New York City Public Library has an exhibit on the Automat, running now through February 2013, according to The Scarsdale Patch in Scarsdale, N.Y. For the full story, click here.
Editor’s Insight: This article refers to a news story on MSNBC on the history of the American lunch break; the Automat evolved in response to the need for fast, economical hot meals. The Automat, which was a vending machine that was filled by onsite employees, was eventually replaced by fast food restaurants.
A team of entrepreneurs attempted to revive the Automat in 2007 under the name BAMN Automat in New York City. The BAMN received a lot of media coverage, but it did not succeed, even though the BAMN Website, www.bamnfood.com, remains active.
The Automat concept still exists in Europe.
Vending machines with onsite attendants are also very similar to the Automats. 07-03-12 By Elliot Maras
