Abstract: A system includes: an entrance accepting unit configured to accept a seat-waiting request from a customer and store the request as acceptance information; a vacant seat processing unit configured to set any seat among a plurality of seats that has become vacant, as a vacant seat in association with seat information relating to the seat; a seat setting unit configured to associate the seat-waiting information with seat information relating to a vacant seat in a predetermined order under a predetermined condition when any seat among the seats for customers has been set as the vacant seat by the vacant seat processing unit; and a start setting unit configured to record eating and/or drinking start information that indicates start of eating and/or drinking in association with the seat information upon the acceptance information being associated with the seat information by the seat setting unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a restaurant system (2), comprising a) at least one working area (3) for cooking and/or preparing meals and/or beverages, b) at least one customer area (4), in particular with one or more tables (5) for restaurant customers, c) working area (3) and customer area (4) being connected via a transport system (6) for meals and/or beverages, d) the transport system (6) being designed to transport meals and/or beverages from the working area (3) to the customer area (4), and e) the transport of meals and/or beverages from the working area (3) to the customer area (4) via the transport system (6) taking place, at least in some sections, by means of gravity.

Abstract: A railroad theme restaurant with educational and entertainment aspects is provided, housed in a round building structure, having a model train food delivery system running on a network of model train tracks configured to service numerous seating modules for the rapid and accurate delivery of food orders to restaurant patrons. The model train food delivery system incorporates novel insulated insets to accommodate the transport of various food dishes and drink containers from a food preparation area to the dining tables. An inset storage area and loading dock facilitates the rapid loading of food orders and unloading of empty insets. Restaurant employees assume the titles, dress and mannerisms of railroad yard workers as they perform their regular duties adding to an overall interesting and fun atmosphere. The railroad track network is controlled by numerous electric switches and electronic sensors which detect the position of trains and direct the movement of food delivery train cars and returning trains.

Abstract: A system for serving and collecting items on board an aircraft includes a track located overhead and a container assembly that is pendently supported from that track. The container assembly includes a handle for manually moving the assembly and a motorized unit. The motorized unit also includes a circuit for causing the assembly to stop according to a preprogrammed sequence and to return to a galley area.

Abstract: A conveying system is provided, which is particularly designed to convey food over a traffic lane to another traffic lane. The system includes a track extending from inside the restaurant, over the adjoining traffic lane or lanes, to a food-receiving station. A chain-driven trolley is coupled to the track and carries a leveling basket for holding the food or other material being conveyed. In the preferred form, the track includes a high-density, polymer plastic defining two chain-receiving parallel grooves and a third, enlarged, parallel groove. The trolley includes a pair of spaced, track-riders shiftably received in the enlarged groove and coupled to one loop of the chain. Preferably, the trolley includes a basket-locking mechanism and the food-receiving station includes an inclined shoulder. The locking mechanism unlocks before the basket reaches the food-receiving station such that upon reaching the food-receiving station the basket contacts the inclined shoulder, pivoting outwardly towards the customer.