Encouraged with the response from its first Food Box, Atchayam founders are now planning units at Chennai central station and the airport to add to the ones at DLF IT park and Koyambedu.

In a first of its kind food-joint, three Chennai based entrepreneurs have started what they’re calling a “Food Box”. Just 200 metres off the Koyambedu bus depot in Chennai stands the Atchayam Food Box. Customers queue up like they do in front of an ATM machine and order pre-determined food combinations.

And within 90 seconds, piping hot food in neat packaging slides out of the dispenser, removing human intervention in the entire food packaging and delivery process.

Satish Chamy Velumani, founder and CEO, Atchayam Foodbox says, “Food box brings unparalleled convenience to customers. It’s not just a machine but a revolution in good packing and delivery. The food box is compact and convenient. Consumers can stand in the queue to receive their order and go upstairs where they can dine.”

So, how does it work? On receiving an order, the combo number is sent to a computer that directs a robotic arm to pick the right box from cold storage. A conveyor belt takes it to the microwave oven and then to the dispenser. The Food Box accommodates 227 packs and offers 25 combos from chains like Adyar Anandha Bhavan, Amaravathi, Karaikudi and MR Chows.

Ramesh Narayan, co-founder and CFO, Atchayam Foodbox says, “Investment was in R and D. We are still researching on the techniques. Total investment is Rs 5 crore. We are planning on multiple versions of it. It’s just a beginning.

Encouraged with the response from its first Food Box, Atchayam founders are now planning units at Chennai central station and the airport to add to the ones at DLF IT park and Koyambedu. The longer-term plan is to go national and so, the next time you’re traveling in Chennai, you now know where to grab a bite.

source: http://www.moneycontrol.com / MoneyControl.com / Home> News> Business / by Poornima Murali, Reporter CNBC-TV18 / March 18th, 2014