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Restaurant takes waiters off the menu
Benedict Moore-Bridger, Evening Standard20.05.08
A London restaurant that does away with waiters is set to spark a new trend in dining.
German chain Vapiano combines fine dining with McDonald's fast-food principles.
Instead of customers being waited on at their tables, diners use chip and pin technology to order and pay for food.
Vapiano, Germany's fastestgrowing restaurant chain, serves traditional Italian food and salads prepared in mini kitchens which allows diners to customise their meals.
The first London outlet - a 300-seater restaurant situated on Great Portland Street - will open next month, designed by celebrated Milanese interior architect Matteo Thun.
Customers are handed a creditcard-style card which they swipe at food stations where their meal is being prepared. On leaving they hand the card to the hostess to pay.
Called "front cooking", the idea is to blend fast-food techniques with the recipes of a good quality restaurant.
Established in 2002, Vapiano has 31 outlets in Europe and the USA. Ian Daly, UK managing partner for Vapiano, said the "revolutionary" approach could lead to other restaurants following suit.
He said: "In Germany there certainly have been copycat restaurants. There is no one that combines this unique style and quality.
"From experience in other countries it has been a fantastic success."
Reader views (4)
I had a wonderful dinner and drinks at Vapiano in Hamburg, Germany in March this year, and was surprised there wasn't a branch in London already - lovely atmosphere, great food! Then self-service made the experience quirky and fun, not a hassle!
- Mina, London, England
When I go out with my wife it is regarded as a special event and service is part of that event.
In Spain all Restaurants have great waiters and the service is very good.
The Chinese are introducing WOK type places and these I now avoid, pity I do like Chinese food.
- Ayliff A Mcnab, Orihuela Costa, Alicante, Spain
You'll probably find Jon that the restaurants will increase the prices by 15% so that you will pay for their innovation and your convenience.
- Frank, England
I look forward to trying this restaurant, and tipping myself 10% when I leave!
Anything that reduces the cost of dining out is to be welcomed.
- Jon, London
