Every hospital cafeteria faces the same daily challenge: the peak lunch rush. In a narrow 2-3 hour window, staff on limited breaks converge with visitors, creating a surge in demand that strains operations, increases wait times, and reduces the restorative value of a meal break. This session explores the science of queueing and crowd dynamics — what actually happens during peak rush periods and why traditional approaches often fall short.

We’ll then connect those principles to practical, real-world solutions healthcare operators are using today. From self-checkout to badge pay to digital ordering, operators have more tools than ever to manage congestion, redistribute volume, and give staff more time to recharge. Attendees will leave with frameworks to assess their own cafeterias, identify peak bottlenecks, and evaluate which technology and process improvements can yield the highest return in both staff satisfaction and operational efficiency.