From robotic waiters at restaurants to meals delivered by drones, the hospitality industry continues to bring automated service to customers in ways that have long been anticipated. According to Leena Heiman, CEO of Contier, a commercial kitchen equipment retailer, some of the most exciting robotic innovations are happening in the kitchen.
As a Minneapolis-based general contractor in the Twin Cities, Leena understands the value of human craftsmanship and critical thinking better than most. But she also understands businesses must stay ahead with new products or fall behind modern expectations. “We’re selective with the entry-level and luxury kitchen equipment brands we carry because our clients trust us to choose the best items available within their budgets,” says Leena. “Maintaining integrity in our partnerships is the only way to protect our reputation.”
For Leena, restaurateurs should be paying close attention to how robotic solutions are reinventing commercial kitchens and helping them scale their businesses. Named a 2023 Bath and Kitchen Design Innovator for the residential space, she’s now bringing that same energy into the commercial sector and the manufacturers she chooses to represent. One of the preferred brands her company sells is Atosa, which she believes provides the everyday appliances mom-and-pop businesses need while also reinventing the space with new technologies for larger hospitality players.
Leena shared with POP Style TV five robotic solutions she’s most excited about right now.
1. Chillstream™ Undercounter Frozen Food Dispenser
Keep frozen items organized and ready with Chillstream™ for precise portions, less waste, and faster, high-quality service. Leena says this solution is also beneficial for commercial kitchens with limited space. The frozen food dispenser accommodates up to five items, including fries, nuggets, or mozzarella sticks, with front or side dispensing options to fit any kitchen setup. For smaller kitchens where every square foot matters, the low-profile, horizontal design allows the unit to fit easily under counters or next to other equipment. “Food waste is an unforeseen but preventable cost for business owners,” Leena says. “Precision is built into Atosa’s automated solutions.”
Contact Contier at (952) 994-8408 for more information or to place an order.
2. Intelligent French Fry Robotic Solution
Leena believes the Intelligent French Fry Robotic Solution is the most representative of the future—and you really have to see it in action to understand to fully appreciate why. So without further ado…
3. Smart Touch Combi Oven
“Is the oven connected to Wi-Fi?” might not be a question you hear every day, but Atosa’s Smart Touch Combi Oven is changing that. It features automated monitoring to maintain cooking temperature and humidity, along with programmable multi-stage cooking and menu options, including facilitating batch cooking and a la carte service. Beyond its enhanced features, Leena says the Smart Touch Combi Oven is a good tool for business owners who want to explore smart kitchen technology without jumping straight to a robotic arm serving french fries.
Contact Contier at (952) 994-8408 for more information or to place an order.
4. The Auto Seasoning and Auto Packaging Solution
The Auto Seasoning and Auto Packaging Solution was developed to address labor shortages in restaurant kitchens. Combining automation with precision, this smart technology features an advanced auto-seasoning module that ensures consistent flavor distribution across french fries, tater tots, chicken nuggets, and other fried products. For Leena, consistency of flavor is crucial in any restaurant kitchen to help guarantee returning customers. The machine can season up to three food items and automates packaging, streamlining operations and reducing labor demands.
Contact Contier at (952) 994-8408 for more information or to place an order.
5. Wing Sauce Master
As the name implies, this solution is to upgrade a restaurant’s sauce-making capabilities. The Sauce Wing Master makes handling sauces easy. It can mix sauces automatically and dispense the exact amount you need, so nothing goes to waste. Its food-safe drums can spin or tilt to mix sauces evenly, every time. Leena says eating saucy food can be messy, but making it doesn’t have to be.
Contact Contier at (952) 994-8408 for more information or to place an order.
For all your commercial kitchen equipment needs, contact Contier. Select brands ship nationwide, and installation is available in the Twin Cities.