Having a successful ghost kitchen operation requires the use of the right technology to maximize efficiency. Point of Sale (POS) systems are a great option, as they are open to integrations with third-party solutions. This means that orders from different channels do not need to be manually entered into the POS terminal. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increase in the popularity of ghost kitchens, which offer food only and use online ordering and a cashless transaction system for minimal physical interaction between the customer and the facilitator.
This simplifies delivery operations and increases efficiency with every order. At CloudKitchens, you can manage the logistics and processing, so all you have to do is keep preparing incredible food. You prepare the order, place the food right outside the kitchen and a runner will take care of the rest. This allows you to manage more orders in less time.
Due to busy schedules and the convenience of ordering food, 52 percent of adults say that ordering takeout or delivery is an essential part of their lifestyle. Ghost kitchens work best with limited niche menus, as smaller, more specific menus translate into easier purchases, more efficient production and higher margins. Traditional restaurants earn an average margin of 4 to 5% on food, while ghost kitchens that know how to optimize food costs can increase that margin by up to 7 or 8%. If you already have a restaurant, you can think about launching a ghost kitchen.
The initial costs are lower than those of a traditional restaurant, so you can invest your funds in more important areas. Third-party delivery platforms open up a huge new channel for ghost kitchens to access new customers and grow. Adhesive label printers and tamper-proof labels are also necessary for delivery operations only. Beast Burger is an example of a ghost kitchen that opened 300 virtual stores in one night.
The ghost kitchen business model is very profitable and exciting for any entrepreneur or business owner, as it allows them to maximize their exposure with several brands without a single kitchen. At least 24 percent of restaurants started using the third-party ghost cooking method during the pandemic, and nearly half of them said they would continue using this method even after it ends. If you want to add a source of revenue from online orders to your in-person restaurant, consider what type of ghost kitchen will complement your current business.
