Ghost Kitchen Journal

Category: Kitchen

  • Insider: Starbucks Opening San Francisco Ghost Kitchen to Expand Last Mile Options

    Insider: Starbucks Opening San Francisco Ghost Kitchen to Expand Last Mile Options


    Starbucks     is reportedly partnering with CloudKitchens, a ghost kitchen led by Uber founder Travis Kalanick, to expand its last mile capabilities, according to Insider. CloudKitchens rents small kitchen bays that can be used as pickup-only facilities for delivery drivers.

    Starbucks is planning to utilize a CloudKitchens location in San Francisco starting August 22, 2023, according to city permits seen by Business Insider. The site, called Charter Oak Food Pick-Up, is located at the intersection of two highways, making it convenient for last mile operations. It will operate from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

    Starbucks CFO Rachel Ruggeri noted that while drive-thru locations offer the strongest results, pickup and delivery-only stores help ensure customers can get their orders however and wherever they need them. The company is looking to expand with “a lot of different store designs and types to be able to meet the increasing demand that we see,” she said on a June 6 call with investors.

    CloudKitchens has dozens of ghost kitchens across the U.S. and operates internationally under different names. Other brand partners include Buffalo Wild Wings and Chick-fil-A.

    Read more here

  • Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars Ghost Kitchen Challenge had a Tough Judge to Please

    Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars Ghost Kitchen Challenge had a Tough Judge to Please

    In each episode, the talented food entrepreneurs strive to impress. During Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars ghost kitchen challenge, too many mistakes combined with lack of leadership lead to one team’s downfall. While these individuals might be a “beast” in their own business, their best efforts did not impress MrBeast and the other judges.

    Over the past several years, ghost kitchens have been an integral part of the food industry. While brands like GoldBelly might bring some celebrity chefs and celebrated restaurants dishes directly to consumer’s doorstep, that food delivery may not come in time for dinner. Ghost kitchens have brought both big names and aspiring food brands straight to people’s home. Options like MrBeast, Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Kitchen, and more give consumers that taste they have longed to enjoy.

    During the Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars ghost kitchen challenge, the entrepreneurs had to conceive, market, and service a ghost kitchen menu. While this concept might seem easier than the blending wines or charity fundraiser, the reality is that the challenge was a slice of a restaurant start-up. That other restaurant wars food television challenge might be daunting, but this FOX television challenge was all about the details.

    Read more here

  • 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.

  • Hospitality leaders cite apprenticeships askey tool to combat staff shortages

    Hospitality leaders cite apprenticeships askey tool to combat staff shortages

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