Long before Starbucks… there was The Automat -- an iconic symbol of great 5-cent coffee, delicious food and an elegant atmosphere that prospered in New York City and Philadelphia beginning in 1902. The Horn & Hardart restaurant chain democratized and revolutionized the dining experience with its unique food delivery system. This nostalgic documentary is ripe with sweet and savory and some unsavory stories as it charts the rise and fall of the beloved eatery that was ubiquitous in mid 20th Century pop culture, appearing in everything from Breakfast at Tiffany’s to the famous Edward Hopper painting. This walk down memory lane is accompanied by the likes of such loyal customers as Mel Brooks, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Colin Powell.
