Unearth The Voyage
Restaurants across America are welcoming a new kind of employee—one that never takes a break, doesn’t need tips, and can carry dozens of plates without breaking a sweat. Robot servers are rolling into dining rooms from coast to coast, helping human staff deliver food, clear tables, and even entertain curious kids. Whether you’re grabbing sushi in California or digging into pancakes in Las Vegas, there’s a good chance you’ll spot a friendly bot gliding past your booth.
1. Select Denny’s locations (e.g., Laurel, Maryland)
Meet “Sunny,” the cheerful Servi robot helping out at select Denny’s franchises. Sunny ferries plates from the kitchen to your table during busy rushes, giving human servers more time to chat, refill your coffee, and check if you need extra syrup. Not every Denny’s has adopted this tech yet—franchisees decide individually—but the rollout is picking up steam.
The Laurel, Maryland, location has become a local celebrity for showcasing Sunny in action. Bear Robotics’ COO noted that Denny’s moved “fairly quickly” with the program in participating stores.
If you’re craving Grand Slam pancakes and a glimpse of restaurant automation, this Maryland spot is a solid bet.
2. Plaza Azteca (Richmond, VA — Short Pump & Broad Street)
Yes, those are cat ears. BellaBot isn’t just functional—it’s downright adorable. At two Richmond-area Plaza Azteca restaurants, this quirky bot shuttles trays loaded with tacos, enchiladas, and sizzling fajitas from the kitchen straight to your table. Staff punch in your table number, load up the bot, and off it goes.
Beyond lightening the workload for servers, BellaBot has become a magnet for curious kids and a guaranteed conversation starter. Families often whip out their phones for photos as the bot glides past.
Axios Richmond captured the buzz on the ground, and it’s clear this feline-inspired helper is winning hearts—and making Mexican night a lot more memorable.
3. Noodle Topia (Madison Heights, MI)
Just north of Detroit, Noodle Topia has been turning heads with its high-tech helper. BellaBot assists with food and drink runs in this bustling hand-pulled-noodle shop, weaving through tables as steam rises from bowls of fresh ramen and dumplings. It’s one of the earlier U.S. restaurants to embrace robotic service, earning coverage from Eater Detroit, the Associated Press, and CBS.
The shop doesn’t shy away from its futuristic vibe—”robot service” is proudly mentioned on its own website. Diners come for the skillfully crafted noodles and stay for the novelty of watching a bot deliver their order.
If you’re in the metro Detroit area, this spot offers a tasty peek into the future of dining.
4. Kura Revolving Sushi Bar (multiple states)
Automation fans, this is your happy place. Kura Revolving Sushi Bar has been leaning into tech for years—think express conveyor belts whisking plates past your seat and automatic counters tallying your bill. Now, a house robot joins the fun, zipping between tables with drinks and adding a dose of wow factor to your meal.
You’ll find Kura locations scattered across California, Texas, Georgia, Nevada, Illinois, and beyond. Reports from late 2024 spotlighted a playful bot in Fishers, Indiana, charming diners as it made its rounds.
Powered by Pudu technology, these bots are part of Kura’s broader push to blend speed with entertainment, proving that efficiency doesn’t have to feel boring.
5. Rachel’s Kitchen (Las Vegas, NV area)
Rachel’s Kitchen keeps it real about robots: they run food, but humans handle the hospitality. At the brand’s largest Las Vegas location, you’ll spot Servi—Bear Robotics’ autonomous food-runner—supporting the team during busy lunch and dinner shifts. The brand has been transparent in explaining how robotics fits into their service model, emphasizing that bots free up staff to focus on greeting guests and personalizing the experience.
With locations also in Texas, Rachel’s Kitchen is building a reputation for blending fresh, healthy fare with smart tech. Trade coverage and the brand’s own explainer videos highlight how Servi keeps things moving smoothly.
Stop by for a power bowl and a front-row view of hospitality’s high-tech evolution.
6. Sushi Hana – Lynnwood, WA
Picture a sleek robot rolling between tables, carefully balancing trays of fresh sushi and sashimi. At Sushi Hana in Lynnwood, Washington, that’s exactly what you’ll find.
This popular Japanese restaurant has embraced automation to make service faster and more fun for diners. The robots work alongside human servers, handling the heavy lifting of transporting dishes from the kitchen to tables.
Guests love watching the machines navigate the dining room with precision. Kids especially get excited when the robot approaches their table with colorful rolls and steaming bowls of miso soup. It’s dining with a futuristic twist that keeps customers coming back for more than just the delicious food.
