# Self-ordering at restaurants - an idea whose time has come(?) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 14, 2011, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-ordering-at-restaurants-an-idea-whose-time-has-come/585443 "2011-06-14T15:52:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![iamthewalrus\_3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/258eb7/32.png) [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2011, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-ordering-at-restaurants-an-idea-whose-time-has-come/585443/41 "2011-06-15T23:20:07Z")
> [@Pixel\_Dent](#): > > I remember about 5 to 10 years ago McDonalds briefly tried self ordering kiosks and they quickly disappeared. Technology has improved significantly. Apple’s foray into tablet computers a decade ago didn’t go so well, either. ---
**Author:** ![Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cabin_fever_1/32/2908_2.png) [@Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabin_Fever_1)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2011, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-ordering-at-restaurants-an-idea-whose-time-has-come/585443/42 "2011-06-15T23:21:05Z")
> [@MsRobyn](#): > > Sheetz does the self-ordering thing. If you want food, you go up to the screen, make your selections, then go to the cashier to pay for it. They won’t give you your order until you pay for it, which solves that problem. I like Sheetz. 🙂 I was going to mention Sheetz. I just spent 10 months up there in PA. Walk in, go to the touch-screens, order, pay, then eat. Their system is very intuitive. And for fast-food, not too bad. Heck of a lot better than McD’s, Wendys, BK, et all. I like Sheetz. ---
**Author:** ![CrazyCatLady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dfb087/32.png) [@CrazyCatLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrazyCatLady)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2011, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-ordering-at-restaurants-an-idea-whose-time-has-come/585443/43 "2011-06-16T01:04:55Z")
> [@Cabin\_Fever](#): > > Heck of a lot better than McD’s, Wendys, BK, et all. I like Sheetz. They had 'em in NC when we lived there, too. I loved the ordering kiosks at the gas pumps–place my order, pump my gas, and by the time I get inside, my stuff is nearly ready. I only got food every month or two, though; mostly I just got a coffee. ---
**Author:** ![alphaboi867](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alphaboi867/32/3898_2.png) [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2011, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-ordering-at-restaurants-an-idea-whose-time-has-come/585443/44 "2011-06-16T02:15:03Z")
> [@MsRobyn](#): > > Sheetz does the self-ordering thing. If you want food, you go up to the screen, make your selections, then go to the cashier to pay for it. They won’t give you your order until you pay for it, which solves that problem. I like Sheetz. 🙂 > [@CrazyCatLady](#): > > They had 'em in NC when we lived there, too. I loved the ordering kiosks at the gas pumps–place my order, pump my gas, and by the time I get inside, my stuff is nearly ready. I only got food every month or two, though; mostly I just got a coffee. I love Sheetz. It’s definately one of my favourite fast-food place (though I do wish they had tables). Oddly my local Sheetz took their screens at the pumps offline a year ago and still haven’t reactivated them. The terminals are also setup to upsell without being annoying. > [@Stink Fish Pot](#): > > This is highly offensive to persons that are probably not capable of reading it. However there is a [PSA](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T549VoLca_Q)out now referring to the “R” word. You really need to get out of the 1950’s, you ah… what letter of the alphabet isn’t taken? You inconsiderate neanderthal. (HA! “N” IS taken, so neanderthal is just fine.)… I find it highly offensive (& there are people with Down’s Syndrome who know how to read & use a computer). I used to volunteer with children with Down’s Syndrome, and had a friend with Down’s Syndrome growing up. Language like that belongs in the Pit. ---
**Author:** ![dzeiger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/46a35a/32.png) [@dzeiger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dzeiger)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2011, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-ordering-at-restaurants-an-idea-whose-time-has-come/585443/45 "2011-06-16T04:03:52Z")
I recall some restaurant when I was growing up (late 70s?) that had phones at the table–when you were ready to order, you picked up the phone and called in your order. Conceptually, this isn’t that different from a touchscreen order. The only problem I see is handling special instructions–how do you let customers tell you that they want you to hold the mayo and extra mustard without over-complicating the interface? ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2011, 4:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-ordering-at-restaurants-an-idea-whose-time-has-come/585443/46 "2011-06-16T04:31:51Z")
> [@Orionizer](#): > > I agree - should be based on something like a buffet I have no idea what kind of tip’s expected at a buffet. ---
**Author:** ![alphaboi867](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alphaboi867/32/3898_2.png) [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2011, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-ordering-at-restaurants-an-idea-whose-time-has-come/585443/47 "2011-06-16T04:34:31Z")
> [@dzeiger](#): > > …Conceptually, this isn’t that different from a touchscreen order. The only problem I see is handling special instructions–how do you let customers tell you that they want you to hold the mayo and extra mustard without over-complicating the interface? Well at Sheetz it works something like this. Say I want a burger. I press the icon for burgers. Then it asks me what (if any) type of cheese I want. The next screen is toppings (lettuce, onion, tomato, etc) and I have to check off every thing I want. The screen after that is condiments. You see where this is going? Every icon is a picture of want it is. Things cost extra have the upcharge displayed (say 39¢ for bacon). There’s also a screen where you can select extras of anything. Then there’s a screen asking if you like a side order of \_\_\_\_\_. Sheetz has a much bigger (& more varied) menu that McDonalds or any other fast-food place that I can think off. Also if they run out of something the manager enter some code into the computer so it doesn’t appear on the menu at all (or so I’ve heard). ---
**Author:** ![crypto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b3f665/32.png) [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2011, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-ordering-at-restaurants-an-idea-whose-time-has-come/585443/48 "2011-06-16T04:37:07Z")
> [@alphaboi867](#): > > I love Sheetz. It’s definately one of my favourite fast-food place (though I do wish they had tables). Oddly my local Sheetz took their screens at the pumps offline a year ago and still haven’t reactivated them. The terminals are also setup to upsell without being annoying. > > I find it highly offensive (& there are people with Down’s Syndrome who know how to read & use a computer). I used to volunteer with children with Down’s Syndrome, and had a friend with Down’s Syndrome growing up. Language like that belongs in the Pit. I agree. That’s why I made my post. It would seem that the “R” word doesn’t get much respect around the normally uber-sensitive PC board that is the SDMB. ---
**Author:** ![Hippy\_Hollow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hippy_hollow/32/4841_2.png) [@Hippy\_Hollow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy_Hollow)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2011, 7:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-ordering-at-restaurants-an-idea-whose-time-has-come/585443/49 "2011-06-16T07:02:01Z")
There’s a restaurant in LA that has touchscreen ordering. It works pretty well, I guess, and it was nice to not have some nimrod babbling on about the specials. We were watching a game so no interruptions was a definite plus. Some problems… One of the touchscreens went down. It took a while to get some help to get it up and running. Substitutions are difficult, although I was impressed with how many options the computer gave. Overall, though, it worked quite well and I think we ordered more because you didn’t need to wait for a server. This place was sort of a Chili’s equivalent, called U something or other, in Hollywood. ---
**Author:** ![Orionizer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/orionizer/32/4442_2.png) [@Orionizer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orionizer)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2011, 11:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-ordering-at-restaurants-an-idea-whose-time-has-come/585443/50 "2011-06-16T11:20:31Z")
> [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](#): > > I have no idea what kind of tip’s expected at a buffet. I usually leave about 10% at a buffet ---
**Author:** ![footballisplayedwithyourfeet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/9f8e36/32.png) [@footballisplayedwithyourfeet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/footballisplayedwithyourfeet)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2011, 11:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-ordering-at-restaurants-an-idea-whose-time-has-come/585443/51 "2011-06-16T11:43:14Z")
one of the Mickey D’s here in The Hague has this system. I haven’t used it yet as I can still just order at the counter. ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2013, 10:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-ordering-at-restaurants-an-idea-whose-time-has-come/585443/53 "2013-09-08T10:54:47Z")
For a while now at [Ramen Ikkyu](http://menikkyu.com.au/) in Sydney you order from an iPad. There is only one person at the counter. It’s actually sometimes a pain in the ass because people don’t know either/and what they want, how to use a touchscreen. By the way if your in the city it’s well worth a visit, user stupidity not withstanding. ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2013, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-ordering-at-restaurants-an-idea-whose-time-has-come/585443/56 "2013-09-08T13:51:34Z")
Not your post, that of the spammer who bumped this semi-zombie thread, who has been dealt with. ---
**Author:** ![alphaboi867](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alphaboi867/32/3898_2.png) [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2013, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-ordering-at-restaurants-an-idea-whose-time-has-come/585443/57 "2013-09-08T15:33:35Z")
Red Robin has little touchscreen terminals at their tables now, but you can only order appetizers, dessert, & drinks from them not entrees. They also have games & a jukebox (neither of which is free). ---
**Author:** ![SirGalahad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/71c47a/32.png) [@SirGalahad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SirGalahad)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2013, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-ordering-at-restaurants-an-idea-whose-time-has-come/585443/58 "2013-09-08T15:44:59Z")
This is a great idea … if ATMs can partially replace bank tellers, then automated restaurants can eliminate servers. If these kind of eateries could siphon off all the socially challenged cheapskates who balk at tipping servers, then the waitstaff at real restaurants might have to deal with fewer tightwads. Why not offer different styles of service to different customers? I think the “drink refill” problem is easily solved by a couple of do-it-yourself beverage stations. The analogies of ATMs and self-serve gas stations (are there any other kind, except in Oregon?) are apt comparisons. This should have happened long ago. ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2013, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-ordering-at-restaurants-an-idea-whose-time-has-come/585443/59 "2013-09-08T16:15:59Z")
> [@twickster](#): > > Not your post, that of the spammer who bumped this semi-zombie thread, who has been dealt with. Yup, sorry. Didn’t want to quote it to make the spam harder to kill, but I should have inserted a “two posts up” note or something. ---
**Author:** ![Septima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dc4da7/32.png) [@Septima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Septima)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2013, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-ordering-at-restaurants-an-idea-whose-time-has-come/585443/60 "2013-09-08T16:31:05Z")
They have this at my local fast food place. It’s just like an ATM, you stick your card in, order whatever, and wait for your food. Works like a charm. ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2013, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-ordering-at-restaurants-an-idea-whose-time-has-come/585443/61 "2013-09-08T16:36:43Z")
> [@QuarkChild](#): > > I’ve been wondering about this myself, especially for sit-down restaurants (not so much McDonalds, which is fast food anyway.) It would be ideal for parents of young children. Parent #1 drives the car while parent #2 places the order from the passenger seat and pre-pays. When they arrive, the food is ready immediately, and they can leave as soon as they’re done. The kids would have a much easier time behaving if they don’t have to wait for their food. But then you’re just running in to eat and then leaving. If all you wanted was the food, why not order it to go? Most major chain restaurants offer Take Out and even Curb Service. Order your food over the phone and then go to pick it up. Go back home to eat it. Can’t get simpler than that if kids are restless. ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2013, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-ordering-at-restaurants-an-idea-whose-time-has-come/585443/63 "2013-09-08T16:49:41Z")
> [@Ferret\_Herder](#): > > Yup, sorry. Didn’t want to quote it to make the spam harder to kill, but I should have inserted a “two posts up” note or something. It’s no biggie – I’ll often delete spam reports as well when I’m zapping spammers. ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2013, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-ordering-at-restaurants-an-idea-whose-time-has-come/585443/64 "2013-09-08T17:36:09Z")
> [@Ferret\_Herder](#): > > Yup, sorry. Didn’t want to quote it to make the spam harder to kill, but I should have inserted a “two posts up” note or something. > [@runner pat](#): > > I just add the username in the report post. > > Spam reported ( **spammer name** ) Post number works, too. No ambiguity, at least until it is deleted. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-ordering-at-restaurants-an-idea-whose-time-has-come/585443.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-ordering-at-restaurants-an-idea-whose-time-has-come/585443.md?page=4)