BALTIMORE — If the Mid-Atlantic Food and Beverage EXPO is any indication of the restaurant industry's future, operators may want to consider purchasing self-service technology. Several manufacturers and distributors exhibited their new products here Sept. 20-21.
Michelle MacKeith, director of operations for Data Business Systems, showcased POSitouch's Nextwave Intelligent Self-Service System. She said 
self-service technology has yet to take off in the restaurant industry, but said Wal-Mart and grocery stores are deploying the technology.
self-service technology has yet to take off in the restaurant industry, but said Wal-Mart and grocery stores are deploying the technology. "What usually happens is the restaurant industry is about three to five years behind the retail segment," MacKeith said.
MacKeith said POSitouch has yet to execute a national marketing campaign, but has tested the kiosk in three restaurants. According to POSitouch sales literature, the technology increases average checks by 25 percent and speeds up order transactions by 10 seconds.
"This solution is really ideal for restaurants looking to boost carryout sales," MacKeith said.
Kraft Foods exhibited a vending-machine-like unit called Carry-Out Café, which utilizes a combination of 
Hot Air Impingement with small doses of microwave energy to heat, brown, toast and fully cook proprietary meals from frozen to Hot & Ready To Go in about 90 seconds. The Kraft branded automated "Diner" is manufactured by KRh Thermal Systems of Irvine, Calif., said Eric Evans, national account manager for Kraft.
Hot Air Impingement with small doses of microwave energy to heat, brown, toast and fully cook proprietary meals from frozen to Hot & Ready To Go in about 90 seconds. The Kraft branded automated "Diner" is manufactured by KRh Thermal Systems of Irvine, Calif., said Eric Evans, national account manager for Kraft. Evans said the automated mini-restaurant is designed to meet consumer's demand for convenient on the go hot meals. He said it has been successful in hospitals, college, limited service lodging, military bases and other venues where convenient access to hot food can be limited at times.
"The system accepts cash, debit cards, credit cards and future development could include RFID technology as well," he said. "Remote monitoring technology is also incorprated into the machine that enables operators to monitor machine sales, performance and service requirements from their PC remotely."
Espresso-Etc. pitched its self-service coffeemaker to fast-casual restaurants as a line buster. At the touch of a screen, the Aroma Super-Automatic Machine creates espresso, lattes, cappuccino or regular or decaf coffee. Price: $5,900.
"The customer sees it made right in front of their eyes, and the beans are fresh," said Erich Oppenheimer, vice president of operations for Espresso-Etc. "A place like Panera Bread could really benefit from this because it cuts back on labor costs."
