#22: The Automat (Horn & Hardart) (1902-1991)
Food service company Horn & Hardart opened their first automat in 1902. An automat is when you put money in a vending machine, which then gives you food. Automats also included sit-down locations. At this time, this was seen as revolutionary, especially for big-city life. At its peak, there were over 100 locations in Philadelphia, NYC, and Baltimore.
However, fast food caused automats to decline. There was more of a human connection, and the food was fresher. By the end of the 20th century, Horn & Hardart had converted many of their locations to Burger Kings, and their last automat closed in 1991. Automats are still around in some areas and had a brief revival during the 2020 pandemic.