Since I had some time, I'd figure I'd take a look at the second chapter of Going, Going, Gone. This chapter takes a look at a New York landmark, the Automat.
The first automat was opened in Germany in 1895. A forerunner to a cafeteria, people walked in, handed over some change and got food.
The first one in America opened in Philadelphia in 1902 before one opened in New York City in 1912. From there it was a smash sensation. For 5 cents you could get a full meal. A neat idea and I can see the popularity.
Admittedly I can see how the concept was utterly crushed by the arrival of modern vending machines. A good concept lost to progress, although apparently a start up tried to bring the concept back in 2007.
Could it come back? I don't think so. Vending machines can offer much the same. I've seen the spinning models that offer cheeseburgers. I think the variety offered would be cool, but for food on the go I think most people would settle for a bar and a soda.
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