Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Food
Shake Shack Replaces Cashiers With Kiosks At New Astor Place Restaurant
By
Nell Casey
Published Oct 2, 2017
Modified Oct 2, 2017
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Nell Casey
Published Oct 2, 2017
Modified Oct 2, 2017
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Shake Shack joins the evolution of the human-free restaurant with word that their forthcoming Astor Place location will employ robots instead of people for the ordering process of the meal. A spokesperson for the brand previously told Gothamist to look out for "cool features" coming to this location and that now appears to be a reference to the kiosks at which customers will place orders. Also: no cash will be accepted at this location.
Customers can place their orders at the kiosk or via the app that the company released earlier in 2017. "Hospitality champs," as they're referred to by the company, will be available to guide customers through the process should any confusion arise. Finally, the buzzers have been replaced by a text that goes to your phone.
The remaining humans at the Astor Place store will be paid a minimum of $15 an hour.
Our robot future has been employed by other restaurants and Shake Shack CEO Randy Garutti said there was a "huge opportunity for technology" in an interview with Eater last year. In that same interview, Shake Shack owner Danny Meyer admitted to the "temptation to replace human beings with robots or with iPads" but said that they "haven't found anything that does that better, either in terms of the food or the hospitality, than people."
"The Astor Place Shack will be a playground where we can test and learn the ever-shifting needs of our guests," according to a statement by Garutti, who also told CNBC that the Astor Place model could be employed at other Shake Shacks if customer reactions are favorable, but noted that it's a "one size fits one" when it comes to each specific location.
Tagged
kiosks
robots
shake shack
Nell Casey
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE food
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
Egyptian, Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian food is delicious but underrepresented in the city.
By
Robert Sietsema
Published Oct 10, 2026
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
The global dish is shapeshifting and ubiquitous.
By
Robert Sietsema
Food
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
The global dish is shapeshifting and ubiquitous.
By
Robert Sietsema
Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.
By
Sonia Rao
5 NYC banana puddings as good as Magnolia's
By
Hannah Frishberg
Where to eat in Greenpoint, Brooklyn right now, from Polish to Sichuan to Iberian
By
Robert Sietsema
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .