Hollywood's Infatuation with the Automat

First, you must understand that the Automat was at one time the largest restaurant chain in the US and at its height they were featured in movies and songs. 

 

The Automat was a restaurant designed for the worker on the go who wanted a quick and yet affordable filling meal.

 

Customers inserted nickels, turned a knob on a glass and chrome door and retrieved food.   Behind the wall, a large metal drum operated by kitchen staff replenished the items. 

 

Renowned for fresh homestyle comfort food like chicken pot pie, baked beans, creamed spinach, macaroni and cheese, slices of pie and their famous 5 cent coffee which was dispensed from nickel-plated dolphin-shaped fountains and was considered a staple of the experience.

 

Founded by Joseph Horn and Frank Hardart in 1888, their first location was in Philadelphia and their first location in New York opened in 1912 where it eventually expanded to 40 locations.

 

Popular for being futuristic and offering fresh food without visible workers, they also eliminated tipping and waiting. 

 

Despite the self service, the restaurants were often luxurious, featuring marble floors, stained glass and art deco styling. 

 

Automats lost appeal as fast food chains offered taste identity and lower cost in the 70s and they eventually closed the last location in 1991. 

 

The 1925 silent film Early Bird was the first to feature an Automat. 

 

The videos from the hilarious 1937 movie Easy Living with Ray Milland and Jean Arthur,  including 1952’s Just This Once with Peter Lawford and Janet Lee are included here if you need a good laugh.  

 

The 1956 film The Catered Affair with Debbie Reynolds and Bette Davis and the 1962 film featuring Doris Day and Cary Grant That Touch of Mink all used an Automat location. 

 

If you’re really interested there’s even a Automat documentary, hosted by Mel Brooks.