| In 2005 we saw a paradigm shift in Starbucks | | | | ordering systems and robotic assembly line style |
| Corporations retail strategy. A strategy from making | | | | robots to make the order exactly to corporate policy, |
| customers at home in their "third place" to serving | | | | exactly the right number of olives on the Tostado and |
| consumer rapidly at the drive thru. It seems this | | | | the exact number of pickles on the hamburger. Why? |
| strategy is working as people want their latte now and | | | | Cost for one and because robots do not require health |
| they want it fast. | | | | care benefits or sue you when they break a fingernail. |
| Many corporate fast food chains (QSRs) Quick | | | | They do not mouth off to the manager and never |
| Service Restaurants and their franchisee outlets admit | | | | show up late. Also by carefully watching the order and |
| that with unemployment hovering at 5.5% that staffing | | | | processing consistency is maintained and exactly two |
| and labor are by far their toughest issue. And hiring | | | | napkins are provided in the perfectly folded back as it |
| non-English speaking help is problematic as the | | | | is given to the customer. Expect more QSRs to |
| language barrier upsets customers and complicates | | | | announcing automating their establishments and watch |
| communication in the drive thrus. | | | | Wall Street applaud them as they do. So, think on this |
| Many of these restaurants are looking to kiosk | | | | in 2006. |