Hi-tech restaurant works without waiters!

London, Apr 9 (UNI) Ever thought of a waiter-less restaurant? A German amateur chef has designed an automated eatery where customers make orders through computers.

The restaurant, in the southern town of Nuremberg, Germany has become such a hit with Germans since it opened that its owner says it is now booked for weeks in advance.

''On weekends we are booked out five times a day,'' said owner and inventor Michael Mack. ''People have a lot of fun, it's a real event,'' he added.

'S Baggers has tables fitted with touch screen computers which customers use to send orders directly to a kitchen installed above them, underneath the restaurant's roof.

The human chefs there whip up the order before placing the finished dish on an ingenious rail system, which uses the power of gravity to guide the order unerringly to the customer who placed it.

Mr Mack said he first came up with idea 10 years ago while rushing to and from his kitchen while serving guests at a dinner party.

He has now patented the system and fielded interest from abroad, as well as the world's biggest fast food chains, he said.

''The restaurant is not a glorified fast-food joint, and said customers could use their screens to inspect the organic ingredients in every meal, or even send emails or text messages, he insisted.

Mr Mack informed he was planning to open a second automated restaurant next year.

''People will get more service, better food and more comfort for less money - thanks to the efficiency,'' the Daily Telegraph quoted him as saying.

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