Donatos Pizza is set to open its first fully autonomous restaurant in June at the John Glenn Columbus International Airport in Columbus, Ohio. The initiative is the result of a collaboration between Donatos, its sister company Agápe Automation, and food robotics firm Appetronix. The new location, situated pre-security in front of Concourse B and operated by HMSHost, will utilize robotic technology to prepare and serve made-to-order pizzas around the clock.
The automated kitchen integrates robotics and data science to manage the end-to-end ordering and preparation process, offering travelers a 24/7 dining option without direct human intervention. The concept includes a transparent preparation area that allows customers to view their pizzas being made in real time.
Donatos President and CEO Kevin King stated that the autonomous model is designed to meet the demands of high-traffic environments like airports, where speed and convenience are critical. Appetronix Co-Founder and CEO Nipun Sharma described the restaurant as a shift in the quick service restaurant sector, emphasizing consistency and efficiency through artificial intelligence and robotics.
The Columbus Regional Airport Authority expressed support for the addition, highlighting its alignment with the airport’s strategy to improve the passenger experience through innovative amenities.
The autonomous restaurant aligns with Donatos’ broader strategic efforts, including a focus on technology-driven solutions and operational innovation. Executive Chairwoman Jane Grote Abell and other company leaders emphasized the restaurant’s potential to expand access to Donatos products in locations not traditionally suited for full-service kitchens. According to HMSHost, the new installation also contributes to its goal of enhancing food and beverage offerings for travelers, reflecting a trend toward automation in public-facing food service operations.
