Hardware Podcasts

When a robot cooks your lunch with Steve Ells of Chipotle and Kernel

How I Built This · 9 Nov 2023 · 42m

What this episode covers

Steve Ells, founder of Chipotle, discusses his new venture Kernel, a chain of highly automated, vegan fast-casual restaurants designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve labor conditions. He explains the hub-and-spoke operational model, where food prep is centralized and delivered by bicycle, allowing for small 800-square-foot locations staffed by only three people using off-the-shelf robotics like a Cuckoo robot arm and modified impingement ovens. Ells reflects on stepping down from Chipotle after foodborne illness crises and details how Kernel’s $36 million Series A funding supports its initial rollout in New York City with plans for 15 locations.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Chipotle, In-N-Out Burger, McDonald's, U.S. Bank
Products
Kernel, Lumi
Tools
Cuckoo robot

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