Chandigarh’s Sukhna Lake has become the talk of the town, not just for its scenic beauty but for introducing North India’s first-ever ‘Pizza ATM.’ Installed by the Chandigarh Industrial and Tourism Development Corporation (CITCO), this innovative vending machine can whip up a delicious pizza in just three minutes, adding a dash of culinary excitement to the picturesque surroundings.
The brainchild behind this unique concept, Dr. Rohit Sharma, licensee of iMatrix World Wide, revealed that the inspiration for the Pizza ATM came from France. However, due to the initial cost, they decided to build the machine themselves at their Mohali-based factory. This pizza vending machine, the first of its kind in North India and currently the only operational one in the country, has already gained immense popularity since its installation last month.
Sharma shared, “The vending machine, on an average, is currently preparing around 100 pizzas a day. During the weekends, the number goes up to anything between 200-300.” He emphasized that the machine is not just a novelty but offers affordability, with prices approximately 35% lower than popular pizza chains like Domino’s and Pizza Hut.
Describing the automated process, Sharma explained, “Once a person enters the kind of pizza he would like to have, a robotic arm picks up the pizza base with the requisite topping, bakes it, and serves it in just three minutes.” The machine can prepare up to seven pizza bases with toppings simultaneously.
Interestingly, iMatrix World Wide had previously introduced a similar machine at a Mumbai railway station. Unfortunately, due to the impact of Covid, the response dwindled, leading to the closure of the kiosk. However, the Pizza ATM at Sukhna Lake is thriving, catering to the cravings of both locals and tourists alike.
CITCO officials noted that Sukhna Lake, being a hotspot for tourists, attracted a significant demand for various cuisines, making it an ideal location for the pizza vending machine. The concept, derived from Europe, offers an all-vegetarian menu with diverse pizza varieties.
The terms and conditions outlined by CITCO place the responsibility on the licensee to cover operational expenses, including staffing, training, uniforms, and other associated costs. Additionally, the licensee must ensure the upkeep of the pizza kiosk, including maintenance, repairs, cleanliness, and the installation of amenities like lighting, music systems, and a digital display for customer convenience.
As the aroma of freshly baked pizzas wafts across Sukhna Lake, the Pizza ATM stands as a testament to innovation meeting gastronomic delight, creating a unique and memorable experience for all pizza enthusiasts.