Ghost Kitchen Journal

Category: Editor’s Pick

  • You Can Now Order from MrBeast Burger through your Xbox while Gaming — here’s how to do it

    You Can Now Order from MrBeast Burger through your Xbox while Gaming — here’s how to do it

    A MrBeast Burger is now a keystroke or controller button press away for Xbox or computer gamers.

    The Youtuber’s fast food brand is now available through Liifer, a food ordering app that integrates with games, Liifer said Thursday. Users can order fast food from MrBeast Burger’s 1,500 locations in the US and Canada. Liifer’s platform is accessible in roughly 1,000 video games, and the service also offers food from chains including McDonald’s and Papa John’s.

    “Gamers don’t want to interrupt a gaming session to fumble about with a separate phone or computer app,” said Louis-Philippe Ostiguy, founder and chief gaming officer at Liifer Technologies. “They want to order their food instantly without having to stop playing.”

    Customers will get free delivery on MrBeast menu items for a limited time, Liifer said.

    The Liifer partnership is the latest expansion for MrBeast Burger. The brand got its start in December 2020 and bears the name of MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson. Donaldson worked with Virtual Dining Concepts to create an entirely virtual restaurant brand.

    “MrBeast Burger is increasingly popular with gamers, especially after MrBeast was included in Epic Game’s Fortnite in December,” said Stephanie Sollers, CEO of Virtual Dining Concepts.

    MrBeast Burger fills orders using a mix of ghost kitchens, some of which it owns and some it has partnership agreements with. Virtual Dining Concepts’ then-CEO Robert Earl told Insider in 2021 that the model allows celebrities to craft their own menus.

    For restaurants, it’s a low-cost way to increase orders, Earl said.

    “You’re using your existing kitchen labor force,” he said. “You’re using your existing rent and your utilities. So it’s extremely additive and profitable for the restaurant.”

    Virtual brands have been a source of growth for restaurants and food delivery services over the last few years, particularly since the early months of the pandemic. But some restaurants have started serving the same menu items under dozens of different brands, leading delivery services like DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats to crack down on so-called “ghost” menus

  • How to Become a Ghost Kitchen: A Guide for Restaurants to Offer Different Menus via Delivery Only

    How to Become a Ghost Kitchen: A Guide for Restaurants to Offer Different Menus via Delivery Only

    The world of foodservice has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. One of the most significant changes is the rise of ghost kitchens. These are essentially delivery-only restaurants that do not have a physical location for customers to dine in. Instead, they offer their menus through third-party delivery services like Grubhub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats. This model has allowed many restaurants to expand their customer base and increase their profits without the need for expensive real estate or front-of-house staff. In this article, we will explore how a restaurant can explore becoming a ghost kitchen and offer different items/menus via delivery only.

    Why Should a Restaurant Consider a Ghost Kitchen?

    There are several compelling reasons for a restaurant to consider becoming a ghost kitchen. Firstly, it allows a restaurant to expand its reach without the need for expensive real estate or front-of-house staff. Secondly, it allows restaurants to test new concepts and menu items with minimal risk. Finally, it allows restaurants to adapt to changing consumer habits and preferences.

    Guidelines and Lists of Things to Consider When Becoming a Ghost Kitchen

    Evaluate Your Current Menu and Concept
    The first step in exploring becoming a ghost kitchen is to evaluate your current menu and concept. Look at your menu and identify items that are popular and have the potential to be sold via delivery. You should also consider if there are any gaps in the market that you can fill with your menu.

    Research Your Market
    Once you have identified potential menu items, you should research your market. Look at other ghost kitchens in your area and see what they are offering. This will give you an idea of what is popular and what is not. You should also look at the demographics of your market and see if there are any untapped segments that you can target.

    Choose a Delivery Platform
    The next step is to choose a delivery platform. There are several third-party delivery services that you can use, including Grubhub, DoorDash, vGrubs, and Uber Eats. Each platform has its own fee structure, so it is important to compare the costs and benefits of each platform.

    Develop Your Menu and Brand
    Once you have chosen a delivery platform, you should develop your menu and brand. Your menu should be tailored to the delivery format, with items that travel well and can be prepared quickly. You should also develop a brand that resonates with your target market.

    Set Up Your Kitchen
    Setting up a ghost kitchen requires some investment in equipment and infrastructure. You will need a commercial kitchen with the necessary appliances and storage space. You will also need to set up a system for receiving orders and preparing them for delivery.

    Hire Staff
    Even though a ghost kitchen does not have a physical location, you will still need staff to prepare and deliver your food. You should hire staff that are experienced in preparing food for delivery and are familiar with the delivery platform that you have chosen.

    Create a Marketing Plan
    Finally, you should create a marketing plan to promote your ghost kitchen. You can use social media, email marketing, and paid advertising to reach your target market. You should also consider offering promotions and discounts to incentivize customers to try your menu.

    Examples of Ghost Kitchen Concepts

    There are many different types of ghost kitchen concepts that a restaurant can explore. Here are a few examples:

    Breakfast Ghost Kitchen
    A restaurant that specializes in lunch and dinner items can explore offering breakfast items via delivery. For example, a pizzeria can sell bagels and breakfast sandwiches in the morning when they are not typically open for business.

    Vegan Ghost Kitchen
    A restaurant that specializes in vegan cuisine can explore offering a delivery-only menu that focuses on plant-based comfort foods like burgers, tacos, and mac and cheese.

    Global Cuisine Ghost Kitchen
    A restaurant that specializes in a particular type of global cuisine, such as Indian or Thai, can explore offering a delivery-only menu that focuses on the most popular dishes from that cuisine.

    Comfort Food Ghost Kitchen
    A restaurant that specializes in comfort food can explore offering a delivery-only menu that focuses on classic dishes like mac and cheese, fried chicken, and meatloaf.

    Healthy Eating Ghost Kitchen
    A restaurant that specializes in healthy eating can explore offering a delivery-only menu that focuses on nutrient-dense meals like salads, bowls, and smoothies.

    Conclusion

    Becoming a ghost kitchen can be a great way for a restaurant to expand its reach and increase its profits. However, it is important to carefully evaluate your menu and concept, research your market, and develop a marketing plan before launching your ghost kitchen. By following these guidelines and considering the examples of ghost kitchen concepts, you can create a successful delivery-only restaurant that meets the needs and preferences of your target market.

  • Exploring the World of Ghost Kitchens: A Guide for Restaurant Owners and Quick-Service Restaurants Looking to Increase Revenues

    Exploring the World of Ghost Kitchens: A Guide for Restaurant Owners and Quick-Service Restaurants Looking to Increase Revenues

    As the food service industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing consumer habits, the ghost kitchen business model has become an increasingly popular option for restaurant owners and quick-service restaurants looking to expand their revenue streams.

    For those unfamiliar with the concept, a ghost kitchen is essentially a delivery-only restaurant that operates without a physical storefront. Instead, food is prepared in a commercial kitchen space and then delivered to customers via third-party delivery apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Grubhub. By eliminating the overhead costs associated with a traditional brick-and-mortar restaurant, ghost kitchens can offer a wider range of menu items while still maintaining profitability.

    For restaurant owners and quick-service restaurants looking to explore the world of ghost kitchens, there are a few key steps to consider. First and foremost, finding a suitable commercial kitchen space is crucial. This can often be the most challenging part of the process, as many commercial kitchens may already be in use or may not meet the specific needs of a particular restaurant.

    Once a suitable kitchen space has been secured, the next step is to establish relationships with third-party delivery apps. This involves signing up as a partner restaurant, creating a menu that is optimized for delivery, and working with the delivery app to ensure that orders are processed quickly and accurately.

    Another important consideration for restaurant owners and quick-service restaurants looking to become ghost kitchens is menu optimization. Unlike a traditional restaurant where diners may have a broader range of options, ghost kitchens must rely on delivery apps to drive traffic to their menus. As a result, it’s important to focus on menu items that are not only popular but also travel well and can be delivered quickly without sacrificing quality.

    Finally, it’s important to invest in marketing and advertising to ensure that potential customers are aware of the ghost kitchen’s offerings. This can include everything from social media advertising to targeted email campaigns and promotional deals.

    Overall, the ghost kitchen business model offers an exciting opportunity for restaurant owners and quick-service restaurants looking to increase their revenue streams. With the right approach, a ghost kitchen can be a profitable and effective way to expand a restaurant’s reach and tap into the growing demand for delivery services.