The future of dining is here. Renowned restaurateur and Chipotle founder, Steve Ells, is ready to introduce a revolutionary concept in the culinary world. His latest venture, Kernel, is a robot-run restaurant aimed at minimizing waste and embracing plant-based alternatives. This groundbreaking establishment is soon to open its doors in the heart of Manhattan, with plans to expand to other cities in the near future.
Unlike traditional restaurants, Kernel will heavily rely on robots to create mouthwatering dishes. By harnessing cutting-edge technology, these robots will craft a menu focused on plant-based options, replicating the flavors of beef or chicken without attempting to imitate them outright. Andrew Black, a former chef at the esteemed vegan restaurant Eleven Madison Park, has been enlisted to develop an array of delectable plant-based sandwiches and sides.
Although robots will handle the majority of food preparation, Kernel will maintain a skeleton-staff responsible for packaging food and washing dishes. By reducing human involvement in the preparation process, Ells believes that safety and efficiency will be greatly enhanced. The restaurant could potentially operate with as few as three employees, according to draft investor materials.
Steve Ells draws inspiration for Kernel from Bill Gates’ influential book, “How to Avoid a Climate Disaster.” By incorporating Gates’ guidance on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly by consuming less meat, Ells aims to promote a sustainable and environmentally-friendly dining experience.
With $10 million of his own funds and an additional $36 million from investors, Steve Ells is determined to make Kernel a game-changer in the industry. This visionary concept seeks to challenge the traditional norms of labor, technology, and real estate in the restaurant business. Kernel is set to compete with established names such as Shake Shack, Sweetgreen, Dig, Cava, and even Ells’ previous brainchild, Chipotle.
While an official opening date for the inaugural restaurant has not been announced, anticipation looms high. Kernel represents a forward-thinking approach to dining, embracing automation and plant-based alternatives while prioritizing sustainability and flavor. Prepare to be blown away as Kernel revolutionizes the way we experience gastronomy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Will Kernel’s menu only consist of plant-based options?
Yes, Kernel will focus on serving meat alternatives that replicate the taste of beef or chicken. However, the restaurant will also heavily feature a variety of vegetables and legumes to create a well-rounded menu.
2. How many employees will work at Kernel?
According to draft investor materials, the restaurant could operate with as few as three employees. While robots will handle food preparation, there will be a skeleton-staff responsible for packaging food and washing dishes.
3. When will the first Kernel restaurant open?
Unfortunately, an official opening date for the first Kernel restaurant has not yet been announced. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting development.
4. What inspired Steve Ells to start Kernel?
Steve Ells found inspiration in Bill Gates’ book, “How to Avoid a Climate Disaster,” which emphasizes reducing greenhouse gas emissions like those produced by the meat industry. This prompted Ells to create a restaurant that promotes plant-based alternatives as he passionately advocates for sustainable dining practices.