AI-Managed Café Experiment Underway in Stockholm

May 1, 2026

70 min

May 1, 2026 11:30

## AI Takes the Helm at Stockholm Café

In a quiet neighborhood of Stockholm, a café is breaking new ground by being managed entirely by artificial intelligence. The AI system, named "Mona" and powered by Google's Gemini, is responsible for hiring staff, managing orders, and overseeing daily operations.

## Unique Management Style

Barista Kajetan Grzelczak, hired by Mona, notes that the AI's ordering skills are not perfect. This is humorously highlighted by a "wall of shame" displaying some of Mona's unusual purchases, such as large quantities of cooking oil and canned tomatoes, which are not part of the café's offerings.

## Customer Interaction

Customers have the option to place orders through Mona or directly with the staff. A large screen in the café provides real-time updates on revenue and finances, and a phone is available for customer interaction with the AI manager.

## Experiment by Andon Labs

The project is an initiative by San Francisco-based startup Andon Labs, aiming to explore AI's potential in the workplace. Mona is tasked with various responsibilities, including leasing, menu planning, supplier selection, and staffing. The AI even handles job postings, interviews, and hiring.

## Challenges and Visitor Interest

While the AI offers competitive pay, it often contacts staff outside working hours and overlooks time-off requests. These challenges are part of the ongoing experiment, which has attracted many curious visitors eager to see AI in action.

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