1851

With restaurants still reeling from the historic worker shortages and rising labor costs that arose during the pandemic, they're getting a helping hand from an unlikely source — robots.A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/technology/robots-restaurants-no-longer-just-fantasy?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=robots-to-the-rescue-2718757" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">recent article from QSR Magazine</a> detailed how robots are being rolled out in restaurants amid the “Great Resignation." Not only are these machines helping fill the seismic gap in the workforce, but they’re also making things easier on their human counterparts.Among those quoted in the story is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-gazitua-a489829/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=robots-to-the-rescue-2718757" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Carlos Gazitua</a>, creator of Sergio's Cuban franchises in South Florida. During the pandemic he outfitted several of his restaurants with Servi robots to augment his thinly stretched staff.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bearrobotics.ai/products?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=robots-to-the-rescue-2718757" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Servi</a>, which was created by a team of restaurant experts and tech entrepreneurs, uses a mix of cameras and laser sensors to perform myriad tasks, including bringing food to tables and taking dirty dishes back to the kitchen. They can be leased for around $1,000 a month.“At first, the servers were a bit nervous because they didn't understand if it would work,” says Gazitua. “But after two hours they loved it because they don't have to be running back and forth. They now have more time with the guest and can pick up more tables.”Sergio's is among the estimated 5,000 restaurants in the U.S. now employing robots. In addition to Servi, customers might also encounter<a href="https://www.chowbotics.com/our-solutions/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=robots-to-the-rescue-2718757" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;Sally</a>, a salad-making cyborg by Chowbotics, or<a href="https://cecilia.ai/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=robots-to-the-rescue-2718757" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;Cecilia.ai</a>, an interactive bartender that can mix 17 different drinks and even deliver a bad joke or two.There are numerous advantages of employing robots in the hospitality industry. First, there is the sheer productivity, as bots can work 24/7 and don't require sick days. Cecilia.ai, for instance, can make up to 120 drinks an hour. There's also the novelty factor, which often ups a restaurant’s general appeal, particularly with younger guests.And it's not just small chains and boutique operations turning to automation. Industry giants such as KFC, Taco Bell and Domino's have all introduced robotics in recent years to help prepare and deliver food. Another fast-food titan, White Castle,<a href="https://misorobotics.com/newsroom/white-castle-expands-partnership-with-miso-robotics-to-install-flippy-2-in-100-new-locations/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=robots-to-the-rescue-2718757" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;recently announced plans to add fry-cooking robots</a> at 100 stand-alone locations nationwide.According to White Castle VP&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-richardson-0b39184/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=robots-to-the-rescue-2718757" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jamie Richardson</a>, White Castle vice president, the goal isn’t to replace humans with robot counterparts. In an<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/26/tech/mcdonalds-drive-thru-artificial-intelligence/index.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=robots-to-the-rescue-2718757" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;interview with CNN</a>, Richardson explained that by automating some of the less desirable jobs, workers can focus more on hospitality and customer service. Gazitua echoed those sentiments in the QSR article, saying that Servi robots have proven beneficial by freeing up the staff to focus on customers.&nbsp;“We keep the servers rocking out, getting the tables and doing the hospitality, and [the robots] have made a major impact for our guests,” says Gazitua. “It has helped, and the servers definitely feel more pride when they serve because they’re creating a better experience for the guest.”

Robots to the Rescue?

1851 Franchise

Automation is infiltrating the hospitality industry. Why experts say that's a good thing for workers, restaurant owners and the franchise industry as a whole.

robots-to-the-rescue

Children's Lighthouse

How Children’s Lighthouse Stands Out Among Other Children’s Education, Childcare, and Daycare Franchises

how-childrens-lighthouse-stands-out-among-other-childrens-education-childcare-and-daycare-franchises

The Growth Coach

The Growth Coach Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

the-growth-coach-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025

One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning

Why One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning Sees People as the Power Behind Franchise Growth

one-hour-heating-air-conditioning-franchise-growth

Lawn Doctor

Design with photo of John Perry and Lawn Doctor logo

How a 20-Year Industry Veteran Tripled His Sales With a Lawn Doctor Franchise

lawn-doctor-franchise-success-story-john-perry

Fitness Premier

The Secret to Fitness Franchise Success? It's Not Just the Workouts

fitness-premier-franchise-marketing-support

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Design with American and Federal Reserve flags against light blue background

Federal Reserve Expected To Cut Rates by Quarter Point, a Move That Could Boost Franchise Growth

fed-rate-cut-boosts-franchise-growth

Potbelly to be Acquired by RaceTrac in $566 Million Deal 

racetrac-acquires-potbelly-in-566-million-deal

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities - 1851 Franchise Agg

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities 

health-care-hiring-slowdown-in-home-care-franchise-opportunities

Caribou Coffee Names Scott Kennedy CEO, Eyes Continued Growth

caribou-coffee-names-scott-kennedy-ceo-eyes-continued-growth

McDonald’s Launches New Extra Value Meals as Consumer Demand for Value Continues to Climb

mcdonalds-launches-extra-value-meals

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

part-time-franchises-picking-the-right-model

Photo of "franchise" and "day job" balancing on see-saw

Can You Run a Franchise Without Quitting Your Day Job?

part-time-franchises-with-day-job

Design with school-aged child standing on pencil with text "Education Franchises" and "<$500K"

Top Education Franchises Under $500K To Explore in 2025

top-education-franchises-under-500k

Why Buying Into a Franchise Is About More Than Just Brand Recognition

why-buying-into-a-franchise-is-about-more-than-just-brand-recognition

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Robots to the Rescue?

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS