The Automat

The story

The 100-year story of the iconic restaurant chain Horn & Hardart, the inspiration for Starbucks, where generations of Americans ate and drank coffee together at communal tables. From the perspective of former customers, we watch a business climb to its peak success and then grapple with fast food in a forever changed America.

Cast & crew

Mel BrooksSelf

John W. Romas

John W. RomasSelf

Carl ReinerSelf

Krystyna Romas

Krystyna RomasSelf

Alec Shuldiner

Alec ShuldinerSelf

Wilson Goode

Wilson GoodeSelf

Elliott GouldSelf

Howard SchultzSelf

Norris Horn

Norris HornSelf

Steve Stollman

Steve StollmanSelf

Roy Rosenbaum

Roy RosenbaumSelf

Marianne Hardart

Marianne HardartSelf