HONOLULU (KHON2) — From mobile ordering to AI chatbots, restaurants are looking to tech to help serve their patrons. And with continued staffing shortages, that reliance does not seem to be letting up.
This is not the first time the need for innovation changed the restaurant experience, though.
Back in 1968, 24-year-old Fumio Saito “created the concept of ‘kaiten sushi’” which Genki Sushi became famous and loved for.
The concept of kaiten sushi, which uses a conveyor belt to serve customers, was well received and moved quickly through Japan.
Genki Sushi was established in 1992 and they brought their innovative sushi restaurants to Hawaii in 1993.
There are now 12 locations throughout the Hawaiian islands, including Kahului, Kailua-Kona, Lihue and Hilo as well as one in Washington state.
They have continued to lead with innovation and creativity, with their (Shinkansen) express train, which delivers your food fresh as you order making for a fun dining experience.
“Genki’s operating model in the kitchen is very unique compared to conventional Kaiten sushi restaurants,” the company told KHON2.com. “Because our system is like a ‘Made to Order system.’ Once we receive orders from customers, we start making sushi and foods freshly.”