Horn & Hardart History: 8 Common Questions Answered
From the first Philadelphia restaurant to the last New York Automat, here are answers to some common questions about Horn & Hardart.
1. What does Horn & Hardart mean?
The company was named after its founders, Joseph Horn and Frank Hardart. They opened their first restaurant together in Philadelphia in 1888 and incorporated the Horn & Hardart Baking Company in 1898.
2. What was a Horn & Hardart Automat?
An Automat was a machine that displayed prepared food behind small glass doors. Customers inserted coins, opened a door, and took the dish they wanted. Read more about how the Automat worked.
3. Was there an Automat in Philadelphia?
Yes. Horn & Hardart opened the first Automat in the United States on June 9, 1902, at 818 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia. The company later operated Automats, cafeterias, restaurants, and retail shops throughout the Philadelphia area. Explore our Philadelphia locations list.
4. Where were the Horn & Hardart locations in New York City?
The first New York City Automat opened at 1557 Broadway in Times Square in 1912. Horn & Hardart went on to operate locations across the city. Our New York locations list shows Automat cafeterias, restaurants, and shops listed as of 1955.
5. What coffee did Horn & Hardart serve?
Frank Hardart brought a French-drip style of coffee to Philadelphia after learning the method in New Orleans. Freshly brewed coffee was part of Horn & Hardart from its earliest days and became one of the things customers remembered most. Read the story of Horn & Hardart coffee.
6. Why did Horn & Hardart close?
Management missteps, changing dining habits, and growing competition from fast-food chains all contributed to Horn & Hardart’s decline. The Philadelphia-based Horn & Hardart Baking Company filed for bankruptcy in 1981.
7. When did the last Horn & Hardart Automat close?
The last Horn & Hardart Automat closed in April 1991 at 42nd Street and Third Avenue in New York City, nearly 80 years after the company opened its first New York Automat.
8. Is Horn & Hardart coming back?
Yes. We began bringing Horn & Hardart back with Automat Coffee. Our goal reaches beyond coffee: we’re working toward a broader revival that includes the Automat. Read more in our story
