In a bold move that could redefine the convenience store experience, Re-Up LLC is embracing cutting-edge robotic technology to elevate its food service offerings. The Miami Beach, Florida-based company is partnering with Nala Robotics to install autonomous robotic chefs, known as Wingman, in a variety of its convenience store locations across the state.

The Wingman robots are autonomous fry stations that can seamlessly integrate into any restaurant or commercial food service operation. Right now, Re-Up has opened nine convenience stores and is in the process of opening more than 30 others, with plans to roll out the Wingman robots in strategic locations, starting with its store in Melbourne, Florida, just a mile and a half from the Melbourne Orlando International Airport.

Michael Salafia, CEO of Re-Up, sees this partnership as a game-changer for the convenience store industry. "At Re-Up, we took the Wingman, and we have a modified version specifically for doing the concession food services that operate inside of our convenience store," he explained. "So, for our network of stores, our most popular food items already are fried chicken tenders, french fries, and chicken wings. Those are the three top-selling items that go in the deep fryer. So, we've made a smaller menu that just focuses on those."

The decision to embrace robotic chefs comes as customers' expectations for convenience stores and gas stations have evolved significantly in recent years. Gone are the days when customers were content with pre-packaged snacks and beverages; today, they demand hot, fresh food options that can compete with traditional fast-food establishments.

"When you see these gas stations that don't have some kind of hot food program, those businesses are typically struggling," Salafia noted. "It's an important part of the viability of success for this business."

By partnering with Nala Robotics, Re-Up aims to stay ahead of the curve, offering customers freshly prepared, fully customizable fried chicken, french fries, and other menu items on demand, quickly, easily, and without human intervention. Nala Robotics' fully automated system can handle every part of the frying process, from breading to frying, tossing, and packing, ensuring consistent quality and adherence to the highest cleanliness and safety standards.

"At that property, we have a small convenience store and a large piece of land. So, we actually bought a 24-foot food trailer, and we're cooking all the food inside of there," Salafia explained. "And then once every 15 minutes during the lunch rush, somebody comes in, and they bring [the food] into the convenience store."

This innovative approach not only enhances food quality and efficiency but also introduces a novel element that Re-Up hopes will attract and excite customers. "A big motivation going into this is the novelty. It's the draw," Salafia said. "And we're expecting this to bring a lot of customers into the store just because it's exciting and new."

Nala Robotics' AI-enabled virtual kitchens are equipped with advanced sensors, precision cooking mechanisms, and machine learning algorithms, allowing the robotic chefs to autonomously, consistently, and efficiently prepare a wide range of menu items around the clock without human intervention.

For Re-Up, the benefits extend beyond novelty and customer satisfaction. Salafia highlighted the potential cost savings and workforce stability that robotic chefs can provide. "After two years, you would break even on the cost of full-time employees," he said. "However, you gain 100% consistency on all of your food. So, I would personally be willing to pay more to have the food safety risk just dramatically lowered."

With the success of this initial rollout, Re-Up envisions a future where robotic technology plays an even more significant role in its operations. The company is considering the possibility of fully automated convenience stores in select areas, where cameras and AI technology would track customers' selections and automatically charge them upon exit, eliminating the need for traditional checkout processes.

As the convenience store industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing consumer preferences, Re-Up's embrace of robotic chefs from Nala Robotics positions the company at the forefront of a paradigm shift. By leveraging cutting-edge technology to offer fresh, high-quality food options with unparalleled efficiency and consistency, Re-Up is redefining the convenience store dining experience, setting a new standard for the industry and showcasing the transformative potential of robotics in the world of food service.