2024 Revival Report

136 years ago, on December 22, 1888, Joseph Horn and Frank Hardart opened a small, 14-stool restaurant in Philadelphia. It was humble, but it sparked something extraordinary. Over the next century, Horn & Hardart became a beloved name, thanks to the magic of the Automat.

Fast forward to today: We’re on a mission to bring that magic back. But this isn’t just about reviving a brand—it’s about honoring a legacy that made so many people feel connected, excited, and cared for.

Why Horn & Hardart Matters

For decades, the Automat was a special part of everyday life in Philly and New York. Families, friends, and neighbors came together over a warm meal they could afford, served in a space that felt welcoming to everyone. Whether it was a hearty lunch or a treat after a long day, Horn & Hardart wasn’t just about food—it was about moments.

But by the late-1900s, the tides shifted. Consumer habits changed, and missteps behind the scenes led to a decline in quality. By 1991, Horn & Hardart was gone.

How the Revival Began

We’re a small, multigenerational team of Automat enthusiasts. While most of us are too young to have had the opportunity to experience the Automat ourselves, the history deeply resonated with us. In 2023, we embarked on this journey to revive Horn & Hardart, starting with coffee as a way to gauge interest and build momentum.

2024 Highlights

A Growing Coffee Community: Automat Coffee is shipping across all 50 states. As sales have grown, so has our buying power, allowing us to lower our costs. Since the beginning of 2024 we were able to reduce the price of our coffee, making it more accessible and competitive.

Collaborations: A special moment this year was partnering with Marianne Hardart, co-author of The Automat: The History, Recipes, and Allure of Horn & Hardart’s Masterpiece. She provided us with a very limited release of The Automat book, which sold out in an astonishing 1 minute.

Moments of Recognition: Media outlets like the New York Post and Philadelphia Inquirer shared our story, and a glowing review from The Kitchn brought an incredible influx of new customers. We sold out of inventory within 48 hours!

Progress Toward the Automat: The dream of reopening the Automat is coming into sharper focus. In 2024, we clarified the financial path forward and gained a deeper understanding of how to adapt this iconic concept for today’s world. Our efforts are now centered on finding like-minded investors who share our vision of reviving the Automat.

Looking Ahead to 2025

We feel so much positive momentum heading into 2025. Every day, we hear from people who share their memories of Horn & Hardart or express excitement about discovering it for the first time. That blend of nostalgia and fresh curiosity fuels everything we do.

There’s still a lot of work ahead, but we’re more determined than ever. 

Thank You for Believing in This Revival

Whether you’re brewing Automat Coffee every morning, sharing your memories with us, or cheering us on from afar, you are part of this story.

Thank you for being on this journey with us. 

Here’s to an even brighter 2025, full of progress and maybe even a few surprises along the way.