Art
The automat was America's fast food revolution—a gleaming wall of compartments dispensing hot meals for coins. Between the 1920s and 1960s, these cafeterias fed millions of office workers, shoppers, and travelers in a hurry, promising speed, cleanliness, and affordability in the heart of busy cities.
Art · Full story
You push through the glass door into the clatter and hum of the automat. Above you, a wall of small metal doors glints under bright lights. You drop a nickel, turn the knob, and pull out a steaming pie or sandwich. Around you, dozens of workers in suits grab their lunch and eat standing up, napkins tucked into collars, eyes on the clock.
Reflect
When you're hungry and busy, where do you grab food? How has that choice changed what 'lunch' means?