check to make mure that its not a mistake and meant to be "drive-thru" -- ive never seen "ride-thru" before, but generally the only noun that contains that spelling semi-officially is drive thru. a drive-thru is a way to order food from a fast-food restaurant without getting out of your car, you drive up to a window and order, then receive your food, all while contributing to the notion that americans are lazy and unhealthy eaters...mdr