> Those places where you place your order, pay through something like a vending machine at the entrance of the place. The order goes back to the kitchen and, after you've sat down and waited a short time, your order is up.

I know those places but at this point the USA seems full of them, or at least LA/SF. They aren't the same style as the Japanese ones but there are tons of places in California where you can walk in and order from a touchscreen and they just call your number when your order is ready.

I saw that first at McDonald's. Also just about any place that has an app or website to order is effectively like that.