Dumpling Automat Concept To Expand

The restaurant concept that turns classic diner staples into deli-style dumplings—and then puts them into customers’ hands with zero human interaction—is set to expand.

Brooklyn Dumpling Shop signed a multiunit franchise agreement to bring at least six units to its namesake: Brooklyn, N.Y. The young automat concept that just launched in May 2021 inked a deal with New York City-based franchisees Michael Sheinman and Nick Sampogna to grow the brand.

The deal marks the brand’s third multiunit franchise deal since the concept launched its flagship location in New York’s East Village. According to a press release, the brand aims to open 500 units in five years.

The 24-hour restaurant is open seven days a week, with indoor dining available daily until midnight, and dishes out dumplings using a contactless ordering system. Once orders are placed, customers receive codes to unlock temperature-controlled food lockers in which their orders are stored.

Brooklyn Dumpling Shop serves 32 dumpling varieties, including pastrami, bacon cheeseburger, lamb gyro, French onion soup and peanut butter and jelly.