The order taker/server at a counter near you has been or will very shortly be replaced by a kiosk. The kiosk will accept your customized order, process your payment and provide you with number to redeem your selection. The truly sad consequence of this development is that customers have the perception that this change is a major positive. Major chain “fast-food” counter servers were invisible. Their function was designed to be as unobtrusive as possible. They blended into blur of activity that processes your order. They were hidden by the blinding glare of the oppressive overhead menu.
It is amazing that reducing human interaction in a social setting such as a restaurant elicits such a positive response. Clearly there is a business opportunity here for the contrarians among you.
The humble computer chipped ordering device will continue to make inroads into the dining experience. It would not be future shock to suppose that in the not too distant future white table cloth restaurants will have a wireless tablet or perhaps an app for your iPhone where guests could peruse the menu and place their drink and food order without ever talking to a human being.
This is what progress looks like?
