Automated Retail Technologies and Evolvending Partner to Expand 24/7 Dining in U.S. Airports

The collaboration aims to bring high-quality, automated food options to airport travelers and staff around the clock.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:29pm

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A sleek, modern self-service kiosk made of polished stainless steel and glass, with a glowing touchscreen display, placed on a clean, white seamless background and using dramatic studio lighting to represent the advanced technology and efficiency of automated dining solutions.Automated dining kiosks bring high-quality, contactless food options to airport travelers and staff around the clock.Fort Myers Today

Automated Retail Technologies (ART) and Evolvending, a leader in automated dining across U.S. airports, have announced a strategic partnership to expand 24/7 automated dining options in airports nationwide. The collaboration will pair ART's Just Baked Smart Bistro kiosks, which prepare hot, made-to-order meals in under two minutes, with Evolvending's expertise in operating automated dining networks in high-traffic airport environments. The companies have already launched units at several airports, with plans to expand to additional locations in the coming quarter.

Why it matters

As airports look to improve operational efficiency and expand dining access for travelers and staff, automated dining platforms are becoming a key part of next-generation concession strategies. This partnership between ART and Evolvending aims to deliver a scalable solution that provides reliable, high-quality food options around the clock, addressing the growing demand for contactless and labor-efficient dining solutions in airports.

The details

The collaboration will see Evolvending customizing ART's Just Baked Smart Bistro platform with a growing lineup of nationally recognized brands and dayparts, including White Castle, Wow Bao, Amish Pretzel Co. by Ben's Soft Pretzels, and additional hot foods and dessert concepts. Evolvending will operate and manage each location, ensuring seamless integration within airport terminals while maintaining high standards of food quality and service.

  • The companies have already launched units at Boston Logan International Airport, Southwest Florida International Airport (Fort Myers), and Charleston International Airport.
  • The companies are planning to expand to three additional airport locations in the coming quarter.

The players

Automated Retail Technologies (ART)

A leading provider of hot food automation for the food service industry, based in Sarasota, Florida. Its Just Baked platform powers self-service kiosks that prepare fresh, hot meals quickly and consistently.

Evolvending

A leader in modern automated retail, delivering innovative, self-service food and beverage solutions designed for today's on-the-go travelers. The company operates across high-traffic transportation hubs, including airports, train stations, and travel plazas.

David Chessler

Founder of Automated Retail Technologies.

Valentina Ellison

CEO of Evolvending.

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What they’re saying

“Airport guests and staff need consistent, high-quality food options beyond traditional dining hours. Our partnership with Evolvending combines advanced automation with operational excellence, creating a scalable solution that delivers speed, reliability, and a great guest experience.”

— David Chessler, Founder of Automated Retail Technologies

“Our partnership with Automated Retail Technologies is designed for speed and scale. With strong performance across our initial airport deployments, we're moving quickly to expand into additional major airports in the U.S. — bringing reliable, high-quality automated dining to travelers nationwide, 24 hours a day.”

— Valentina Ellison, CEO of Evolvending

What’s next

The companies are actively expanding their airport footprint, with plans to launch in three additional airport locations in the coming quarter.

The takeaway

This partnership between Automated Retail Technologies and Evolvending represents a innovative approach to addressing the growing demand for reliable, high-quality dining options in airports around the clock. By combining advanced automation with operational expertise, the companies aim to deliver a scalable solution that improves efficiency and enhances the traveler experience.