Airport Experience® News - Customer Service Issue 2024

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wenty years ago, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) became the first U.S. airport to house a robotic coffee offering, which at the time was by Briggo Coffee and operated by Delaware North . Briggo Coffee was purchased by Costa Coffee (owned by Coca Cola ) in 2020 and Delaware North has worked closely with the brand to test new iterations of the Briggo robotic machines at AUS, the latest of which is called Studio (previously Creations). Those will open at AUS’s gates 11 and 16 in November. “Through rigorous testing, continuous innovation and close collaboration with airport authorities, we’ve delivered a product that streamlines operations and drives revenue for operators while wowing consumers with its futuristic design and delicious coffee beverages,” says Nick Rex, senior director at Costa Coffee. “Studio is a fully autonomous coffee system that offers an infinite number of high-quality espresso drinks, both hot and cold, all crafted using 100-percent freshly ground whole beans and a choice of dairy or alternative milk options. Studio serves each beverage fully cupped and lidded, ready to be enjoyed on the go, perfect for travelers carrying their bags in the terminal. It can also operate independently for up to seven days, ensuring that even the busiest travelers can enjoy a premium coffee experience without the need for human intervention.” AUS spokesperson Lesly Ramirez says that the robot barista concept has proven successful at the airport throughout the years

Top, Above: Costa Coffee will debut its newest robotic coffee innovation, Studio, in Austin Bergstrom International Airport this year. A more sophisticated take on the brand’s Smart Café, the Studio machine has the capability to make a wide range of hot and cold coffee drinks.

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AX NEWS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2024