Automated airport dining expands with Just Baked, Evolvending partnership
Automated Retail Technologies and Evolvending have partnered to expand round-the-clock automated dining in U.S. airports using ART’s Just Baked Smart Bistro kiosks.
The companies said the kiosks are fully automated and can prepare hot, made-to-order meals in less than two minutes. Evolvending will operate and manage the deployments inside airport terminals.
According to the companies, the partnership is intended to extend access to hot food for travelers and improve operational efficiency for airport concession partners.
Units are already operating at Boston Logan International Airport, Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, and Charleston International Airport. The companies said performance at those locations is driving plans to expand to three additional airport locations in the coming quarter.
Evolvending said it is customizing the Just Baked Smart Bistro lineup with nationally recognized brands and dayparts, including White Castle, Wow Bao, and Amish Pretzel Co. by Ben’s Soft Pretzels, with additional hot food and dessert concepts in development.
David Chessler, founder of Automated Retail Technologies, said the companies are combining automation with operational execution to deliver speed, reliability and a consistent guest experience. Valentina Ellison, CEO of Evolvending, said the partnership is designed to scale quickly into additional major U.S. airports.
Why this matters for convenience services operators
- Airports are increasingly looking for dining options that serve travelers and staff outside traditional restaurant hours. Automated dining meets this need, provides contactless service and reduces labor needs in high traffic hubs.
- Operators serving transportation hubs like airports and train stations can add hot-food offerings that don’t require full restaurant staffing.
Related
About the Author
Linda Becker
Head of Content
Linda Becker is head of content for Automatic Merchandiser and VendingMarketWatch.com, responsible for the brands’ overall content strategy, planning and performance. She oversees the creation and performance of editorial and multimedia content across platforms such as magazines, websites, webinars, podcasts, newsletters, videos, social media, events and eBooks.
Since joining Automatic Merchandiser and VendingMarketWatch.com, Linda has developed a new appreciation for the convenience services industry and its essential role. She is dedicated to serving readers by covering the latest news in the vending, office coffee service and micro market industry. She can be reached at 262-203-9924 or [email protected].