Pasadena’s Miso Robotics, Makers of Burger Flipping Robot, Gets New CEO

Pasadena-based Miso Robotics, which specializes in intelligent automation technology for commercial kitchens, such as Flippy the burger-flipping robot, announced the selection of a new CEO on Thursday.

Mike Bell will now head the company as CEO, Miso Robotics said in a written statement. His predecessor, company co-founder Buck Jordan, will continue with the company as board chairman and president. He previously served as COO of Ordermark.

“With the skyrocketing demand for contactless integrated tech solutions in restaurant chains and uptick in delivery and take out in the wake of COVID-19, Bell’s expertise and leadership will guide the company through a new phase of operational growth,” the statement said.

“Over the last year, Mike Bell has served as a board member for Miso Robotics, working closely with Buck Jordan to advise on initial operational enhancements – his new role as CEO will be a seamless transition built on a proven successful partnership.” according to the statement.

The change in leadership took effect immediately.

Miso Robotic’s automated kitchen assistant, known as Flippy, has already begun flipping burgers and frying French fries at places including Dodger Stadium, Chase Field, and Caliburger.

The company also announced in July that the robots would be tested at White Castle locations.

“As the company experiences a surge in interest on the heels of an accelerated need for industry automation, Miso Robotics has found a new need to scale their operational chain to meet demand, quickly,” the statement said.

“Buck is a valuable and collaborative leader and I’ve been thrilled to watch Miso Robotics grow more under his direction over the last year,” Bell said.

He added that it was an exciting time to take the reigns of the company.

“Flippy is able to solve some of the most crucial problems facing restaurants today,” he said. “I’m both excited and proud to be a part of making automation an integral part of the kitchen of the future. I see great success before us today – the food service market is primed for artificial intelligence and robotics to enter at a new level of scale. Miso Robotics will be ready for the demand ahead.”

Jordan also said he was looking forward to moving forward under the new leadership structure.

“This is an extremely timely and strategic leadership shift for Miso Robotics. Interest is pouring in and we need to operationalize and scale faster. Handing him the torch is truly exciting,” he said.

“Miso Robotics has had different needs at various stages,” Jordan added. “My experience in fundraising served the needs of Miso Robotics going into our Series C crowdfunding raise, and now Mike’s business operations expertise is what we need for our next stage of expansion.”