The new project will replace a former Department of Works and Pensions building at the corner of Scarlow Street and Greenock Road will create a mixture of between 40 and 50 full and part-time jobs.

Several international chains have expressed interest already in the site and if planning permission is granted by Inverclyde Council, it will be the second drive-through established by the Easdales in Inverclyde after a £1.5m drive-through coffee shop on land beside the A8 into Greenock town centre was given the green light.

The brothers said they had early plans in place for around 25 sites across the UK. This is a new development for their transport, construction and manufacturing conglomerate.

Sandy Easdale said: “There has been research that demand from drive-through outlet locations has grown by 25% since the pandemic, alongside the boom in fast-food delivery companies.

“Whereas around five years ago, drive-throughs were occupied by only a handful of big-name outlets, more and more food and drink companies are wanting to gain a foothold in this market.

“We’ve got locations across the United Kingdom in the pipeline to satisfy this demand and we’re pleased to have started local in Inverclyde, where a mix of full and part-time jobs will be created and it will provide a boost to nearby traders in the area.”

James Easdale added: “Despite our Port Glasgow site being early in the planning process, we’ve already had strong interest from several national retailers.

“Location is key when identifying suitable sites as both planners and retailers will have strict criteria for what they are looking for. The sites we have underway across the UK will take some time to all come to fruition but we’re already on the lookout for further opportunities in the right locations.”