9 Steps To Setting Up An Automat

In the not-so-distant past, automats were an iconic part of American dining culture, offering quick and convenient meals to busy customers. While they faded away with the rise of fast-food chains, automats are making a remarkable comeback in the modern food industry. With a focus on contactless dining and efficient service, these innovative restaurants are poised to become the next big trend. In this blog, we'll take you through the 9 steps to set up your very own automat restaurant and explore why this fast-casual concept is hard to miss in the future.

Step 1: Find Your Location 

The first step to setting up your automat restaurant is finding the perfect location. Unlike traditional dining establishments, automats don't require a formal dining room. Look for a space accommodating a professional kitchen, the automat itself, and a small waiting area for order pickups and deliveries. Opt for a location with high foot traffic, catering to on-the-go workers seeking a quick and delicious bite during their busy schedules.

Step 2: Determine the Layout 

With your ideal location in mind, it's time to plan the layout of your automat restaurant. Research traditional automat layouts and explore how they've been updated for modern dining. Ensure your kitchen has all the necessary appliances and organize the space for maximum efficiency. A well-thought-out layout will streamline the pace at which your staff can serve guests, making for a smooth and enjoyable dining experience.

Step 3: Order Your Automat 

Central to the automat experience is, of course, the automat itself. While the height of automat popularity may have been in the past, modern automats are still available from manufacturers like Brightloom and other global sources. Do some research to find an automat that aligns with your restaurant's needs and adds a touch of nostalgia to your innovative dining concept.

Step 4: Create Your Menu 

Now that you have your location and equipment sorted, it's time to create a mouthwatering menu that will captivate your customers. Get creative with your offerings, incorporating trendy dishes packed in take out containers that are optimized for delivery. Dumplings, tacos, sushi, boxed lunches, bowls—the possibilities are endless. Invest in high-quality takeout supplies, such as greaseproof and leakproof containers, to ensure your customers' meals arrive perfectly, elevating their dining experience.

Step 5: Set Up Contactless Technology

 Contactless dining is a trend that has taken the food industry by storm, and automats are a perfect fit for this demand. Embrace the latest technology with digital menus accessible through QR codes or screens, allowing customers to place orders seamlessly. Implement digital payment systems for a hassle-free checkout experience. To ensure a completely contactless process, set up a streamlined order pickup system where customers can retrieve their meals without direct contact.

Step 6: Implement Order Pickup System

 The heart of the automat experience lies in its order pickup system. Customers insert their orders on one end, and their fresh meals await them in lockers on the other side. Efficiently organizing this process will enhance your restaurant's reputation for quick and contactless service, attracting even more diners.

Step 7: Train Your Staff 

Before your grand opening, invest time training your staff to ensure they are well-prepared to handle the automat concept. Familiarize them with the kitchen equipment, automat operations, and the menu. Conduct training sessions for handling inventory, maintaining cleanliness, and operating contactless technology to provide customers with a seamless and delightful dining experience.

Step 8: Develop a Marketing Plan 

With your restaurant ready to roll, it's time to spread the word about your automat. Develop a robust marketing plan to highlight the uniqueness of your concept and the appeal of contactless dining. Use social media platforms, local advertising, and partnerships to create buzz around your restaurant and attract curious customers.

Step 9: Grand Opening 

With all the pieces in place, the moment has arrived for your grand opening. Open your automat restaurant with confidence, offering a modern twist on fast-casual dining that caters to the needs of today's consumers. Embrace the legacy of automats while staying true to the demands of the digital age.

The Comeback

The return of automat restaurants is not just a nostalgic trip down memory lane but a forward-looking concept that embraces modern dining trends. As the food industry evolves, automats are proving to be a relevant and innovative choice for restaurateurs. With their contactless dining experience, efficient operations, and enticing menus, automat restaurants are undoubtedly a trend that is here to stay. So, if you're ready to embark on an exciting venture in the world of fast-casual dining, setting up your very own automat restaurant may be the recipe for success.