A new era of dining is about to begin with the launch of CaliExpress by Flippy, the world’s first fully autonomous restaurant powered by artificial intelligence (AI), in Pasadena, California. This innovative venture is the result of a collaboration between Miso Robotics, a leader in AI-powered cooking robots, and Cali Group and PopID, pioneers in digital ordering and payment systems. At CaliExpress by Flippy, customers will enjoy delicious meals prepared by Miso’s robotic cooks, who can handle all cooking tasks quickly and precisely.
The restaurant is conveniently located in a prime retail location in Pasadena, California, on the northwest corner of Green Street and Madison Avenue at 561 E. Green St.
Utilizing the most advanced food technology systems, grill, and fry stations are fully automated and powered by cutting-edge AI and robotics. Guests can also use their PopID accounts to access personalized recommendations, make easy and fast payments, and get loyalty rewards on self-ordering kiosks.
CaliExpress by Flippy offers a very simple menu featuring freshly crafted burgers made from a premium Wagyu blend at price points competitive with other premium burgers using standard meat. A grill robot grinds the high-quality beef in real-time after the order is placed, resulting in a burger patty that melts in the mouth. And that’s not all; their robotic fry station, Flippy, ensures that the accompanying french fries are crispy and hot, made from top-grade potatoes that are always cooked to exact times. The menu is very simple, comprising burgers, cheeseburgers, and french fries.
One of the key advantages of this fully automated restaurant is it not only improves the quality and consistency of the food but also enhances the safety and efficiency of the workplace. Flippy’s advanced technology reduces the risks of slippage, burns, and food and oil waste, creating a more hygienic and productive environment.
Moreover, the CaliExpress by Flippy kitchen can be efficiently managed by a smaller crew in a less stressful environment than competing restaurants – while also providing above-average wages.
“To our knowledge, this is the world’s first operating restaurant where both ordering and every single cooking process are fully automated,” said John Miller, CEO of PopID and board member of Miso Robotics. “The marriage of these various technologies to create the most autonomous restaurant in the world is the culmination of years of research, development, and investment in a family of revolutionary companies.”
At the CaliExpress by Flippy location, visitors can enjoy delicious food and a pseudo-museum experience. The restaurant features dancing robot arms from retired Flippy units, experimental 3D-printed artifacts from past development, photographic displays, and much more. It is designed not only to serve delicious food but also to inspire the next generation of kitchen AI and automation entrepreneurs. The restaurant welcomes schools and educational groups to book tours and learn more.
“AI-powered, robotic order-taking and cooking enables the major chains that feed America to substantially improve quality, consistency, and speed,” said Rich Hull, CEO of Miso Robotics, in a statement. “Miso is proud to partner with Cali Group and PopID to make CaliExpress by Flippy a reality. Flippy has been an incredible success story, and now everyone in Southern California can come to take a look – and a taste – for themselves.”
CaliExpress by Flippy autonomous restaurant is set to open this month, initially by reservation only, with a grand opening to follow.
