The Citiblog
The Automat returns at Automat Kitchen in Jersey City
January 31, 2021, 8:16.14 am ET
An American dining icon returns this week with the opening of Automat Kitchen in Jersey City, the reinvention of the famed Automat with a chef-curated menu of modern comfort food and a technology-driven contactless experience that fits diners’ needs today.
Inspired by the Automats of the past (there used to be at least 30 in NYC at their peak popularity in the 20th century), Automat Kitchen modernizes the original concept for today’s diners with a fully contactless and touchless process, a strong trend in the future of the restaurant industry.
Automat Kitchen has designed custom hardware and patented software to make the process of ordering and pickup seamless. Customers can order in advance on their phone or online, or at the location by scanning a QR code to connect to the menu and ordering system. (There are kiosk screens at the location where orders can be placed without interacting with anyone too.)
Photo: Automat Kitchen Meatloaf/Lily Brown
The guest then receives a unique code via text to click on to unlock the cubby/locker when the order is ready. The orders can be scheduled for a specific time as well. Order status will be displayed on the screens above the cubbies when received and when ready, the cubby number. The Automat of early 20th century saved city residents time and money, and by using today’s cutting-edge technology, Automat Kitchen will offer convenience without sacrificing quality because, unlike the old Automat, all dishes are made to order to ensure freshness.
Photo: Automat Kitchen Frito Pie Burrito/Lily Brown
Consulting chef Quirino Silva’s modern comfort food menu with creative and global twists on American classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner, includes dishes like Pastrami Reuben Flatbread; Frito Pie Burrito; The Wedge salad with iceberg lettuce, lardons, tomato and creamy blue cheese dressing; Chicken Pot Pie with vegetables, puff pastry and creamy gravy; Spiced Roasted Cauliflower with turmeric, garam masala, sweet potato and cilantro; Massaman Curry Pot Roast with sweet potato, cauliflower, carrot; Chicken Dinner with half of a rotisserie chicken, black beans, brown rice and spicy sofrito sauce; Atlantic Salmon with Miso Roasted Broccoli and Ancient Grains.
Photo: Automat Kitchen Chef Salad/Lily Brown
Breakfast items like Waffle Sandwich with breakfast sausage, scrambled eggs and maple syrup; and smoothies like The Hulkster with kale, avocado, green apples, spinach and spirulina will be available as well.
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