itsu opens robotic ‘store of the future’

Itsu has unveiled its brand new ‘store of the future’ concept using the latest robot technology, which it believes sets a template for high street and fast-food dining to spark a post-Covid recovery. The first site opened in London’s Great Portland Street on 4th September and there are more to follow across the UK.

The new design was completely reimagined in secret during lockdown specifically for today’s coronavirus world. It is the brainchild of itsu founder Julian Metcalfe OBE and was designed to limit touchpoints, and any unnecessary contact with dishes and between staff and customers, in part thanks to the use of sushi robots and digital ordering technology.

Vastly fewer touchpoints
Unlike any other itsu, the Great Portland Street store is completely digital, designed to vastly reduce touchpoints for both customers and staff. There is a single customer collection point and no front-of-house fridge to reduce multi handling. The new order and pay screens use the latest technology with card-only payments, enabling customers’ orders to be placed in under 40 seconds, allowing customers to customise their favourite itsu hot dishes simply.

Sushi robots from Japan
Further developments to futureproof itsu’s on-site kitchen include new maki and nigiri sushi robots from Japan, designed to guarantee consistency, productivity and consistent results. Traditionally, sushi chefs mould nigiri by hand, but itsu’s advanced robot technology removes unnecessary handling, decreases food wastage and increases speed time for production, as one robot can make 4,800 pieces in an hour.

Over 70% of dishes under 500 calories
itsu’s latest and healthiest menu item is the anti-fried food solution now being promoted by the government to combat obesity and help the nation become more resilient to the risks of Covid-19. With over 70% of dishes being under 500 calories, more than at any other itsu, this new menu has been designed with health and good nutrition in mind, and built around the premise that healthy food does not have to be bland and boring. All hot dishes will be steamed and include strong flavours with steamed wholegrain brown rice bowls, noodle bowls with fragrant Asian-inspired broths, detox soups and our steamed gyoza. What’s more, over a third of the menu is now plant-based.

Metcalfe said: “I’ll put in whatever it takes to continue itsu’s success despite the obstacles posed by Covid. Little expense has been spared on this store of the future – it’s top-class stuff which would not look out of place in Kyoto. It’s far more than a business, it’s an absolute crusade. Not since the 50s has fast food caught up with changing tastes and nutrition needs. It’s a start. We will lead and many will follow.”