Robotic servers, digital menus: Tsaocha, Noodle Station 3 embrace new restaurant trends
Tsaocha and Noodle Station 3 aren't your regular old downtown hangout spot. But then again, maybe it will be.
The futuristic cafe offers both bubble tea and Asian noodle dishes, plus everything inside looks like it's from the future. That includes Bella Bots 1 and 2, which are robots that bring food and tea to your table, where a human server places it in front of you and asks if you would like anything else.
But let's back up a bit. The 25th-century experience starts when you open the door to the former Molly Brannigan's at 506 State St. and you're looking at two electronic ordering kiosks. You can order tea and/or food and pay for it, no tipping necessary. If you choose to sit down and eat, you'll see a mini-version of the kiosk at your table from which you can order.
On your way to your table, you can watch selfies of customers on a giant TV screen.
Service with a robotic smile
Then, once your order is ready, a Bella Bot will be bringing you your order. One comes from the tea counter and the other from the kitchen. You don't have to tip "her" either. But you can rub her ears and she'll wink at you.
"I love her," said owner Jenny Lin. "It helps with staffing, making servers jobs easier. And customers love her, too."
Bella Bots are multi-talented. Not only can they bring drinks and food to tables, they can be trained to bring water, sing birthday songs, and can even seat guests in the Noodle Station 3 portion of the restaurant.
"It's the first one in Erie," Lin said. "She might even tell a joke about cats, and if she's about to run into someone, she can say 'You go first.'"
Lin hasn't availed herself of most of what the Bella Bots can do just yet. She's still getting her sea legs, and plans to roll out new Bella features over a period of time. Right now, she said it's just nice to be able to place the orders on her shelves and wave good-bye while moving on to the next order.
Contact Jennie Geisler at jgeisler@timesnews.com or at 814-870-1885.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Tsaocha, Noodle Station 3 restaurants using robots to serve customers
