Technology

Automat Kitchen brings the historic icon to 21st century

Photo courtesy of Automat Kitchen.

February 3, 2021

An American dining icon has returned with the opening of Automat Kitchen in Jersey City, New Jersey, the reinvention of the historic establishment but with a chef-curated menu of modern comfort food made to order and a technology-driven contactless experience, according to a press release.

Automat Kitchen at 525 Washington Blvd. in Jersey City marks the second restaurant concept based on the Automat to be introduced in recent months in the metropolitan New York City area, following the opening of the previously announced Brooklyn Dumpling Shop.

Automat Kitchen modernizes the original concept for today's diners with a fully contactless and touchless process.

With many fond memories of the old Automat, principal owner Joe Scutellaro, who grew up in Hoboken, New Jersey, wanted to bring back the experience but update it for the 21st century. 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 also kiosk screens at the location where orders can be placed.

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.

Unlike the old Automat, however, all dishes are made to order.

Consulting Chef Quirino Silva's menu 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. 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.