Las Iguanas trials service robots in two locations

Las Iguanas, the Latin American-inspired chain restaurant, has reportedly introduced six new service robots at its restaurants in Center Parcs Elveden Forest and in Cambridge through a trial partnership with Soft Bank Robotics. 

It is reported that the robots will support team members with everyday tasks such as delivering food and drinks to tables, as well as returning used dishes to the kitchen, allowing staff to spend more time interacting with guests. 

The news of this trial follows a similar pilot at another Big Table Group brand, Bella Italia, in partnership with Pudu Robotics, which saw retrieving robots being trialled in its restaurants in Dudley, and at Center Parcs Whinfell Forest, which was specifically chosen due to its large footprint, with longer distances between kitchen and tables. 

Las Iguanas is said to be one of the best-performing brands in the casual dining sector, having “consistently outperformed” its competitors both in terms of customer feedback and sales metrics. 

Recent openings at Elveden and Canterbury will reportedly be joined this autumn by a new site in Peterborough, with a 160-cover restaurant, bar and terrace spread across 4,500sq. ft in a historic Grade II-listed building in the heart of the city centre, and early next year by a 269-cover restaurant and bar in Center Parcs Sherwood Forest. 

Alan Morgan, managing director of Las Iguanas and CEO of The Big Table Group, said: “Las Iguanas is a fun, vibrant and innovative brand, and we’re always looking for progressive ways to deliver the best possible experience for our guests, whether that’s by exploring new technologies, or through new product development.

“With the robots quite literally doing the heavy lifting, our serving staff will have more time to do what they love, engaging with customers and delivering amazing experiences, which in turn will lead to bigger tips and better guest feedback.”