World’s first AI-powered restaurant opens in LA County

LOS ANGELES –Artificial Intelligence (AI) made a big splash in 2023 and continues in the new year to do amazing things for humans – from writing term papers to composing poems and love letters.

Not a surprise – it’s now flipping burgers and making French fries at CaliExpress by Flippy, a new burger joint in Pasadena that describes itself as the “world’s first fully-autonomous, AI-powered restaurant.”

The menu is simple: a hamburger, cheeseburger, lettuce wrap, fries and beverages. Image: CaliExpress website

The grand opening has not been scheduled yet, but to the delight of curious foodies, it has been open for reservations.

The menu is simple: a hamburger, cheeseburger, lettuce wrap, fries and beverages.

The first stop is at a self-ordering kiosk, where customers order and pay. Then the AI-powered cooking show begins.

The “robotic chefs” freshly grind the wagyu beef blend creating a burger patty that melts in the mouth. Then they cook the French fries, made from top grade potatoes, until they’re golden brown and crispy.

The grill and fry stations are fully-automated and powered by “proprietary leading-edge artificial intelligence and robotics,” according to the company’s press release.

Robotic chefs cook the French fries, made from top grade potatoes, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Image: CaliExpress website

The innovative enterprise is a collaboration between holding company Cali Group, robotics company Miso Robotics, and biometric tech company PopID.

The Pasadena Cali Group uses technology to reshape the restaurant and retail sectors, while Miso Robotics is known for creating Flippy, “the world’s first AI-powered robotic fry station.” PopID simplifies ordering and payments using biometrics.

“To our knowledge, this is the world’s first operating restaurant where both ordering and every single cooking process are fully automated,” John Miller, PopID CEO and board member of Miso Robotics, said.

“The marriage of these various technologies to create the most autonomous restaurant in the world is the culmination of years of research, development, and investment in a family of revolutionary companies.”

The restaurant is located in downtown Pasadena, at the northwest intersection of Green Street and Madison Avenue at 561 E. Green St.

The restaurant is located in downtown Pasadena, at the northwest intersection of Green Street and Madison Avenue at 561 E. Green St. Image: CaliExpress website

The hours listed on their website are Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Pasadena CaliExpress by Flippy location is designed to be a pseudo-museum experience, and the company is encouraging local schools and educational groups to arrange tours early.

“AI-powered robotic order-taking and cooking enable major chains that feed America to substantially improve quality, consistency and speed,” said Rich Hull, CEO of Miso Robotics.