Automats making a return to American dining

A style of dining that gained popularity in the Great Depression is reemerging: automats, which feature food vending machines that allow diners to pay for their meals and receive them from cubby-like compartments. The last one in New York City closed in the 1990s, but now some restaurateurs are bringing them back. Stratis Morfogen, the creator of Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, an automat chain, joined CBS News to talk about the dining style.
#news #automats #restaurants
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[@raybar7360]

its been working in Japan for years and its proven to be able to adapt to customers needs...about damn time

[@rem145]

Yes, many of these are all over Asia.

[@raybar7360]

@@strandednyer7209 relax Hikikomori.....

[@containedhurricane]

Vandalism isn't rampant in Japan

[@raybar7360]

@@containedhurricane true........

[@LUIS-ox1bv]

The Japanese are very different then Americans.

[@paiddj3397]

THIS IS NOT AN AUTOMAT! This is a place your order and its ready in a cubby box. The point behind Automat was you decided what you wanted to eat that was already prepared. You didn't place an order simply to come pick it up.

[@URightBut]

Lol right? This is literally just like carrying out a pick up order

[@vickster4474]

Thank you!

[@ssspottyyy]

yea lol they clearly just want the aesthetic of an automat

[@emichaelny336]

Next: delivery, which defeats the whole purpose of a self-serve automat.

[@thedigitalodometer945]

So it’s a better, more modern automat.

[@eckankar7756]

I remember Automats in the 1950s and 1960s in Athens, Ohio. There was a kitchen behind the pay windows and the cooks would slide plates of food in the windows. Drop in change and the door would open, get the food, shut the door and the people in the back would place another plate of food. It was so fun to go eat.

[@PatricioGarcia1973]

And you had good food. And pies, like apple or lemon, or cheesecake

[@intercityrailpal]

That was the hot food line. The boxes on the wall were cold. I don't like the cashless operation and will avoid them. Every time you use the card it's a minimum of 30 cents to the bank. I'll pass. I ate in the Automats too. The homeless would get a cup of coffee and wait for you to leave and finish any food you left on the plate.

[@kennethferguson4283]

Yes but today the food is prepared by people who can't get work anywhere else, using third rate institutional grade food then frozen and then sold at a price high enough to ensure the companies top brass get big bonuses. I am now starting to cook my own food, better quality, safer and less expensive.

[@nghtwtchmn129]

I first learned of Automats from a textbook in the 7th grade. It has stuck with me because they were described as the wave of the future, but I never ever saw one.

[@CoolAce1]

Food quality and quantity was far superior to anything today for pocket change.

[@alex-cf4dy]

This is an awesome idea. Being able to get hot, real (non processed) food immediately at an affordable price without having to pay extra for being waited on (tipping), and it being an efficient in and out process makes it perfect. I hope more of these show up in the US.

[@intercityrailpal]

Well being cashless you pay the bank fees and equipment rental. Like 30 cents or more a meal. I'd rather give it to a waiter in CASH.

[@HaCKeRPCP007]

​@@intercityrailpalAnd cash has no fees? No costs for replacing old bills? No costs for a security company to pick up the cash and bring it to the bank? Putting it in the bank is also free?

[@intercityrailpal]

@@HaCKeRPCP007 Nothing compared to the cost of money transfer fees, interest charges and "We got YOU!~" charges. Hacking, or other fraud which is just wild with cards.

[@HaCKeRPCP007]

@@intercityrailpal so fraud does not exist for offline bills? I'm sorry but a simple "I prefer paper money" would do it too. Money basically only contains an information. Everything where an information needs to go from A to B can be accomplished in a digital way.

[@kellysouter4381]

Non processed? In our future you may need to fight for unprocessed foods. Or grow your own.

[@jennifer_mertens]

I always thought Automats would be an introverts dream. I was so sad when I heard the last one had closed around 25 years ago. If people can play nice and not vandalize the place, an Automat would be a great business to get into, if the location was right.

[@ghjgbnhjjghjthknvf6379]

Yeah you put one of these in any "culturally diverse" neighbourhoods it won't last the first week 😂.

[@mizv4043]

@@ghjgbnhjjghjthknvf6379 even with hiring a security guard theyd still save money too

[@NazriB]

Lies again? AMWF CAR FNB MONEY

[@neutrino78x]

@@ghjgbnhjjghjthknvf6379 "Yeah you put one of these in any "culturally diverse" neighbourhoods" Culturally diverse is superior. Hatred should be shunned.

[@LUIS-ox1bv]

Vandalism, like so many other forms of criminal behaviour, is tolerated by too much of the American public these days. People's indifference and apathy, gives too much space for criminal acts to flourish. Automats worked well during a time when society was lot more cohesive and law abiding.

[@Melissa0774]

I'm surprised this didn't come back with a vengeance during COVID. That and the Japanese style vending machines. You'd think some entrepreneur would've brought in a bunch of them to sell all kinds of things in busy city neighborhoods and college campuses.

[@houchi69]

Think it through. COVID? When we were avoiding contact? And these machines would have thousands of people touching them daily?

[@emaarredondo-librarian]

@@houchi69 People could have used disposable gloves, or an employee could have been there disinfecting surfaces. The real problem was we were quarantining. An automat requires people leaving home to get the food; during Covid food sent to home was the usual thing.

[@mrcattor]

@@houchi69 Surface transmission was ruled out rather early on in the pandemic.

[@shellysmith1037]

you know what came back during covid....? Not being lazy and cooking for yourself

[@Melissa0774]

@@emaarredondo-librarian You'd think they would've put more vending machines outside in public areas.

[@kepckatherinec805]

In the 1950’s and 1960’s, my grandparents used to take me to new York’s Horn And Hardart Automats. I was fascinated by the variety of sandwiches, desserts and other food offerings behind those little clear glass doors. It was a real treat for me to plop in my handful of quarters and select my own lunches! Even now, I’d much rather grab food at an automat than buy greasy meals at a fast food restaurant. And no tipping at automats! Heaven. I hate tipping. The restaurant industry needs to pay its employees decent wages and drop the practice of tipping altogether. As for getting decent service, that should be expected, not exceptional.

[@user-vm5ud4xw6n]

People working in the food service industry don’t teach their employees the meaning of Customer Service. And tbh I don’t think there has ever been a time in our country’s history where people have acted more entitled, more rude and more crass. Everything is Me, Me, Me! There is no throught for others and no manners. Either from the customer or the server.

[@beezneez2056]

Yes! My parents took me to the same place in NYC. It was amazing

[@theotherohlourdespadua1131]

​@@user-vm5ud4xw6nWhen they're getting paid pittance, getting abused at work and getting needlessly badgered by customers to the point of criminal battery and assault, no sane food service employee is going to put up an excellent performance. Hot dog vendors in baseball stadiums have more dignified jobs than McDonald's employees...

[@sid35gb]

I agree about tipping. There’s plenty of countries where there’s no tipping culture and in some countries it’s deemed rude to tip. It shouldn’t be mandatory but if you had a great meal and you’re really happy with the experience then I think tipping can be appropriate but it should never be expected.

[@jeffhampton2767]

We used to go to Horn and Hardart in Philadelphia in the 1960s.

[@Timeless80]

As a kid the NY Automat was a treat for us. Milk coming out of a brass lions mouth. Put a coin in and out came a pie...put a coin in and a sandwich came out. As soon as the little door closed another pie appeared...WOW. Cafeteria style places from the 50-60's . I was fascinated with the whole concept.

[@emilylewis5373]

my town had a cafeteria style place that just closed a few years ago (prices in the area got too expensive). It was a fun treat at home when my dad stopped and got dinner to go. It was one of our favorites and for relatively healthy quick meal.

[@TheBusyJane]

This is not an automat. It's just an order ahead system that assigns your order a cubby. This is fast food. Automats had a kitchen behind that wall cooking food that would normally require a wait time. Because the food was cooked ahead they were able to serve more people than a cooked-to-order restaurant and cut out the labor of front of house staff. I hope the dumplings are good, because order ahead is everywhere and that's not going to be enough.

[@karlabritfeld7104]

Just a way to cut counter jobs.

[@kenyattaclay7666]

It’s as if you didn’t pay any attention to the video at all, specifically the part where he said that there’s a kitchen & if you walk in there’s a wait time 🙄

[@BologneyT]

@@karlabritfeld7104 But maybe not (this is why I scrolled to the comments, by the way.). Less employees per store works well enough for employees IF it is successful enough to open more store locations. If half staff results in twice as many locations due to profit margins, you'll have the same number of employees, but more stores, so more locations may make it easier on average for employees to get to work. Of course, this is only in theory and obviously this was done to cut counter jobs, just like you and he both said. Of course, what happens when someone can't make it when you only have a skeleton crew... XD

[@sid35gb]

@@karlabritfeld7104all restaurants cut staffing to the bone. 3 employees to do 250 meals if one calls in sick or takes annual leave who covers?

[@TahoeJones]

​​That used to be a competent Manager's responsibility. Now most 'managers' have no concept of how to do the job.

[@violantederojas6188]

They've also been open and active in Japan for the last 20 years! Lots have opened in Europe the last 10 years, so it's about time the US gets current with the rest of the world.

[@oosamiij]

We had them before. As they mentioned last one closed in the 90s.

[@containedhurricane]

Vandalism in the US is brutal as compared to the ones in Japan and the wealthy European countries

[@shellysmith1037]

We've had them in the 1920's, 30's 40's etc.... been there, done that.

[@thejackbox]

@@asanokatanastfu anime pfp

[@chechnya]

@@containedhurricane oh please, vandalism isn't a wide spread issue, only in the ghetto you live in

[@johansilwouden3403]

They have never gone out of fashion in my country, the Netherlands! Ideal for when your next meal is some time away, like when you have to take the train home. You will find them everywhere at busy places, like major train stations! Only drawback: sometimes your train smells like a snackbar when a lot of people are eating fried snacks from the automat or large bags of french fries with mayonaise! 😂

[@criminalitycollective]

Looked for this comment! Makes me want to go to FEBO ☺️

[@vcuauhtemoc]

few things seem more dutch to me than getting a frikandel out of one of those

[@johansilwouden3403]

@@lurch789 No, smoking is not allowed on trains! 😀

[@Andrew-jv7tc]

Een kaassouflé of satékrokket, met wat pataatje oorlog. Super lekker.

[@Mister_Listener]

Large bags of french fries with mayonnaise? That sounds to me like a perfect friday night at home…delicious…a new fantasy for me.

[@thejackalswitch8406]

"the Kiosk has to speak to the 35 and over crowd." As someone that is turning 34 this year I'm flabbergasted. lol

[@disastermaster1413]

35 or older range? I think he means 60 and older range.

[@Cash4Jesus]

Dude thinks people who are 35+ in NYC don’t know how to use their phone to order food

[@sSucks-ff8zm]

@@lurch789 Also wondering if he knows there was an automate in the NYC in the late 2000s in the East Village. It was called BAMN!. It had Yelp reviews and the Food Network did segments on them.

[@reesetwist2290]

Thank you i thought i was the only one that caught that. 😂😂😂

[@davehugstrees]

This needs to make a major comeback. The worst part of ordering food is the pickup process where you wait around for someone, ask them to get your food, then they look for it, and they get confused, etc. This should be in every fast casual restaurant.

[@marlonmoncrieffe0728]

Like Applebee's and Dallas BBQ and the like?

[@josephnardone1250]

The success of the automat was that the food was inexpensive and good, very good. Everybody ate at the automat. As said, the food was good.

[@balegdah8261]

was the food good?

[@josephnardone1250]

@@balegdah8261 As I said in my comment, the food was good. The food was always fresh from the high volume turn-over. They may have been open 24 hours. If they were available today, the unfortunate homeless people would have eaten there and they would have gotten good meals.

[@JinghisKhan]

@@josephnardone1250 Just looked up Brooklyn Dumpling House's prices. Yeah I think I'll stick to Chinatown and the authentic $2-for-5 crispy pork dumplings there, but the other more interesting flavors like PB&J or reuben dumplings are worth a try as novelties.

[@gearyae]

The food in real automats also wasn't cooked to order like this guy's doing; it was ready to go any time you walked in. This business plan just adds an overly complex method for eliminating the cashier, which is already done better elsewhere.

[@debrahelmlinger6256]

Bring back cafeterias, loved them growing up in 60's & 70's

[@jetv1471]

Yes !!

[@thewiseguy3529]

I love em. Feeling of camaraderie and being united. One big dinner everyone is enjoying together. THE WAY AMERICA WAS TRULY MEANT TO BE 🇺🇸

[@thedigitalodometer945]

Were cafeterias comparable to today’s buffets?

[@jetv1471]

@@thedigitalodometer945 no much, much much better … think Ikea, some Museums have them too , those are cafeterias. This way you can control your costs and if you only want a burger u only pay for a burger ,,, not the salmon or shrimp on the buffet you don’t eat anyway .

[@jetv1471]

@@thewiseguy3529 yes !

[@BenChurchill76]

It seems like the main difference between the older automats and this new format is that there's not a wall of made foods; it seems like what this is is a personalized order put in a warming locker, rather than, say, a wall of pies. It's like the pickup shelf in a restaurant, but food is kept warm.

[@mgregg1967]

Little Caesars has been doing this for years, very convenient. I would order on the way home, go inside punch in a number, grab my food and walk out. Nice not to have to wait in line or talk to anybody.

[@rogerd777]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@Mister_Listener]

That may be true but Little Caesars is CRAP food.

[@imageignition23]

​@@Mister_Listener😂😂😂 it's still food regardless

[@thebewitchinghour831]

"not have to talk to anybody"?? That's the problem with society these days. We have become not people friendly. I like holding a quick chit-chat with the friendly man or lady in line with me. It makes myself and them smile.

[@Mister_Listener]

@@thebewitchinghour831 i agree but hopefully it is organic conversation and you’re not holding up the line!!

[@terrijackson1210]

Japan is the king of automated and vending machine food dispensing. America is playing catch up. I like this, hopefully it will move around the country.

[@sid35gb]

The reason Japan is so far ahead with vending is the machines don’t get vandalised.

[@ju5e3]

​@@sid35gbabsolutely true. They put almost everything in the vending machines there. Some are like 3 decades old almost and still functioning with no sabotage. t's embarrassing for two first world countries to be this different when it comes to crime. I blame parents and the lack of discipline

[@foxymetroid]

I think a big reason is Japan's low birth rate, aging population, and shrinking workforce. That could also be a reason why they don't have as many "ai wants to destroy the world" stories. In the US, automation is feared because it can result in many people losing their jobs. In Japan, it's more beloved since it can help avert a labor shortage caused by the three things I mentioned earlier.

[@edl6398]

Beer and ramen on demand, on the street, 24/7!

[@SY-ok2dq]

​@@foxymetroid All good points! Also, culturally, the Japanese have a very different attitude towards robots and automated things. Animism - belief in spirits even in inanimate things like stones - was something in Japan's culture that has had lingering effects on modern Japanese society. Hence they ascribe positive feelings to robots and similar inanimate things.

[@DresdenDoll79]

Around 2016 there was vegetarian automat called Eatsa. They had one location in San Francisco and one in one of the Valleys of LA. Very good food. Loved the convenience and lack of interaction with people. Sadly, it didn't last long. It was just a bit ahead of its time. The world wasn't quite ready yet.

[@knuclear200x]

Maybe if it didn't focus on being expensive and "healthy", it would've been a household name. Also it should've served pizza if you're going to name it that. Anyway, with that said, I had a chicken quinoa bowl that was delicious but it was out of town so I didn't get to frequent as much

[@sebastianwrites]

Why would 'anyone...' want a service that lacks people interaction? That's the whole point of going out!

[@arniex]

@@sebastianwritesnot always. Sometimes you’re out for work, or running errands and want a quick, good bite to eat. The dude explains this in the video…

[@knowledge4741]

@@sebastianwrites You must not know much about Japan.

[@LUIS-ox1bv]

Perhaps the veggie aspect wasn't appealing to many, and for that I can't blame them.

[@PREPFORIT]

I remember watching old movies and thinking just how awesome Automats were. By the time I hit adulthood they were all gone : ( I hope a few will eventually open near me.

[@fractal_gate]

As several people have mentioned, this is not an automat, it's a cubby for a pre-ordered food. The automat seems to serve no purpose with the advent of fast food which is why it's gone. For other quick options, a cafeteria or microwavable meals at supermarkets or convenience stores fill the gap. The automat was an obsolete precursor to fast food and this is only for a nostalgia factor (which is nice).

[@JoshHenderson16]

The clue is in the video. Its so employers don't need to pay wait staff in an increasingly anti-tip environment.

[@marlonmoncrieffe0728]

Out of curiosity, since you seem to know so much about the subject, do you believe farm subsidies should be abolished, ​@@lurch789? Farm subsidies is why we can have cans of un-nutritious soda cost as much as a bottle of water.

[@GormHornbori]

@@JoshHenderson16 And it's the perfect pick up point for doordash and uber eats like services. Or when one person drops by this person to pick up everybodys food for a game night or the office.

[@candice44441]

This is great it is becoming harder to find quality and consistent customer service at restaurants across the US

[@jongonegone1262]

these machines are making a comeback because theres no tipping, NONE. the machine isnt greedy and owed !!! remember, the reporter said : GREAT RESESSION. thats the only hint you need.

[@Xanderviceory]

I grew up with a family that ran multiple franchise fast food spots and I begged my grandfather to allow me to put a business plan forward to automats but it never got realized. I guess I was 20 years ahead of my time

[@jskelly1979]

Wow, amazing!

[@Rudenbehr]

And now you’re a gay furry. Life has a way of working out ❤

[@samsanimationcorner3820]

Now's your time. Start an automat.

[@RyanCoomer]

AHAHAHAHAHHAHA YESSSSS@@Rudenbehr

[@RyanCoomer]

nows gayman time@@samsanimationcorner3820

[@liamobrien6151]

This makes me happy. Bring it on. The timeliness, tranquility and certainty of bringing it back to visually verifying the order and the easiest possible transaction. The Japanese never ever let them go away, because the automat is a good idea.

[@Writ3r_Dude]

I miss automats. My high school cafeteria had that setup, back in the day. I loved it. Glad to see they are coming back.

[@SiiaAne]

Sounds like a fun place to order from. He seems very happy and pleased with the outcome thus far. I wish more of these would open again across the states. Yes, bring them back! All types, not just his franchises. (Inserts a bit of a fun poke)…Especially since he must think he’s the only one above 35, who is able to figure out his ordering system using their phone. That is, without help. I hope his success inspires more people to go into this type of food service again. We are so behind others. Especially Japan and Korea. They’ve never stopped. Just constantly improving their systems. The more the options, the better.

[@Zuraneve]

As someone in the "over 35 crowd," I'm left wondering just how tech-illiterate he thinks we all are.

[@Taber01]

@@Zuraneve He knows it is not a all or nothing situation, if 50% knows how, that leaves as many that would appreciate some help.

[@SiiaAne]

@@Taber01 while I agree that there are those that may need help and those that will very much appreciate it. I think he should have someone else represent his franchises. I most definitely feel that he’s not doing it intentionally. But he is making it sound like if you’re over 35, you’re not capable of doing so. lol. I’m 61. I use my phone for everything from shopping, rides, doctor appointments, and ordering food… if I didn’t know how to use his ordering system, of course I would love some help and asked for it. At any age. Under 35 or above. I just found his mindset about the age of 35 funny.

[@tiffytatortots1278]

I had to listen a few times because Im like this older man isn't saying over 35 is he? I thought I was mishearing 55! Like we weren't using technology as teenagers. This guy is clueless

[@grannyweatherwax8005]

He strikes me as a slick snake oil salesman who knows little about the hands on of a restaurant. I mean, just look at the body language of the woman next to him. She wants nothing to do with him and is super skeptical. He’s fake and makes me want nothing to do with his food.

[@catbangs276]

i seen these while visiting Amsterdam. They were accessible from outside a closed business, so you could purchase after hours.

[@meggtokyodelicious]

There's similar ones in Tokyo, sells all kinds of food. In Netherlands and Germany have those at train stations, selling hot dogs and sausages.

[@jaminova_1969]

When I was little, my grandpa would take me to the Automat in NYC and it was alot of fun and the quality of the food was very good!

[@sclogse1]

The classic film with a great automat scene is Easy Living, with Jean Arthur and Ray Milland. A wonderful film full of great performers, and my favorite supporting actor from that period, Luis Alberni.

[@RetNemmoc555]

The Marvel series Agent Carter has some absolutely beautiful art deco era sets. It made me wish automats like that still existed.

[@MosheFeder]

Thanks for telling us about “Easy Living,” which I didn’t know about. A bonus for me is that I adore Jean Arthur. The Automat movie scenes I was familiar with are those in “That Touch of Mink,” starring Cary Grant and Doris Day. Doris's roommate, Connie, played by Audrey Meadows, works at the Automat and we see her in the kitchen behind the food compartments. Here’s a compilation of the Automat scenes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIXUm4Jjma2Ho6c

[@paigereno95]

That Touch Of Mink from 1962 with Car Grant, Doris Day and Gig Young is another great look at Horn And Hardart.

[@528Circle]

Did not expect to have movie recommendations in this comments section… this is wonderful! Thank you for sharing!

[@vickster4474]

@@paigereno95 my favorite!

[@maxlinder5262]

They didn't discuss the cost .... They showed people waiting to get in....The Automat.was for people who couldn't afford to sit in a restaurant ......So I dt understand ..😮.. just my opinion

[@lostwanderer6649]

Great observation, they didn't mention it at all. As a fan of history, it felt misleading

[@tabithatotten]

Exactly! This is a costly gimmick

[@unitedgeekdom1]

@@strandednyer7209this isn’t for hipsters. This is for Wall Street bros.

[@orellaminx3530]

An automat persisted in my grandma's office building into the 90s in LA. I loved going there.

[@corimyers4985]

Saw the last of these in Houston when I was 3 or 4. I’m 50 this year and I never understood why they weren’t brought back. Japan has these…completely automated shops. No one even in shop. I love this time, bring them here!

[@houchi69]

Hilarious. One outbreak from this will shut this down completely.

[@doctordl7757]

So there's only one store in New York and three in construction but yet it's making a comeback?🤔 I swear the media like to create hype on stuff that hasn't even taken off yet.

[@RudieObias]

There are 6 in NY, NJ, and TX and the company's opening 21 more throughout the US

[@carlam4986]

Lol yeah, it's kind of their whole business model and has been ever since the days of shouting "Extra extra, read all about it!"

[@MeneTekelUpharsin]

@@carlam4986 Why did they shout "extra" anyways?

[@laerwen]

@@MeneTekelUpharsin Sometimes there was an extra edition of a newspaper in a single day. Buying the extra was how you got the latest news.

[@freemagicfun]

My high school cafeteria in Dallas (1980) was an automat. I loved it! 😎 (Ours did not have a kitchen behind it, just refrigerated vending and microwaves.)

[@thomasbeach905]

I remember eating at an Automat as a child visiting a aunt in New York City. It was at a train station. That would have been in the 1950s. I can still remember the apple pie.

[@a.m.doesit9347]

What? 35 and over group I feel old now haha

[@symbiat0]

Actually we had an automat open on St Mark’s Place in NYC way back in 2006. It subsequently closed a few years later after the 2008 crash, so this has been done before in NYC already.

[@barbaramcquiddy1814]

I worked in San Francisco in the 1970’s and happened upon one. It was fun trying to figure out what I wanted to have for lunch.

[@alexlowchy7646]

The last automat in nyc didn't close in the 90s. There was one on st. Marks in the early 2000s.

[@sSucks-ff8zm]

It was called BAMN! It had Yelp reviews and the Food Network did segments on them.

[@felixthecat2786]

I adore automats, I really hope they come back

[@sew2prosper]

They will.

[@HattieMcDanielonaMoon]

We are currently in a recession so it makes sense

[@scamster71]

I remember seeing my first Automat on a trip to Amsterdam. Pretty cool idea that is making a comeback.

[@retrobebop61]

The Doris Day movie, “That Touch of Mink” shows a working AutoMat. Doris’s roommate worked at the AutoMat and would sneak her free food!

[@mitchk2981]

I remember well the Times Square Horn n’ Hardart. It was a magnificent art deco space. It was fabulous and attracted all sorts of people, from tourists, business people, older people, families and a few people down on their luck who scraped together a handful of change and got themselves a bit cleaned up for a warm meal,. Best Mac n cheese and apple pie.

[@NVGEAR]

Way to make us 35+ year olds feel really old…

[@erraticonteuse]

Right? A 55ish y.o. calling 36 y.o.s old 😂

[@ashinestar]

Thanks for bringing back old memories. When I was a kid, I ate healthy food choices from them. Thanks for the memories and making history. ❤️

[@magicknight13]

I would love for them to actually bring back automats!

[@futurecanadian]

i got a burger at an automat style place in Amsterdam. It was horrible but it is popular with drunks that want a quick meal at 3 am *w*

[@vinceod2440]

Been to Brooklyn dumpling shop, the food was not great. The automat experience was definitely something I forgot. Food took a long time to get into the cubby hole.

[@simsreject5925]

Automats, government project housing, industrial areas mixing with housing areas with the demolition of zoning laws. NYC is bringing back the lifestyle of The Great Depression. How wonderful.

[@ImNotaRussianBot]

I 100% see this nationwide in 10 years.

[@chouseification]

I never got to eat at an Automat (I never lived in NYC or Philly) but loved the concept as a little kid... such a wonderful notion compared to the long slow lines at "fast food" places. Since they sold so much food, the items never waited too long in the slots, and of course fresh items were constantly being prepared (both locally and at the corporate commissary) to keep the slots stocked. There's a documentary "The Automat" (2021) that has Mel Brooks as one of the guests... really interesting.

[@stuartaminion511]

we had one in detroit also...Greens downtown

[@nermac1]

This was fascinating to learn about, and the concept of returning the Automat with some innovative changes is very interesting! It kinda reminds me of Amazon Fresh in a way, when you walk in, complete your shopping and walk out. :) It’s quick and easy!

[@retrobebop61]

I remember going to an AutoMat, in the early 60s, in St.Louis.

[@rudeboystu69]

So am I missing something here? Is this just a take-out restaurant where you place your order either through a kiosk or through an app, then collect it from a heated locker instead of having an employee hand it to you?

[@Allaiya.]

So now no human interaction? That's kinda sad tbh. That said, I do already order ahead on my phone. But that is mainly for the deals. And from what I've seen though, people self-ordering at the kiosk often take longer than having a cashier do it.

[@kellysouter4381]

They have these in Japan too! Strawberry cake and bread in tins! There are KZbin channels about it.

[@user-mf2gu8pc5w]

Thanks for sharing

[@dancers10]

Thanks for a great interview!

[@williss1192]

This is actually a smart idea in this digital age, Japan been doing it for a long time now. I hope this man succeeds.

[@philiphatfield5666]

I can see why this would be a good idea all over again. During the pandemic, a lot of us tipped more and often, because we appreciated the job most of the food workers were doing for us during trying times; unfortunately, many of our servers now expect larger tips, even when the service is poor-----more galling to me is that many of these jerks know that their service is poor, but they just don't care. They want a big tip regardless. Many of our disgruntled servers are now ensuring they get their tips----they are simply forging our credit card statements to hit us for tips much larger than we intended. That amounts to fraud. If they open up an Automat around here, I am going. I am tired of tipping for lousy service.

[@roxaskinghearts]

sounds like big city problems what you over paid people thru tips and are confused when management tries to make that stick maybe quit justifying paying people blow a living wage and then wonder why management wouldnt try and take advantage of you you know alot of companies would try and garnish wages for those tips specially if it was out of hand as you say it was

[@aaronscarpa7469]

A server adjusted my tip from 20% to 80%. I got them fired, and only because I took a picture of my receipt when I signed it in the restaurant.

[@sfrealestatedealmaker6001]

Tired of tipping period 😂

[@Danscettenuit]

This is why I make sure I check my receipts to my bank account. I’ve found businesses charge me more than what is on the receipt. I’m shocked to hear how many people I talk to don’t do this. Imagine how many people they get away with charging that little bit extra and it all adds up. Not saying all businesses do this on purpose. When I brought my receipt to dispute a charge, they told me they mistyped the total amount in the system. I don’t know if all businesses do this where they have to enter the amount manually but it gives me good enough reason to check all my receipts at the end of the day.

[@user-wv5ko7wr9y]

Sir if you're cheap just say that😂 There's always been good and bad service workers, just like there's always been good and bad customers. Tip accordingly or stay home and cook for yourself. Eating out is a luxury, not a necessity

[@josephpieroni6681]

They are great and I am shocked that they ever went away considering how well they work out in the rest of the world for this whole time.

[@AzureRook]

I feel like Japan already has the best vending machines in the world, including self-service restaurants like these; hopefully this guy will encourage that trend here

[@posthocprior]

As a venture capitalist, I have to say: the guy who owns the automat is horrible at describing his business. If it weren't for the reporters asking, "How does it work?", I don't think he would have answered the question. (And, when he did it, it was long and rambling.)

[@Ahjile]

I agree 100%. An awful interview.

[@brooklyn3299]

Well as a Venture Capitalist, you’d want to ask all the right questions too 😊

[@D__Lee]

The scumbags who "dine-and-dash" are going to hate this. There will be no more free meals. In Japan, restaurants have a vending machine to order and pay for your food. You're issued a ticket which you present to your server and your food is served.

[@JC-il4or]

I felt so grown up eating at Horn & Hardart in NYC in late 60's. An iconic rite of passage for me. Good luck with your endeavor!!

[@dforrest4503]

This isn’t about a real automat, it’s about promoting this guy’s restaurant.

[@GoddessPallasAthena]

Been watching various travel videos about Japan. They are full of vending machines (some of which make the food fresh for you, some have frozen versions of foods from a nearby restaurant). They also have restaurants that allow more private dining. The food is made for you, but you can eat by yourself in a kind of cubicle or small table. And you can use a smartphone to order. The above order is close to the Pizza Portal at Little Caesars.

[@freemagicfun]

Japan has the best vending machines I have ever seen. Food, drinks (including beer, or coffee - hot or cold), toys, electronics... 😎

[@justagirlsd3000]

Very popular in Japan. I was 5 in 1965 living in St James hotel downtown San Diego. We had a food machine that had hot canned food like Campbells soups or beefaroni.

[@squaregangster]

We've needed them all this time

[@wizirbyman]

lol the subtle drag of the kiosk only being there for 35+ crowd

[@jcy089]

Sounds like a more inefficient vending machine. You get different variations of 1 type of food: dumplings and maybe a few snacks. But it takes up as much space as a regular restaurant but just with less servers. For the same amount of space you can place 30 different vending machines, each offering at least 10 types of hot / cold food. Japan and Korea have whole restaurants powered exclusively by vending machines in a clean minimalist environment operating 24/7.

[@guesswhat9359]

japan and koreas food is not hot and fresh, it can be cold and fresh, but hot and fresh is not a thing in there vending machines.... nice try though

[@freemagicfun]

@@guesswhat9359 Many of the machines in Japan have a hot & cold side. Hot or cold coffee, hot soups, lots of hot or cold options. Japan has the best vending machines I have ever seen. 😎

[@youngmasterzhi]

Finally, we don’t have to deal with loafs running away after a meal without paying the bill!

[@lifebeyondthering]

Yes, love these!

[@jadedrealist]

This is awesome. I always wanted to use one and now it looks like I might get a chance. Yay!

[@motleyassortment5512]

I would like to see this in my hometown. I would be a repeat customer.

[@flashflame4952]

I remember my Dad taking me to the Automat and I was so suprised and taken with the whole idea! As an adult, I used to frequent the Automat on the East Side of the city!! Glad it's back. Would have really nice to have mentioned WHERE are they located!!!!

[@rollzolo]

Thanks for the tip

[@optimalprimidius7295]

Great way to avoid Karens throwing temper tantrums in fast food places!

[@vickster4474]

Karen's will be here too

[@archieames1968]

I like how he acts like being 36 means you have no experience with technology.

[@DevilTravels]

Not unlike in Japan with the automats serving easy quick food. Nothing complicated. But, you can believe, if this takes off, fast food chains will diversify into this format with automation to provide more complex foods.

[@VintageVaughnVehiclces]

You have to pay employees how much an hour? These days, oh this wall of door slots can eliminate all kind of jobs.

[@JT-rx1eo]

I stumbled into the history of the Horn & Hardart Automats via KZbin videos and became obsessed. I never experienced an automat because it was a New York city and Philadelphia thing. I grew up in the 60's and 70's in Virginia. But I love the nostalgic vibe! So I bought a DVD of the documentary The Automat! I highly recommend that documentary. Mel Brooks, Rob Reiner, Colin Powell, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg are interviewed about their experiences with the Automat while growing up in New York City. Also, there is a 1964 movie called That Touch of Mink starring Doris Day and Cary Grant that features scenes inside a Horn & Hardart Automat. You get to see its operation by customers (Doris Day) and from the back by the food preparers who open the little cubby holes and put in new food. It's a hoot.

[@jsin4774]

"Is it like a duck?" I'm glad she elaborated.

[@mikkiismyname]

There's one in my fave Doris Day and Gary Grant movie, That Touch of Mink. Hilarious scenes involving one

[@knuclear200x]

Closest thing I've had to an automat was the turn table vending machine i had at one office break room. Been seeing a comeback for hot food in orange county though

[@oakleafwellness]

Reminds me of the Cary Grant/Doris Day movie “That touch of Mink”. I am 100% for the return of this type of dining!!

[@RobertMayfair]

An automat is supposed to be like a vending machine, not ordering from an electronic menu. This is fast food

[@kap79]

I got a croquette from an automat in the Netherlands on a vacation, it was delicious and convenient. I wonder if this will catch on here in the States.

[@Bgdutch77]

Kroketje uit de muur! From the wall, quit allot in Holland

[@styldsteel1]

Love this idea. The problem tho with paying with your device is you'll never see the pain of using money. I'm a customer. A cash paying customer.

[@ms.b9093]

I have not used physical cash since 2015!! Though I see what you mean. One puts money in their wallet and when it’s gone, that’s it for spending and you can monitor your spending. I do the same now on a monthly basis, by keeping all my receipts or setting a budget within my banking app so I know each month what I spent and on what. It is pretty consistent in the end. I had a friend recently give me a sizable chunk of cash to pay for some things while he is traveling. I had to physically go to the bank to deposit it . The teller said to me : “Gee , we haven’t seen you in a very long time” 😂

[@styldsteel1]

@@ms.b9093 lol. Thanks for sharing that. Ha ha. I do realize also that I do see businesses use cash only. A for instance would be my local ice cream shop takes cash only. Hey. Always keep a twenty spot in your wallet

[@chriscjongeneelen2960]

Um, is it weird that I remember being taught about these machines, when I went to high school between 1995-2000 June , it sounds good to hear though it’s making an comeback?

[@HelloooThere]

Wrong to the over 35 crowd. They’re the ones who know how to navigate social media and the internet these days. Better than the younger folks!

[@MrCWells3000]

I’m in my 40s, right in the middle of GenX, and technology has been part of my life since I was a child- same with my generational peers. I’m very comfortable using digital technology- I don’t remember the last time I used an actual physical bank card to pay for something, or read a paper copy of a newspaper or magazine, etc, etc. I use my phone for literally EVERYTHING. So when this guy starts talking about the “over 35 crowd” not knowing how to order- I have no idea what he’s talking about.

[@unitedgeekdom1]

It’s silly investor jargon. He is trying to woo folks on Wall Street

[@ababin3]

Thank you! He’a alienated like three generations - the older millennials, all of gen x, and all the boomers. What a great way to try and get customers

[@erraticonteuse]

It's so funny because this guy is easily in his mid-50s.

[@Cybernautz]

Cashier is an obstruction? Not good, hope this stays a novelty 😓

[@John-1984]

I remember the hospital cafeteria in Lancaster, Ohio having an automat in it. Then it was remodeled in the mid 90's and became a conventional cafeteria.

[@simonlee6151]

my time has come where being 35 is old and not knowing how things work anymore.