For a while, I thought Panera's model would be the future wave of fast casual dining, and that it might beat out the Chili's and Applebee's of the world to become the preferred model. IMO, the food has gone way downhill in the last few years -- at least at the couple stores I've been to in the last 2 years. It also seems like the portions are smaller. Maybe it's just that my tastes have changed, but the only thing I'll really have there any more is the soup, and that's only because there aren't a lot of places doing 3-4 different soups on a daily basis.

But I agree with you on the service front. For a quick lunch, I'd much rather order and pick up at the counter. Saves me time and I don't have to tip a server. Maybe that's the way "automation" goes. Order at your table from a screen and then either pick up at the counter or a robot delivers your food. It could breed a number of different methods, and make human servers obsolete, other than at those restaurants where you expect more of a personalized experience. We may put a whole generation of actors and college students on the unemployment line!