The Automat tells the story of Horn & Hardart, a restaurant chain that revolutionized the way Americans ate out in the early 1900s with its concept of shiny row of vending machines dispensing freshly prepared food and coffee 24/7. The film traces the history of the business, from its founding in Philadelphia in 1888 by Joseph Horn and Frank Hardart to its heyday in the 1920s and 1930s, when there were more than 40 locations across the northeastern United States.
Using archival footage, photos, and interviews with former customers and employees, the documentary takes us inside the iconic restaurants, where diners could purchase everything from slices of pie and cups of coffee to full lunches and dinners. We hear anecdotes about the Automats' unique ambiance, where people of all classes and backgrounds mingled and interacted at communal tables, where celebrities rubbed shoulders with blue-collar workers.
But the Automat's success was short-lived. The rise of fast food chains in the 1950s and 1960s, and the changing tastes of younger generations, led to a decline in business for Horn & Hardart. The company tried to adapt to the times by introducing new menu items, but it was too little, too late. The last Automat in New York City closed in 1991, marking the end of an era.
The Automat not only provides a nostalgic look back at a beloved dining institution but also delves into the cultural and social history of America in the 20th century, illuminating the ways in which dining-out habits, racial and class dynamics, and technology have changed over time. It's a fascinating and poignant portrait of a bygone era, with resonance for anyone interested in food, labor, and American history.