The Automat
The 100-year story of the iconic restaurant chain Horn & Hardart, the inspiration for Starbucks, where generations of Americans ate and drank coffee together at communal tables. From the perspective of former customers, we watch a business climb to its peak success and then grapple with fast food in a forever changed America.
Watch NowCast
Mel Brooks
Self
Carl Reiner
Self
Elliott Gould
Self
Howard Schultz
Self
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Self
Colin Powell
Self
Ron Barrett
Self
Jack Benny
Self (archive footage)
George Coe
Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
You May Also Like
movieJohn Candy: I Like Me
2025
movieMaking Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound
2019
movieCome See Me in the Good Light
2025
movie9/11: Inside the President's War Room
2021
movieFood, Inc.
2008
moviePublic Speaking
2011
moviePoisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food
2023
movieDjango & Django: Sergio Corbucci Unchained
2021
movieAvatar: The Deep Dive - A Special Edition of 20/20
2022
movieMy Mom Jayne
2025
movieHarmontown
2014
movieWho Are You, Charlie Brown?
2021
movieDaft Punk Unchained
2015
movieRoadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain
2021
movieBeyond Infinity: Buzz and the Journey to Lightyear
2022
movieMarvel: 75 Years, from Pulp to Pop!
2014
movieDirected by John Ford
1971
movieFuck
2006
movieSecret Origin: The Story of DC Comics
2010
movieSuper Size Me
2004