Hire a Human, Not a Robot

I saw this picture on Facebook last night. Redcrab opened a new restaurant in our local mall.
 
The reviews were great, and I love fresh Seafood, so eventually I will pay the spot a visit. But I was saddened by this picture.
 
Evidently, the Franchise promotes fresh and customized seafood; we all agree it is very courageous for any business person to invest their life-savings to open a new #venture during these unsettling times. On the positive note, new businesses bring new jobs. They promote local #tourism and move the economy in a positive way.
 
So, why am I sad? Look closely and you will see that the restaurant is using a mechanical waiter to deliver food to the #customers. It’s a GIMMICK, but that's also one less job available to an out-of-work person. We've already replaced too many #entryleveljobs with #cashless check-out, #self-service lines, Amazon, eBay and automated receptionists.
 
Some will respond that no one wants to work; one of the first questions I hear in my job search is "are you willing to come to an office?" However, this trend existed before COVID-19 and now the public and economy are suffering. Longer lines at stores, post offices, Banks, and fast-food chains.
 
The restaurant industry has been one of the hardest hit during the pandemic. Costs for food and gas have made it difficult for #smallbusinessowner to turn a #profit. Some tried to salvage their declining indoor dining, by using delivery services such as Grubhub and DoorDash. Others have amped up their #specialevents. Boozy Brunches, #trivia nights, Karaoke, and music provided by cover bands or DJs are no longer reserved for Saturday evenings at the bar.
 
This should necessitate the need for cooks, greeters, bartenders, bus and waitstaff. My college-aged son has worked in the restaurant INDUSTRY since he was a junior in high school.
 
During the pandemic, he worked long hours at a local family-owned establishment. He answered phones, mopped floors, bused tables, delivered outbound orders, helped with food prep, and eventually became a waiter. After the previous manager quit, he took on that role until he went back to school in August.

When he learned that his boss was contemplating closing for three days to host a family wedding, because of lack of staff, he came home from college and worked three 12-hour days, to keep things afloat for the owners. He answered phones, waited tables, and went to the bank to deposit the day's proceeds. 

A robot can't do that.