Schlotzsky's debuts new prototype with no indoor seating

Schlotzsky's has opened a format dedicated entirely to off-premise access.

The fast-casual restaurant franchise opened its first “Design 1000” restaurant, in Oklahoma City.  The new prototype features two drive-thrus, one on each side of the restaurant.

The window on the driver side is for traditional drive-thru ordering, while the passenger side window is exclusively for first-party and third-party delivery pickups. In addition to the double drive-thru, the restaurant has a walk-up ordering window. There is no indoor seating.

"Over the past couple of years, we've been allocating resources and shifting focus to develop prototypes that offer increased convenience and ease of use for our guests,” said Shelley Harris, interim chief brand officer. Schlotzsky's, which is part of Focus Brands. “Design 1000 places an emphasis on off-premise ordering and takes these efforts up a notch.”

In addition to giving consumers what they are looking for, the new format provides franchisees with a more compact restaurant design to consider for development, added Harris.

Drive-thrus have always been a hallmark for Schlotzsky's, with more than 85% of total business being consumed off-premises. The new format supports the off-premise trend, the company said, by providing superior operational efficiencies to enhance the speed of service and accuracy, while also giving current and prospective franchisees the flexibility to develop with competitive real estate.

2021 was a record development year for the brand, signing 124 franchise agreements with both new and existing franchisees. Currently, with 323 restaurants in 24 states and more on the way, Schlotzsky's is in the midst of aggressive expansion through conversions and new construction.