Film-on-the-Farm: “The Automat” Screening with Filmmaker, Lisa Hurwitz

Saturday, August 26th, 8:30pm

Once upon a nickel, before fast food, one American restaurant empire was unstoppable.

Experience the untold story of “The Automat,” a documentary film directed by Lisa Hurwitz and starring Mel Brooks.

"The Automat" tells the inspiring 100-year story of Horn & Hardart, the restaurant chain founded in 1888 that operated the first food service automats in New York City & Philadelphia.  Generations of Americans ate and drank coffee at communal tables at their infamous locations

These iconic restaurants served food and drinks from coin-operated vending machines—customers would put nickels into slots, turn a knob, and open a little glass door to get their food. Automats were popular not only with celebrities and struggling artists, but also with those who were often not welcome at other restaurants, including immigrants, the working class, Blacks, and women.

Featuring interviews with Mel Brooks, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Colin Powell, Carl Reiner, and many others, “The Automat” is a fascinating and nostalgic look at an important part of America's food history and culture.

I first saw this film at the Fredonia Film Festival and I was immediately smitten with love for this story and the ways it inspires me as a history-lover, foodie and entrepreneur. I had the gift of visiting the last Automat in NYC when I was a kid and fell in love with it instantly. You can hear more about the film and why I love it in my interview with filmmaker, Lisa Hurwitz, on my Women in Food Podcast (available on your favorite podcast app or at the link).

The film is 79 minutes with the director, Lisa Hurwitz, here to discuss the movie and answer questions from the audience.

We’ll have snacks available for purchase from some of our favorite local food makers or bring your own basket.

Just add a picnic blanket and you are good to go.

PAY WHAT YOU WANT TICKETS