San Diego Vietnamese restaurant chain Phở Ca Dao & Grill has rolled out robot servers in an effort to combat ongoing staffing issues.
Since its launch in 2001, Pho Ca Dao & Grill has garnered a loyal local following for its menu of Vietnamese favorites, including the popular PCD pho Vietnamese noodle soup served in broth that’s simmered for 8 to 10 hours. In addition to operating six area Pho Ca Dao locations, owner Thi Huynh is a long-time leader amongst the San Diego's Vietnamese-American community, having served as a secretary-general of the Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce and vice director of the local branch of Tieng Nuoc Toi radio.
In order to battle staffing shortages that are plaguing businesses nationwide, Pho Ca Dao recently introduced "robot waiters" at all its San Diego restaurants. The robots, produced by Keenon Robotics, don't actually take patrons orders, rather they work as food runners and assist onsite waitstaff in bussing tables. Through the robot touch screen, restaurant staff can easily select multiple tables to serve meals. When the robot comes to a table, it will provide voice guidance and servers take the meals off its trays. Each Keenon robot costs approximately $8,500.
For more information on Phở Ca Dao & Grill, visit phocadaogrill.com.
