A Habanero restaurant surprises with the automation of its servicessomething that, although common in many parts of the world, is “a complicated commitment” in Cuba due to the blackouts and the lack of maintenance parts, as stressed by a Report of The Associated Press.
Digitized menu, the virtual assistant Alexa at the tables to help diners, a bathroom with baskets that open without touching them and even a robot that carries the food are the characteristics of Doña Aliciaa restaurant located in the municipality Centro Habana.
The restaurant, which is located in Reina and Belascoaínopened seven years ago and was gradually becoming more technological, points the report of the journalist Andrea Rodríguez.
First at the tables, tablets were installed, then Alexa’s services were added and finally reached the living room herself “Doña Alicia”, who is named after a grandmother of the establishment ownerin Robot version. That way food comes to the tables, alternating with human waiters.
The diners are treated from the screens attached to their spaces, the report points out.
The orders are sent to the kitchen where orders are virtually controlled. A green application is in order and a red is behind, which puts the staff in a rapid execution line.
If one is not very skilled with technology, a human waiter comes to his aid.
They order a typically Cuban food menu such as pork, pasta and dessert steak. It is also possible to ask for some of the bar, such as a mojito aromatic or a fresh Daiquirí.
According to the report, prices are in tune with the letters of other private restaurants, not so accessible to the Middle Cuban.
Falls in connection and blackouts
The report recalls that although Internet started in Cuba in 1996, access was expensive and limited due to US sanctions. In addition, the service was anchored to fixed telephony.
Only in 2018 the mobile Internet service was opened and there are currently 7.5 million connected users, a little more than 70% of the Cuban population.
Even so, There are frequent falls in the connection, mainly due to the energy crisis. For restaurant employees, despite the context, they are going forward with the service.
“We have noticed a change, children already find it interesting, a (robotic) assistant who takes food to the table … makes you feel a new sensation,” said Yadiel Hernández, manager of “Doña Alicia.”
He added that “we have achieved more scope in other customers and makes us make a difference … people are looking for quality, comfort in the service and that adds a plus.”
