Frank Hardart

Frank Hardart, Sr.

Frank Hardart tombstone

Frank Hardart (1850–1918) was a pioneering figure in the American food service industry, best known for co-founding the Horn & Hardart company, which established one of the first automat restaurants in the United States. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Hardart's innovations in the food service industry have left a lasting legacy, particularly in the cities of Philadelphia and New York City, where the Horn & Hardart automats became cultural icons.

Early Life

Frank Hardart was born in 1850 in New Orleans. Little is known about his early life before he ventured into the restaurant business. His journey into the food industry began with a simple coffee shop, which laid the foundation for his future endeavors in automated dining.

Horn & Hardart and the Automat

In 1888, Frank Hardart partnered with Joseph Horn to open a restaurant in Philadelphia. This partnership was the beginning of what would become the Horn & Hardart Baking Company. The duo was inspired by the automat concept they observed in Europe, particularly in Berlin, and aimed to replicate this model in the United States.

The first Horn & Hardart Automat opened in Philadelphia in 1902, revolutionizing the American dining experience. The automat was a cafeteria where food and drinks were vended from coin-operated machines. The concept was simple yet innovative: customers inserted coins into slots to open glass doors and retrieve their food, which was freshly prepared behind the scenes.

Innovation and Expansion

Hardart was instrumental in adapting the European automat concept to suit American tastes and preferences. Under his guidance, Horn & Hardart automats became known for quality food at affordable prices, cleanliness, and efficiency. The success of the Philadelphia location led to the opening of the first New York City automat in 1912, marking the beginning of a significant expansion.

The automats became popular for their democratic nature; they were spaces where people from all walks of life could dine side by side. Hardart's vision extended beyond just the mechanics of the automat; he also focused on the quality of the food, ensuring that dishes were prepared with care and precision.

Legacy

Frank Hardart's contributions to the food service industry were significant. When he passed away in 1918, he left behind a legacy of innovation and quality that would influence the American dining scene for decades. The Horn & Hardart brand continued to thrive until the late 20th century, with the last automat closing its doors in 1991.

The concept of the automat has seen a resurgence in recent years, with modern iterations drawing inspiration from the original Horn & Hardart establishments. Frank Hardart's pioneering spirit lives on in these new ventures, as a new generation discovers the convenience and charm of automat dining.

See Also

• Automat
• Horn & Hardart
• History of American Restaurants