The Automat

The 2021 documentary "The Automat" tells the story of Horn & Hardart, a New York City restaurant chain that inspired Starbucks and was a hub for communal dining and coffee culture in America. The film explores the rise and fall of this iconic business through the perspectives of former customers, including Mel Brooks, who appears as himself alongside other notable figures from the food industry. As America's eating habits changed with the advent of fast food, Horn & Hardart struggled to adapt, leaving behind a lasting legacy.