢ Incorporated, received the U.S. Champion Award on behalf of the employees at the Erie Street location. Ross Simons, Director of Operations and Jodie Joyce, General Manager were also on-hand to receive the Award.

“Americans have no time to wait,” said Trevor Streeter. “In fact our motto for more than 30 years has been, ‘One customer waiting is one customer too many!’ We ingrain that philosophy in our employees from day one which is why I think we please our customers so well with timely, accurate service.”

Triarc Restaurant Group (TRG), which services the Arby’s brand, launched the contest to help improve its nationally renowned drive-thru service. The contest is part of the F.A.S.T.E.R.‰ program instituted by TRG for the entire Arby’s system. It uses operational and marketing tactics designed to make Arby’s the leader in drive-thru service. The acronym represents friendly, accurate, speedy, trained, energetic and results.

Undercover drive-thru teams evaluated restaurants throughout the nation last fall. The evaluation teams visited more than 250 restaurants narrowing the contest to approximately 50 semifinalists and then six finalists. Franchisees competed for prizes such as a two-year lease on a new Ford Mustang and cash.

“Trevor Streeter’s team pursued excellence and reached it time and time again,” said Michael Welch, Senior Vice-President of Operations for TRG. “Their desire to offer the best in drive-thru service is exemplary and is an excellent example to the entire system.”