The country's "first fully-automated restaurant" is about to open in Canada

While the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the Canadian restaurant industry plenty of pain, it has also shone a spotlight on how creative those working in the food field can get.

An example of such creativity and problem-solving is set to open its doors in Toronto later this month.

Box’d is described by Paramount Fine Foods, the restaurant team behind the new spot, as Canada’s “first fully-automated restaurant.” The new eatery will be welcoming patrons to 4 King Street West very soon.

At this joint, customers won’t have the experience typical of most restaurants, but the promise of mouthwatering food and high-quality service remains.

• See also:
  • Starbucks closing up to 200 locations across Canada over two years
  • Tim Hortons is expanding outdoor patios across Canada (RENDERINGS)

“We are excited to bring the Box’d experience to Toronto,” says Mohamad Fakih, CEO of Paramount.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many Torontonians chose to cook their meals at home, but as the restrictions ease and more businesses open people are looking forward to eating out. We understand that people may still be a little wary of public places, so we have created a dining option that is fast, efficient, and safe.”

According to the team, Box’d “revolutionizes the way you order and pick up food.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Box’d by Paramount (@boxdbyparamount) on Jun 10, 2020 at 12:41pm PDT

Box’d is offering a simplified order process to guests, so visitors don’t spend time standing in line or waiting for their food to be prepared. Instead, orders are placed in advance via a mobile app, or through a digital kiosk in-store.

Status boards within the restaurant keep patrons updated on when their food is ready, and lead them to their pickup location.

Digital cubbies and shelves identify orders, creating a streamlined experience.

The restaurant’s creators collaborated with Chef Tomer Markovitz to build a menu of recipes that feature delicious lunch and dinner selections, including vegan and vegetarian options. Meals will be sustainably packaged, with express menu options accessible in just a few taps. The process aims to simplify Middle Eastern cuisine while adding an innovative spin using new flavours and ingredient combinations.

“Being fully automated means Box’d can offer Canadians a new and exciting ‘smart’ way to experience eating out safely,” says Ahmed Daify, the Box’d franchisee for Paramount Fine Foods.

“Box’d will be the first automated restaurant with a certified chef. We will be hiring at time when the service industry needs it the most. We are excited to bring this opportunity to Canada, since Canada is a country of hope.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Box’d by Paramount (@boxdbyparamount) on Jun 10, 2020 at 12:32pm PDT

“The state-of-the-art technology used throughout Box’d will revolutionize and transform how consumers experience dining on-the-go and will help our guests feel safe,” says Markovitz. “With one chef per meal, all meals are sealed and delivered to sanitized, individual cubbies which simplifies the process and keeps cleanliness and safety top of mind.”

Menu items will feature classics from Paramount Fine Foods including the chain’s famous hummus, and traditional Middle Eastern flavours and spices in new, exciting recipes.

Future patrons can anticipate hot dishes, oven-baked wraps, refreshing smoothies, and plenty of goodness in between.