Barbecue restaurant chain Heiwaen (Obihiro) started selling frozen meat from a vending machine on August 27. The first vending machine was installed in front of their Midorigaoka location (in Obihiro City). Five different types of flavored meat are available at the machine, including the “jingisukan” mutton that is popular inside the restaurant as well.

The company installed the new vending machine so that customers can purchase meat to enjoy at their own homes at any time of the day or night, as the shop can only stay open until 8:00 p.m. under the COVID-19 State of Emergency Declaration. Products include “Ganso Tegiri Jingisukan” (The Founder’s Hand-Sliced Mutton, 760 yen) and “Tokachi Wagyu Jo Karubi” (Tokachi Wagyu Prime Short Rib, 1,760 yen), and all products are 2 servings at 180 to 200 grams of meat. The machine operates 24 hours a day.

The company is planning on potentially increasing the number of machines to meet demand. Due to the fact that some people want to avoid eating inside restaurants amidst the continuing pandemic, Heiwaen President Nitta　commented, “We want to fulfill customer needs during the pandemic.”