The Automat

Overview

Horn & Hardart, a legendary restaurant chain, has shaped a century of American dining culture, laying the groundwork for modern coffee houses like Starbucks. Through the eyes of its loyal patrons, the documentary chronicles the rise of this beloved establishment, where families gathered around communal tables for meals and coffee. As the narrative unfolds, it explores the chain's struggle to adapt amid the fast-food revolution, highlighting the bittersweet transformation of an iconic culinary experience in a rapidly evolving America.