Open your own daiquiri drive-thru

Here at Toddy Blends, we specialize in helping companies start from the ground up and can be as hands-on (or off) as you want us to be. Over the years, we have helped many drive-thru daiquiri stores get to where they are today. Starting a drive-thru daiquiri business can be an exciting and profitable venture, but there are several considerations to keep in mind before getting started. Here are a few key things to consider:

1. Location

The location of your drive-thru daiquiri business can have a big impact on your success. You will want to choose a location with high visibility and easy access for customers. Consider factors like traffic patterns, parking availability, and proximity to other businesses.

Amount of traffic

Will the location see a good amount of people passing through the area? Or is it hidden away and hard to find? Make sure the site gets a good amount of exposure.

Flow of traffic

Does the location allow for a drive-thru? Speed is a significant factor when operating a drive-thru business so consider the layout. Does it let customers drive in and out quickly without causing a traffic jam or block parking? Is it easy for vehicles to maneuver? An easy and efficient drive-thru makes for a pleasant customer experience and a larger volume of customers.

Competition

Are there other drive-thru daiquiris nearby? Also, consider what the other alternatives are in the area (bars, liquor stores, etc.)

Keep in mind that a good location will most likely cost more than a bad one, so be sure to plan your budget accordingly.

2. Legal Requirements

One of the most important considerations for starting a drive-thru daiquiri business is the legal requirements in your area. Many states and municipalities have specific laws and regulations regarding the sale of alcohol, so it is important to research these requirements and obtain any necessary licenses or permits.

In the state of Texas, you must have a Wine and Beer Retailers Permit, also known as a BG license, to operate a drive-thru daiquiri business. Your BG license allows you to sell beer, malt liquor, ale, and wine containing up to 14% or 17% alcohol by volume to consumers for consumption on or off the premises.

Learn more about the Wine and Beer Retailers Permit here.

60-Day posting

You’re required to have a 60-day posting of your license at your location before operating, so It is a good idea to apply and get your permit sooner rather than later.

3. Renovations

Now that you’ve applied (and received) your BG license, it’s time to renovate your location and start turning your dream into a reality! The best time to remodel is during the 60-day posting of your license to avoid any downtime.

4. Equipment & Supplies

To operate a drive-thru daiquiri business, you will need to invest in equipment like frozen drink machines and point-of-sale systems. You will also need to purchase supplies like alcohol, mixers, cups, lids, and straws. It is important to budget for these expenses and to purchase high-quality equipment and supplies that will meet a busy business’s demands.

Frozen Drink Machines

As a general rule, the more machines you have, the better off you’ll be. More machines will allow you to keep volume during peak hours without slowing down and offer a variety of flavors. We recommend having no less than six machines to start.

A common question we get is where to buy the machines. Before you decide on where you’ll purchase the machines, consider how you plan on maintaining them. Will you be servicing them yourself, or will you want to have someone else service them? We can help you choose the right frozen drink machine service for you.

5. Products

We carry a range of ready-to-drink products that offer consistency with every pour and are available from 9% to 24% ABV, depending on your license. These products are ready to serve. Just pour them into the machine, and it does the rest.

We carry all of the popular flavors, including:

Hypnosis – Premixed Hypnotic
H.O. – Premixed High Octane
Mean Green – Premixed Incredible Hulk
Cat 5 Hurricane – Premixed Hurricane
Pina Bahama – Premixed Pina Colada
And many more!

Get Creative!

Combine our Cat 5 Hurricane with our Islander Iced Tea to make “Chemical X”!

Get creative and come up with your own concoction using our flavorless daiquiri base and premium mixes. The possibilities are endless!

Product Sizes to Offer

When you’re thinking about what daiquiri sizes you’ll offer, it’s best to have a good difference in volume. For example, a 10oz small and a 12oz medium are too similar in size. That’s only an additional shot of liquid. Keep daiquiri sizes no bigger than a half gallon. Anything larger will melt before it’s consumed.

Cups to use

When choosing cups, consider this; clear cups are more visually appealing, while styrofoam cups provide better insulation. You are not limited to these two options, however. Packaging is another area where you can get creative!

6. Marketing & Advertising

To attract customers to your drive-thru daiquiri business, you will need to invest in marketing and advertising. Consider tactics like social media advertising, email marketing, and local print ads to get the word out about your business.

Promotional Tools

Toddy Blends is happy to supply you with promotional materials such as table tents, posters, and recipe guides to ensure your customers know about your new drink menu.

We can customize, design, and print your menus, posters, table tents, direct mail, and any other promotional supplies your business requires.

7. Staffing

Running a drive-thru daiquiri business requires a team of dedicated and skilled employees. You will need to hire servers, cashiers, and possibly a manager to oversee operations. Be sure to budget for employee salaries and benefits.

8. How much does a drive-thru daiquiri cost?

“How much will it cost” is one of the most asked questions regarding starting a drive-thru daiquiri business. Based on the factors and considerations we’ve covered, there isn’t a straightforward answer for an exact cost. Startup expenses can vary greatly depending on your location, the number of machines, amount of renovations needed, employees, and so forth.

We can work with any budget

At Toddy Blends, we can work with any budget and will never be beaten by price. We have no hidden costs and offer free delivery.

When it comes to starting your drive-thru daiquiri business, we can be as hands-on or off as you want us to be and provide you with any support you need to make your business successful. Remember, if your business is a success, then Toddy Blends is a success.

We are here to help you every step of the way!

Starting a drive-thru daiquiri business can be a complex and challenging process, but with careful planning and attention to detail, it can be a rewarding and profitable venture. Be sure to do your research, seek out advice from experienced entrepreneurs, and create a solid business plan before launching your business.

We have a fully functional daiquiri drive-thru on-site to give you step-by-step instructions for daily upkeep and operations of your future business. We offer product education and sampling as well as consultation assistance with location, licensing, and permits.

We are prepared to help you with every step in this process. Contact us today to schedule your personalized appointment.