I just finished a fascinating article about takeout restaurants that have no seating, rent less space, and either deliver or have pick up only.

This isn’t exactly a new concept. Pizza restaurants like Dominos and Papa Murphy’s have done that for years. When I was a kid, there was a restaurant in San Mateo, Cathay Kitchen, that served Chinese food for take out only at a time when when driving up, finding a space big enough, and parking that ‘’59 Oldsmobile wasn’t so easy.

What’s happening now however, is that that this concept has been greatly expanded and extended to other businesses. We are now doing the jobs that at one time belonged to someone else.

When I drive up to the bank I use the magic money machine, not a teller. In fact, most of the time I don’t even drive to the bank, I just use the computer and do my banking from home

I go to the store and I check myself out. No help required ……unless I screw something up (which does happen regularly, cause I’m kind of old). I handle the transaction all by myself with my cards. The person who was the grocery checker is now my supervisor.

When I walk out with my groceries I stroll away with a sense of achievement and self satisfaction…..kind of like when I finish a do-it -yourself project in the garage

When I get takeout food, I become the server. I buss the tables. I do the dishes. All of those jobs are now gone. The only thing I don’t do…..is tip myself.

And….. when I order takeout from the restaurant, there’s no price reduction. When I check my self out at the grocery store, I pay the same price as when I use the checkout clerk and bag person.

As far as these businesses are concerned….not only do I work for free but they make the profit off my labor. I do it all without complaint and usually with a smile.

As with any successful plan, this model is expanding. Lately, I’ve noticed an increase in services that provide dinners for me to cook at home (some assembly required). So now, I am the chef as well. I pay the overhead for the kitchen. I pay the cost for the utilities, all the equipment, pots and pans, and cleaning costs.

Now there’s a great business model……get the customer to work for you, and charge them for the privilege.

All I get is the satisfaction of a job well done……because I’m such a great worker.

The question is ……..which business is next? And what’s my next job?