Autochef

About

Autochef is a business management sim that tasks you with running a food catering operation. You handle ordering ingredients, setting menu prices, and fulfilling client requests while keeping costs low and profits high. The gameplay revolves around balancing inventory, meeting deadlines, and expanding your kitchen setup as demand grows. It plays out in a text-based format with minimal graphics, relying on strategic planning and arithmetic to keep your business afloat. Released in late 1982, this title is one of the earliest examples of business simulation on home computers. Despite the ZX81's limited hardware, its straightforward mechanics and escalating challenges have earned it a cult following among retro gaming fans. Cases Computer Simulations crafted a surprisingly addictive loop that still resonates with players who enjoy old-school economic strategy. The game's enduring appeal lies in its ability to deliver a satisfying management experience with very few pixels.