Wither the Waiter?

Waiters might be next on the chopping block, given that a company making pay-at-the-table tablets is raising significant capital.

E la Carte Inc., a startup whose technology lets restaurant-goers order food and pay their bills from the table, without having to flag down a waiter, has raised $35 million in new venture capital and debt financing.

Applebees denies any intent to downsize:

“Very clearly, our intention is not to replace servers, who provide a personal connection that is invaluable in our restaurants and to our ‘See You Tomorrow’ experience,” [Applebees] says. “This is about building on to the experience for the guest, not saving on labor.”

Call me skeptical.