Costa Coffee partners with Delaware North to bring autonomous, robotic coffee technology to Austin Airport

Equipped with cutting-edge technology, Costa Coffee Creations is a fully robotic system that delivers barista-quality espresso drinks without the need for any human assistance for up to seven days. The revolutionary equipment, capable of serving both hot and cold beverages, utilizes 100% freshly ground whole beans, milk and alternative milk options, providing a diverse range of flavors to suit every palate. 

With a compact footprint of 24 square feet and round-the-clock availability, Costa Coffee Creations offers unparalleled convenience for travelers seeking coffee during non-traditional hours. Now, travelers will be able to get fresh, expertly crafted coffee drinks during those midnight hours or any other time they desire premium espresso beverages. 

“Amid persistent labor shortages and growing consumer demand for convenience and personalization, Costa Coffee Creations emerges as the perfect solution,” Nick Rex, senior director at Costa Coffee, said in the announcement. “With the ability to concoct an infinite array of coffee options in minutes and facilitating seamless mobile ordering, all without the need for human intervention, the machine embodies a win-win scenario for operators and guests alike.”

Delaware North, an early adopter of Costa Coffee Creations, recognizes the transformative potential of autonomous coffee solutions. Costa's current coffee robot in the Austin Airport and a precursor to Costa Coffee Creations, has demonstrated remarkable success, achieving double the revenue per square foot compared to other offerings in the airport, which saw 22 million passengers fly in and out in 2023 alone. 

“The tech-forward city of Austin is the perfect first location for Costa Coffee Creations,” Terry Mahlum, a director of operations for Delaware North’s travel division, added in the announcement. “Our partnership with Costa emphasizes our commitment to continuous innovation and delivering superior guest experiences."

By partnering with Delaware North at the Austin airport, Costa Coffee Creations continues to lead the coffee market evolution through innovation, disrupting traditional coffee retail experiences and setting new standards for excellence in the industry.

Owned by The Coca-Cola Company, Costa Coffee is a total coffee brand and with over 2,700 coffee shops in the U.K. and Ireland and 1,300+ globally. Costa Coffee entered the U.S. market in 2021 to redefine the coffee experience, aiming to elevate it from a mere necessity to a premium, quality indulgence. Combining over 50 years of coffee craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, Costa offers a diverse range of innovative options for consumers.

Delaware North is a global leader in the hospitality and entertainment industry. The company annually serves more than a half-billion guests across three continents, including at high-profile sports venues, airports, national and state parks, restaurants, resorts, hotels and casinos.