BUFFALO, N.Y. (November 5, 2018) – Travelers flying in and out of Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) can now enjoy fresh food from Sally the Robot. The robot, which was introduced at the airport by global hospitality company Delaware North, is located across from gate 18 and serves up vibrant, forward-thinking meals via touchscreen interface 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The unlimited accessibility of Sally will especially benefit those traveling on flights arriving or departing when other restaurants may be closed.
Sally, created by Silicon Valley-based food robotics company Chowbotics, offers thousands of custom meal and snack options from any combination of up to 22 ingredients, in addition to chef-crafted, pre-programmed bowls. Users can fine-tune the calorie total by adding or subtracting ingredients, as well as view full nutritional details for each selection. Flavor combinations and ingredients encompass a variety of cuisines, including Mexican, Indian, Chinese, French, and Thai. Every meal period is also represented with options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. View sample menus here.
“We’re always listening to what travelers are looking for in their dining experience, and healthy options and convenience are always at the top of the list,” said Kevin Kelly, president of Delaware North’s travel division, which operates at more than 30 airports and travel hubs around the world. “This technology is the first of its kind in the airport dining space, and we’re especially excited to bring it to travelers in our hometown of Buffalo as a pioneering location.”
Sally is the latest example of robot technology introduced in Buffalo by Delaware North. In 2017, the company unveiled Chip, a robotic butler, at The Westin Buffalo hotel – a first in the state of New York.
The Chowbotics team is excited to introduce Sally to those interested in advancements in food service automation outside of Silicon Valley. “We are thrilled to showcase this technology to many people who, until now, may have only read about it,” says Dr. Deepak Sekar, founder and CEO. “Now, they can see and experience Sally, the world’s first commercially-available fresh food-making robot, for themselves.”
Chowbotics has been recognized by The New York Times, Food & Wine, Bloomberg Pursuits, CNN, CNBC, WIRED, TechCrunch and many more influential national publications for its creation of Sally and the robot’s impact on the foodservice industry. Fast Company named Sally one of “10 Restaurant Innovations Changing the Way We Eat” and a 2018 World Changing Ideas Finalist. For more information, please visit www.chowbotics.com.
Delaware North has provided food, beverage and retail services at Buffalo Niagara International Airport since 1952. Overall, Delaware North’s travel division operates food, beverage and retail services across three continents, including some of the world’s busiest airports such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport and London’s Heathrow Airport. The company’s 300 total airport outlets include more than 200 brands — a mix of award-winning proprietary concepts, local and national partnerships and franchises. Delaware North’s travel business dates back to 1939 and continues to maintain several airport partnerships that have spanned more than 60 years.
About Delaware North
Delaware North is one of the largest privately-held hospitality companies in the world. Founded in 1915, Delaware North has global operations at high-profile places such as sports and entertainment venues, national and state parks, destination resorts and restaurants, airports, and regional casinos. Delaware North has annual revenue of more than $3 billion in the sports, travel hospitality, restaurants and catering, parks, resorts, gaming, and specialty retail industries. Learn more about Delaware North, a global leader in hospitality and food service, at www.delawarenorth.com.