Austin restaurant brings in robots amid worker shortage

AUSTIN, Texas — As the major worker shortage continues, some businesses are no longer relying on applicants to fill open positions. KBBQ, a restaurant located in North Austin, recently turned to robots for extra help.

“At first it was because we had the shortage of staff. We’re trying to use the robots to do the service role of the server, so the servers can focus more on the customer rather than tending to the food itself,” said Brian Pae, KBBQ Manager.

KBBQ opened three weeks ago and in that short period of time, the owner and assistant manager said it's been difficult to hire and keep employees.

“Once I find someone who might be interested working here, they won’t show up for an interview, it’s just really difficult. I think the pandemic has impacted it a lot,” said Julianne Le, KBBQ Assistant Manager. “Unfortunately, we’re still short of staff. It’s difficult to find people and also hire people who can provide quality service to our guests.”

KBBQ is one of many restaurants testing out this new service to keep up with demand.

"I've had people tell me, 'they're taking peoples jobs.' But guess what? No, they're not taking anyone's job because no one is showing up, what they are really doing is helping the ones who are really working," said co-owner of Taco Borga and La Duni in Miami, Florida.

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Richtech Robotics currently has 200 robots installed across the United States to help businesses stay afloat during the worker shortage.

“Robots really fill in that gap, providing that service for these small businesses to continue to run,” said Phil Zheng, Richtech Robotics. “This is really going to save a lot of time and a lot of work.”

KBBQ has two robots that deliver food to customers and management said they are looking to buy additional robots to keep up with the demand.

“[The robots] make everyone’s job easier,” said So Pae, Owner of KBBQ.

Rich tech Robotics said the need for robots isn’t just in the restaurant industry. Their robots are also being used at Longhorn Village, an assisted living facility in Austin.