Welcome to THE FUTURE!

I'm in the midst of making my server-blog rounds and had to stop and comment on one of Manuel's recent posts about an automated restaurant. His commentary on how it's being sold in the media is good. It's funny. It's like the Scientology quiz, big spin.

At the end of the day, I see a couple of reasons why my job is safe:
1. The whole automated restaurant system looks expensive. Servers are cheap.
2. The machines cut down on actual space for customers - thus, less moolah.
3. Who maintains/fixes the machines? I bet they cost more than the less-than-minimum-wage you get servers for.
4. Who deals with the problems? They'd need someone(s) on staff to deal with customer issues or machine glitches. See #3.
5. What about the part where customers go out to eat for the sake of a bit of human interaction? Most of our bar regulars don't come to the bar for the booze they could buy more cheaply from the liquor store and drink at home. They come for the company.
6. It sounds a lot like high-class fast food. McDonald's hasn't taken over the dining industry, and it's offering the same kind of thing. No "rude waiters" at the golden arches.
7. What about the fact that people like to be waited on? Every now and again, we like to have someone else do stuff for us. It's a gratification thing.

At the end of the day, I'd probably go to an automated restaurant at least once for the novelty. Even so, I don't see this becoming a major trend any time soon. It's funny, though. Very funny.

Less funny - the negativity about servers included in the BBC coverage of the restaurant. Not cool, guys.