Bringing technology to the table

Lacy's Fresh Fare and Catering, nestled in the heart of Justin Hall, has long been alive with the chatter of bustling students behind the counter.

Now, a new kind of hum joins the mix — the gentle whir of robot wheels. Thanks to the restaurant's newest "hire," students in Kansas State University's event and hospitality management program are learning how to blend cutting-edge technology with exceptional service.

Dining innovation, delivered

During HM351: Commercial Food Production Management, students gain hands-on experience in the commercial kitchen at Lacy’s, mastering both foundational practices and emerging trends in the food service industry. One of the newest trends taking restaurants by storm is the use of service robots  —  and while some professionals remain hesitant, K-State faculty are embracing the opportunity to equip students with forward-thinking skills.

Introduced in the fall 2025 semester through grant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Lacy's new service robot, affectionately nicknamed "Wabash Cannonbot", provides students with unique opportunities to practice utilizing service technology in a real-world setting.

“Service technology is meant to complement, not replace, the human workforce,” said Yue Teng Vaughan, assistant professor of event and hospitality management. “It supports what workers are already doing, making their jobs easier and more efficient."

Next-gen service, student led

While on shift at Lacy's, students serve meals to guests in Hoffman Lounge by deploying their code-savvy coworker. Following a preprogrammed route through the simulated restaurant, the robot delivers meals efficiently and accurately, freeing students from back-and-forth trips to the kitchen and allowing them to focus more on guest experience.

"The robot really is a complement to the employee because it extends what they're able to do when serving a guest,” said Kevin Roberts, professor in event and hospitality management. “The main thing we try to focus on with the students is how they can provide guests the best possible interaction with our services, even if it is through a robot."

Beyond real-time operations, students also explore service technology through case studies. These projects span topics such as cost analysis and floor plan design, enabling them to develop a holistic understanding of evaluating the value of technology in operations, considering factors like cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

"There is definitely a learning curve, but that is the goal of having the robot in the class,” Vaughan said. “Now, students will have more confidence operating similar technology in their future careers."

With the Wabash Cannonbot rolling alongside students in Justin Hall, Lacy’s is a stronger, more advanced hospitality testing ground than ever before. By preparing students to deliver dining experiences that are both high-tech and highly personal, K-State is proving that the future of food service isn’t coming someday — it’s already being served.

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