Radff22: The Automat E

A crowd-pleasing slice of nostalgia, this charming documentary offers a comprehensive history into the phenomenal franchise Horn & Hardart— the inspiration for Starbucks—and where generations of Americans were encouraged to eat and drink coffee together at communal tables throughout New York City and Philadelphia. An important part of the American social fabric, Horn & Hardart were known for serving fresh meals through vending machines and encouraging communal-style dining. This documentary follows the growth and peak of the restaurant as it grapples with the looming rise of fast food.