[janitor61]

Why not bring back the Automat to take the increasingly-rude public out of the equation?

[ceejayoz]

Isn't that basically what online restaurant pickup ordering is?

If I order from Chipotle via the app, I don't have to interact with a human at all unless there's an issue with the food. There's a bag on the rack for me to grab.

[agentwiggles]

You don't even necessarily have to interact with a human if there _is_ an issue. The Chipotle app which I use to order has a support chat (which I'm pretty sure is automated). If I'm missing an item or have pretty much any issue, they issue a refund for that item, no questions asked. Pretty crazy. (Also very convenient, and shockingly pro-consumer).

[xeromal]

I'd say there's a slight difference. The food is prepared without your interaction in an automat. You would just walk into the store and open the door for the food you want. Everything is pre-made but replenished only when someone takes it.

[petra]

Efficient technologies, some new ones also, exist.

Some say people pay for the experience, for being served when going to a restaurant.

It would be interesting to see if that's true, or if highly automated restaurants with the right experience and price will become a hit.