The digital technology revolution has transformed computers, televisions, radios and cameras. Companies are pouring considerable resources into improving the mechanics, adding silicon chips to brewing systems and turning espresso machines into superautomated whiz-bangs that can operate without a barista's skillful hand. Mechanical parts that are prone to breakdowns now can be replaced by a single control board.
Fewer parts mean the machines last longer.
They expect to recover the cost in maintenance savings. Still quite new to the market, this next generation of brewers has been tried by few restaurant and foodservice operations. And each of the chain's 10 restaurants scheduled for 1998 will incorporate the new brewers as part of the start-up equipment. It beats the heck out of keeping a barista on staff.