Automat - Wikipedia
An automat is a type of fast-food restaurant where food and drink are served through a vending machine, typically without waitstaff. The world's first automat, Quisisana, opened in Berlin, Germany, …
The "Automat" era: Why the world's first fast food concept vanished
This was the Automat, and it was feeding millions of Americans every single day over a century ago. So why did something so revolutionary, so wildly popular, simply disappear?
The Automat: Birth of a Fast Food Nation - HISTORY
Jul 13, 2012 · Joe Horn and Frank Hardart’s Automat was a marvel of efficiency that revolutionized the American food service industry.
A Dining Experience to Remember: A Brief History of the Automat
New York City’s first Automat, operated by the Harcombe Restaurant Co., opened soon after the Philadelphia location at 830 Broadway. Here, diners could enjoy upscale fare—like lobster a la …
The Automat: A Classic Serving of NYC Nostalgia Back in Print After 23 ...
Jan 16, 2026 · The Automat: A Classic Serving of NYC Nostalgia Back in Print After 23 Years Lorraine Diehl collaborated with Marianne Hardart, great-granddaughter of one of the two co-founders. Here …
Original Automat | The Automat
Jul 20, 2025 · The Automat was one of the wonders of New York. When Joe Horn and Frank Hardart opened their magnificent flagship on July 2, 1912-a a two-story facade of stained glass, marble …
The Anti-Waiter Sentiment That Made Automat Restaurants Go Mainstream
Jul 21, 2017 · The first Automat, which opened in Berlin as an extension of Sielaff’s increasingly ubiquitous vending machines, featured a lavish dining room complete with stained glass windows.
What is an Automat? (with pictures) - Delighted Cooking
May 16, 2024 · An automat usually featured a kitchen behind the row, which kept up on supply. First popular in Europe, automats came to the US in 1902, with the first opening in Philadelphia.
The Return Of Automat Restaurants In The Unites States
Jul 28, 2021 · An automat and a vending machine may seem similar, but they have distinct differences. An automat is a type of restaurant where customers can select a variety of meals from behind glass …