Nickel Throwers: The Coin-Slinging Stars of Horn & Hardart's Automat

In the heyday of Horn & Hardart Automats, a unique figure emerged as an unexpected star of the dining experience: the "nickel thrower." These skilled cashiers were more than just money handlers; they were an integral part of the Automat's charm and efficiency.

The Heart of the Automat

Picture this: It is 1935 and you've just stepped into a vast, gleaming hall of an Automat Cafeteria and the promise of a quick, delicious meal. But before you can access the food behind those tiny glass doors, you need the right currency – nickels, and lots of them.

Enter the nickel thrower. Stationed in glass booths at the center of the room, these cashiers – often women – were the first point of contact for hungry patrons. Their job? To rapidly exchange larger denominations for the all-important five-cent pieces that powered the Automat.

A Mesmerizing Display of Skill

What set nickel throwers apart was their incredible dexterity and speed. With fingers tipped in rubber for better grip, they could count out change faster than the eye could follow. Customers watched in fascination as these cashiers splayed out the exact number of nickels for a quarter or dollar bill with seemingly effortless precision.

The nickel throwers' skill was so remarkable that it became a spectacle in itself. Patrons would often pause to watch the rapid-fire exchange of coins before moving on to select their meals.

Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future

As we revive Horn & Hardart we strive to honor the spirit of customer service that the legendary nickel throwers embodied.  Their skillful coin exchanges were more than transactions—they were the opening act to a unique dining experience. 

Here's to the unsung heroes who kept the nickels flowing and the Automats humming!