Roper St. Francis Healthcare to launch nation’s first Amazon Just Walk Out Coffeeshop in hospitals

This rendering depicts what the coffeeshop powered by Amazon's Just Walk Out technology will look like at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital. 

Roper St. Francis Healthcare is partnering with its food service provider Morrison Healthcare to revolutionize how patients, visitors, and teammates access food, gifts and essential goods. They’ll be the first healthcare system in the U.S. to open a 24-hour, full-service coffeeshop powered by Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology.

The first of these innovative coffeeshops will open at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital and Roper St. Francis Berkeley Hospital. Roper Hospital will also feature an Amazon Just Walk Out store when it relocates to North Charleston in 2029.

Different from other locations powered by Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, as seen in many major airports, including the Charleston International Airport, these stores will have an on-site barista serving handcrafted coffees during the day, adding a personal touch to the high-tech experience. Shoppers can also enjoy paninis and other handmade items, with the added benefit of a human presence behind the counter. Coffee machines will be available as well, ensuring 24-hour access to hot-and-fresh coffee.

Just Walk Out technology is made possible by artificial intelligence like computer vision and deep learning techniques, to provide patients, visitors and teammates with a seamless, contactless shopping experience.

The entry pedestal will open with a simple scan of a credit card or teammate badge. Once inside, guests or teammates can select from a variety of goods, from grab-and-go sandwiches and snacks to specialty coffees and gift shop items. The futuristic system will track items taken off the shelves, automatically charging the shopper’s card or badge as they leave.

Introducing this store model aligns with the healthcare system’s Strategic Plan 2030, said Charles Fletcher, vice president of construction-real estate and support services.

“This is a massive stride forward in our efforts to modernize technology,” Fletcher said. “It will greatly enhance teammate and patient experience by providing greater convenience and accessibility.”

According to Amanda Groesbeck, system director of food and nutrition, Morrison partnered with the system to address nightshift teammates’ requests for more convenient, high-quality food options.

“These stores will offer our nightshift teammates a wide variety of quick, grab-and-go selections,” Groesbeck said. “This initiative reflects our commitment to listening to teammates and meeting their needs.”

Patients, teammates and visitors can look forward to the Amazon store’s grand opening by next spring. Roper St. Francis Berkeley Hospital can expect its new coffeeshop to open by late 2025. Roper Hospital will open an Amazon Just Walk Out technology powered store once the relocation has been completed. Additionally, the coffeeshop powered by Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology will not replace the hospital cafes.

“We’re proud to lead the way as the first healthcare system in the country to introduce this technology for a full service coffeeshop and gift shop experience,” Fletcher said. “Enhancing the experience for our patients, visitors and teammates is always top of mind, and this decision embodies that commitment.”