CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., Dec. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Families visiting the recently-opened Kennedy Outpatient Center at Erlanger Children's Hospital can now enjoy fresh food from Sally the Robot. The robot, located inside the new Choo Choo Cafe, offers vibrant, forward-thinking meals via touchscreen interface.
With a name inspired by Steam Engine 349, a restored 19th century locomotive situated at the entrance of the center, Choo Choo Cafe serves breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. Procured by hospital officials from the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, the goal of Steam Engine 349 is to help children feel less anxious when arriving for treatment. Choo Choo Cafe shares that mission, offering a welcoming, comfortable environment and tasty food for patients, families, and Erlanger employees to enjoy.
In addition to customizable salads and grain bowls from Sally, the cafe offers made-to-order sandwiches and wraps for breakfast and lunch, bagels, gourmet soups, an interactive frozen yogurt machine, and grab-and-go options. It also features a coffee, tea, and soda bar as well as a kids' menu. Customers can order ahead online or via a fast lane kiosk to keep service at a speedy clip. Another bonus when the weather warms up: Choo Choo Cafe will be the only restaurant in the area with outdoor seating.
Created by Silicon Valley-based food robotics company Chowbotics, Tennessee's first and only Sally the Robot offers thousands of custom meal and snack options from any combination of up to 22 ingredients, in addition to chef-crafted, pre-programmed bowls. Sally's proprietary technology also reduces the risk of foodborne illness, as ingredients are kept sanitary and separate. Each of Sally's ingredients is replenished on a regular basis and contained within the robot, greatly reducing the potential for contamination. "Sally is an ideal alternative to a salad bar, especially in and around higher-risk facilities such as hospitals," says Dr. Deepak Sekar, founder and CEO of Chowbotics.
Choo Choo Cafe is donating $1 from every Sally meal sold through the end of the year to Erlanger Children's Hospital, through the Believe Campaign. "We are thrilled to be part of the region's only children's hospital, providing nourishment to those who need it most," says Josh Patton, owner. "In addition to our fresh, tasty menu, we pride ourselves on offering exceptional and quick service in a warm, friendly environment."
SOURCE Choo Choo Cafe
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