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, …

The Automat made its American debut in Philadelphia in 1902, when business partners Joseph Horn and Frank Hardart imported the concept from Germany. The idea was deceptively simple …

May 6, 2020 · The Automat may have faded, but fast food lives on. Learn about the surprising history of fast food restaurant founders and then, check out these vintage menus from the …

Jul 13, 2012 · Joe Horn and Frank Hardart’s Automat was a marvel of efficiency that revolutionized the American food service industry.

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 …

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 …

An automat is a restaurant type where vending machines are used to serve fast, simple foods. Learn about the history of the automat restaurant, how to start one, and what foods are served …

Jan 31, 2021 · Named Quisisana—after a company that also manufactured food-vending machinery—this high-tech eatery established itself in other northern European cities, and …

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 …

But before fast-food chains dominated the landscape, there was the automat—a futuristic, self-service restaurant that combined convenience with affordability. Automats were the first major …