I was at Panera Bread in Charlotte last week, during the lunch hour rush. The place was packed, yet there wasn't a line for the register...which was weird because there was 1 person working the register. And from the look at it, she probably trained on the very first cash register ever built. So, why wasn't the line out the door? Automation. In 3 different locations, there are a total of 12 " Fast Lane Kiosks" where you can order. After ordering you find a seat, or wait by the pick up counter. I was picking up. Also, let me say that there were 4 people in line to order and by the time I had placed my order, the person who was #4 in line, was now #2.
There's a screen where you are in listed in order of your submitted order. These kitchen staff was busy, laughing it up but orders were coming out. I asked the person I assumed was the manager (she was) about the automation and how they work, and her response was interesting. Since implementing the kiosks, they've increased profits. They have more people working, in the kitchen, and are getting meals out at an alarming rate. They have a few more people on the payroll; they are able to process orders quicker than before which has translated into a profitable business than last year (before the automation.) Which is good because they are at the heart of downtown where Bank of America, Wells Fargo, NASCAR, and millions of others work.
I had placed an order for myself and 3 other people, and I was walking out 10 minutes later. The order, before it's released, is checked against the receipt and marked for correctness. A task which seemed to only take a few extra seconds on my large order. So I would safely assume this isn't a huge time suck.
Cool story, bro.
