Open Lockers Launches Automated Pickup System in NYC
A new smart locker installation at Shaver Hall aims to streamline restaurant takeout and delivery workflows.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Dining Out
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Do you prefer using automated locker systems for restaurant pickups instead of counter handoffs?
Open Lockers has introduced an automated smart locker system in New York City designed to manage restaurant order pickups. The technology uses touchscreen-equipped lockers and unique access codes to facilitate secure, contactless retrieval for customers and drivers.
Why it matters
The system aims to reduce congestion at restaurant counters and minimize order mix-ups. By automating the hand-off process, restaurants can allow staff to prioritize dine-in service while lowering overall labor requirements.
The pilot installation at 424 Fifth Ave. in Manhattan features a 24-locker unit equipped with touchscreen displays. A future location for Backyard Burgers in Kissimmee, Florida, will be outfitted with an eight-locker system.
The players
Open Lockers
This company holds patents for smart food locker designs, touchscreen-equipped doors, and text-based retrieval technologies.
Backyard Burgers
This restaurant brand is scheduled to install an eight-locker system at an upcoming location in Kissimmee, Florida.
The details
Restaurant staff place completed orders into the lockers, which remain secure until the customer or delivery driver enters a unique access code. The platform integrates directly with restaurant point-of-sale systems to manage the retrieval process and provide real-time order information via the unit's display.
Timeline
October 20, 2026: Open Lockers introduced the automated restaurant pickup system.
Culture Shift
This move reflects a growing industry trend toward off-premises order automation to optimize floor space and staff efficiency. It positions the technology as a solution to the long-standing friction between high-volume digital ordering and traditional front-of-house service models.
Manhattan residents and delivery drivers using the 424 Fifth Ave. location can expect a faster, contactless pickup experience for their orders. The system eliminates the need to wait in line for counter service, provided the order notification has been received.
The takeaway
Automated locker systems represent a significant change in how restaurants manage the increasing volume of takeout and third-party delivery requests. Diners should look for these smart units as potential pickup points to avoid the common wait times associated with traditional restaurant counters.
Further reading
For more on the latest trends in the local food scene, see our New York City Dining Out section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KIOSK marketplace.
Live Poll
Do you prefer using automated locker systems for restaurant pickups instead of counter handoffs?
