The Kiosk

Sometimes they are not meant to be.

The ordering kiosks had been in place for well over two years at Richard’s favorite fast food restaurant. He never liked them, didn’t trust them, and preferred human interaction. Mainly, he had never used one before and didn’t want to feel like a complete fool trying to figure it out while others waited behind him.

For three weeks, though, the restaurant had been closed for repairs. When Richard walked over to the ordering area, he noticed less space for ordering and more for pickup and delivery. The remodel was not for the customers, but for the staff to be more efficient.

Still looking around for a cashier, Richard stepped up to the register that seemed to be on. An older lady moseyed up to the register, punched in a few keys, and greeted Richard, “Welcome. I don’t know if you’re aware of this, but we’ve updated our kiosk and ordering process, and it’s completely user friendly.”

“Okay. But I’m standing here right now. Can I still order?”

“Oh absolutely. I’m ready when you are.”

After he placed his order and paid, the cashier asked, “Sir, is there a reason you refuse to use the kiosk? Management is trying to determine hesitations to upgraded technology.”

Richard nodded a few times and said, “Fair question. I like interacting with people. Interacting with a machine is just not the same. If I get my order wrong, it’d be difficult for me to back out. That’s why I let competent cashiers take my order. I let them worry about mistakes and such. Plus, I’m tired of all the upgrades people and companies make. Upgrade the phones, the computers, the software, the cars, the kitchens, the bathrooms. Everything’s fine. Let’s leave it the way it is. Why change a good thing?”

The cashier smiled, leaned forward, and said, “Off the record, I totally agree, but management doesn’t think so. Just needed to get our customer’s take on it. Your order will be up in a few minutes. Put the table marker on your table and I’ll personally bring your food to you.”

“And if I can help it,” the cashier said. “I’ll never let a robot deliver your food. By then, I should be long gone.”

“You and me both, my friend. You and me both.”

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