-KH News Desk (cbedit@imaws.org)
A Chennai-based startup, Bai Veetu Kalyanam (BVK) Biryani, has built a unique unmanned takeaway ordering experience centre in Kolathur, the first of its kind in India. The pop-up shop is equipped with 32-inch screens where customers can browse menus, place orders, and make payments using cards or by scanning QR codes. The startup serves authentic premium wedding-style biryani prepared using coal and firewood, along with other dishes such as mutton paya, idiyappam, parotta, and halwa. Their biryanis are priced between ₹220 and ₹449. Customers can tap the “open door” option on the touch screen and collect their food boxes once their orders are ready. There is no waiting at the takeaway station, and no one is there to talk to or explain the order.
According to its Founder and CEO, Faheem S, the startup plans to launch 12 such centres across Chennai and later scale up its operations across India. BKV Biryani started in 2020 and promises 60-minute delivery across Chennai. The company uses meats, vegetables, and classic Basmati rice to bring the taste of biryani the way it was meant to be made.
Other startups are also experimenting with automated food service. Last year, a Bengaluru-based startup, Freshup Robotics, unveiled an automated idli-making machine, touting their foodbot as the first fully automated cooking and vending service. They also announced their plans to set up other ATMs, including Dosabots, Ricebots, and Juicebots.
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