Understanding the Basics of Cloud Kitchens: What You Need to Know
What is the future of the delivery-only restaurant?
2 min read
A cloud kitchen is a type of restaurant concept that operates exclusively online. They rely heavily on delivery services like UberEats or GrubHub to reach customers and don’t offer any dine-in services. Cloud kitchens are also known as virtual kitchens, dark kitchens, or ghost kitchens.
Historically, in Africa we all know someone within our network which has started a delivery-only restaurant from a kitchen, which is similar in many ways. However, Cloud Kitchens are slightly different in a couple of ways:
A cloud kitchen is typically a commercial kitchen with specialized equipment and a larger space to accommodate larger orders and multiple delivery-only restaurants. They are usually based in commercial areas with proximity to businesses to make sure preparation and delivery of orders can be done in a short space of time.
Cloud Kitchens could charge multiple restaurants a small token in the form of a subscription for the table space where orders are prepared, for the shared delivery services as well as making sure all restaurants in the space meet quality standards and hygiene best practices for businesses of that size, where a small delivery-only restaurant would have had to pay exorbitant fees to meet the same standards.
The main benefit of a cloud kitchen is the low overhead costs associated with running a restaurant due to the shared services in a cloud kitchen. Unlike traditional restaurants, cloud kitchens don’t need to worry about rent, furniture, or staff. Cloud kitchens can also reach a broader customer base since they don’t have to worry about geography.
Cloud kitchens allow restaurants to experiment with menu items that may be too expensive or difficult to serve in a traditional restaurant setting. The low overhead costs allow restaurants to try new dishes without the risk of failure.
Cloud kitchens are also great for restaurants focusing on delivery and take-out orders. They can use their kitchens exclusively to prepare those orders, saving time and money. Cloud kitchens also allow restaurants to offer multiple brands or concepts under one roof. For example, a single cloud kitchen could offer Mexican, Italian, and Chinese cuisines. This can attract customers looking for variety without having to visit multiple locations.
Cloud kitchens are also great for time-sensitive orders. Restaurants can deliver orders quickly and efficiently, minimizing wait times for customers.
Finally, cloud kitchens can be an excellent way for restaurants to save money on marketing. Since the orders come through delivery services, the restaurant doesn’t have to pay for advertising or promotion.
In conclusion, cloud kitchens offer restaurants several benefits, including low overhead costs, flexibility in menu items, multiple brands under one roof, and cost-effective marketing.
Historically, in Africa we all know someone within our network which has started a delivery-only restaurant from a kitchen, which is similar in many ways. However, Cloud Kitchens are slightly different in a couple of ways:
A cloud kitchen is typically a commercial kitchen with specialized equipment and a larger space to accommodate larger orders and multiple delivery-only restaurants. They are usually based in commercial areas with proximity to businesses to make sure preparation and delivery of orders can be done in a short space of time.
Cloud Kitchens could charge multiple restaurants a small token in the form of a subscription for the table space where orders are prepared, for the shared delivery services as well as making sure all restaurants in the space meet quality standards and hygiene best practices for businesses of that size, where a small delivery-only restaurant would have had to pay exorbitant fees to meet the same standards.
The main benefit of a cloud kitchen is the low overhead costs associated with running a restaurant due to the shared services in a cloud kitchen. Unlike traditional restaurants, cloud kitchens don’t need to worry about rent, furniture, or staff. Cloud kitchens can also reach a broader customer base since they don’t have to worry about geography.
Cloud kitchens allow restaurants to experiment with menu items that may be too expensive or difficult to serve in a traditional restaurant setting. The low overhead costs allow restaurants to try new dishes without the risk of failure.
Cloud kitchens are also great for restaurants focusing on delivery and take-out orders. They can use their kitchens exclusively to prepare those orders, saving time and money. Cloud kitchens also allow restaurants to offer multiple brands or concepts under one roof. For example, a single cloud kitchen could offer Mexican, Italian, and Chinese cuisines. This can attract customers looking for variety without having to visit multiple locations.
Cloud kitchens are also great for time-sensitive orders. Restaurants can deliver orders quickly and efficiently, minimizing wait times for customers.
Finally, cloud kitchens can be an excellent way for restaurants to save money on marketing. Since the orders come through delivery services, the restaurant doesn’t have to pay for advertising or promotion.
In conclusion, cloud kitchens offer restaurants several benefits, including low overhead costs, flexibility in menu items, multiple brands under one roof, and cost-effective marketing.
