[grumpygresh]

What about those self service cafeterias they had in the 50s? I think we are going to see a lot more automation with an eye towards eliminating checkout positions, and possibly robotic stocking. Just keep an armed guard at the odor to see that things don’t get out of hand.

[Vince Ferrer]

What about those self service cafeterias they had in the 50s?

Do you mean Automats?

Buffet style restaurants have an advantage under Obamacare, as they outsource more labor to the customer. A SouporSalad type restaurant is probably more competitive labor wise than McDonald's.

There will also be a flurry of smartphone apps for these types of stores, because by having a smartphone app for ordering/payment, they can outsource more of the labor to you. Expect to see apps and special lines for pickup with a better deal to encourage their use.

Also, it doesn't take any technology to simply reorganize the company differently, and shed individual restaurants to small business owners, and just sell the franchise brand.