Vending machines are automated devices perfect for a quick snack or drink, normally found in such places as schools, offices, airports and grocery store sidewalks.

When you think of a vending machine you think of red-dye-packed Doritos or a crisp Coke. But have you ever seen a vending machine with whole pizzas?  

The PizzaForno machine – yes, there’s only one – is new to Columbia and open 24-hours, 7 days a week. The machine is located at 3400 Devine St., in an Exxon gas station parking lot. The machine works just like a vending machine, allowing you to select which pizza you want and, after a few minutes, the pizza comes out hot. 

PizzaForno has more than 60 locations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with more locations to come, according to its website.  

The enterprise began in 2017, when co-founder Will Moyer came across an automated pizza oven in France, which inspired him to bring the idea to North America. There are more than 2,000 pizza vending machines in France, a number that PizzaForno is hoping to surpass. 

 Moyer partnered with Les Tomlin in establishing a company headquarters in Toronto, Canada. The Canadians put up their first machines in busy locations in Ontario in 2020 and after the concept took off, they continued to expand to the United States in 2021. 

Users have a choice of a hot pizza or a take-home-and-bake selection. If customers select the take-home version, the frozen pizza will come out, but if you select bake, the machine will heat it up for you. Once it’s done, the pizza is served through a slot in the machine. 

Columbia resident Spencer Skelley said he loves to stop by PizzaForno for dinner.

“I don’t get off work until late, and not everywhere is open,” Skelley said. “It is very convenient for me to stop by and get a pizza to take home with me after a long shift. I like having the option of taking it home and baking it myself so I don’t have to worry about it getting cold on the drive home.”

The machines can hold up to 70 pizzas, as they’re stored in a refrigerated compartment, the website says. Then, a robotic arm transfers the selected pizza and places it in an oven to bake before pushing it through the slot for the customer to receive the pizza. 

Two college students, Grace Cina and Lily Cabrera, expressed enthusiastic reviews when asked about the machine.  

“The first time I came, I tried the vegetarian option, and everything tasted fresh,” Cabrera said. “I was honestly surprised. I’ve never had pizza out of a vending machine before, so I didn’t know what to expect. It was crispy and I really liked it.” 

The machine has six pizza options: BBQ chicken, meat lovers, cheese, breakfast, vegetarian and pepperoni. 

“The pepperoni pizza is my favorite,” Cina said. “This is my second time coming, and I haven’t been disappointed. It’s quick and easy, and I don’t have to worry about a huge delivery charge.” 

Each pizza is produced at PizzaForno’s FDA-certified facility, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety, the website says. The refrigeration compartment maintains a temperature of 37-41°F to ensure food safety.  

The machine is completely automated. But it never touches the actual pizza. That means no employees have to get involved.

That’s a huge development in the food industry, the company says, and PizzaForno’s example is just the beginning.