Fully Autonomous Pizza Restaurant Opens at Columbus Airport by Donatos
Autonomous Pizza Dining Debuts at Columbus Airport
Donatos Pizza, a leading pizza chain, is set to launch its first fully autonomous restaurant at the John Glenn Columbus International Airport. In collaboration with Appetronix and HMSHost, the new restaurant will open in June, featuring a robot-operated kitchen. Located before security in front of Concourse B, the establishment will operate 24/7, catering to busy airport travelers.
The innovative eatery will showcase state-of-the-art technology, using robotic arms for the entire pizza-making process – from dough preparation to baking. Customers can watch their orders being crafted in real-time, providing an engaging experience alongside the speedy service.
Kevin King, President and CEO of Donatos Pizza, said, "We're not just incorporating technology into a restaurant; we're stepping into a fully autonomous restaurant. However, we're committed to maintaining the great taste and abundance of toppings our pizzas are renowned for, alongside a top-notch customer experience."
The autonomous kitchen is the result of a joint effort between Donatos, its sister company Agápe Automation, and food robotics company Appetronix.
Nipun Sharma, Co-Founder & CEO of Appetronix, stated, "Bringing this first-of-its-kind autonomous kitchen to life in partnership with Donatos has been an exceptional journey. With our AI-powered technology, we're providing pizzas hot and fresh, with unmatched precision and efficiency. This is more than innovation; it's a transformative leap for the QSR industry."
Airport officials have welcomed the novel concept as a boost to passenger convenience. Joseph R. Nardone, President & CEO of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, remarked, "Donatos' new, autonomous restaurant adds an exciting element to John Glenn International, demonstrating their dedication to innovation and our shared focus on enhancing the passenger experience. This cutting-edge technology will deliver travelers a quick, convenient taste of a loved local favorite."
The fully autonomous restaurant aligns with Donatos' broader strategy to innovate and disrupt the pizza industry. Jane Grote Abell, Executive Chairwoman, expressed her pride in the initiative, highlighting the legacy her father, Jim Grote, has built over the past 62 years. She said, "We believe people are at the heart of innovation. This fully automated location lets guests enjoy Donatos on the go without compromising experience."
HMSHost, the restaurant's operator, believes the new format will be a win for time-constrained travelers. Tosin Kasali, Vice President of Business Development at HMSHost, commented, "We work every day to make travelers happier. With this expansion, we're offering an additional dining option that will cater to airport visitors with a speedy, high-quality meal."
Donatos envisions the robotics-driven restaurant model as a scalable solution for future locations in high-traffic settings like airports, hospitals, college campuses, and industrial sites. This pioneering initiative is set to redefine the quick-service restaurant sector.
- The autonomous restaurant at John Glenn Columbus International Airport, a joint effort between Donatos Pizza, Appetronix, and HMSHost, is not just a showcase of technology in the QSR industry, but also a transformative leap in business management and finance.
- As Donatos Pizza steps into a fully autonomous restaurant, the company demonstrates its commitment to technology and finance, aiming to redefine the quick-service restaurant industry and offer a convenient dining experience for busy travelers in various settings, such as airports, hospitals, and industrial sites.
