Ghost Kitchens: What They Are & How to Create One
You may have heard the term “ghost kitchen” for the very first time this past year. Although it may sound like the title of a new Stephen King novel, the reality of this food service industry buzzword is much less spooky. In fact…it’s downright intriguing.
Some believe the raging ghost kitchen trend is on pace to become a $1-Trillion dollar industry by 2030, while other skeptics believe the trend will slow much, much sooner.
But what we can all agree on is this: ghost kitchens are HOT right now, and sometimes…it pays to strike with the iron is hot.
What is a Ghost Kitchen?
It goes by many names: ghost kitchen…dark kitchen…cloud kitchen…blackbox kitchen…virtual kitchen…and more.
Why, then, are we referring to it as a ghost kitchen vs. one of these alternatives? Well…we’re just fun like that.
But enough about the name. In order to understand this revolutionary business model, let’s start with a definition.
Ghost kitchens are existing commercial kitchen facilities that are used to prepare and package food orders for virtual brands – that is, delivery-only food service brands that don’t require a brick and mortar presence.
At Broaster, we’ve witnessed the rise of virtual brands particularly in the chicken wing space for several years, but when the pandemic hit in 2020…virtual brands exploded alongside demand for meal delivery and online ordering.
And so far…2021 hasn’t slowed these trends down.
Benefits for Virtual Brands & Existing Kitchens
Whether you’re looking to build a virtual food brand, or you have a commercial kitchen facility with available capacity, ghost kitchens can be mutually beneficial.
For starters, the lease costs are low compared to brick & mortar restaurants which is a big deal for those without significant startup capital looking to add minimal overhead.
Another advantage can be found in location. Without the need to sit on a well-trafficked road for top-of-mind awareness and convenience, virtual brands can ideally find ghost kitchen locations closer to where their customers are ordering from, so they can keep wait times short and hungry people happy.
On the flip-side, with many traditional food service establishments’ having their ability to generate sales hamstrung by stay-at-home orders and social distancing, businesses have had to pivot quickly to find new revenue streams.
For existing food service providers who now find themselves with a working commercial kitchen and a newfound capacity to fulfill orders, making this extra prep space available to virtual brands could be the perfect plan to help right the ship.
Further reading: Everything You Need to Know about Cloud Kitchens (a.k.a. Ghost Kitchens) in 2020
How to Get in on the Ghost Kitchen Movement [7 simple steps]
- Step 1: For virtual brands, start with choosing to deliver on a food concept that satisfies a consumer want or need.
- Step 2: Create a snappy, memorable brand name and logo to help you break through the clutter.
- Step 3: Ensure you have access to the cooking equipment you’ll need to fulfill orders and deliver on your promises
- Step 4: Nail down the food product that you’ll need and how you’ll be supplying it, storing it, etc.
- Step 5: Create signature recipes and menu items to build intrigue and drive repeat business
- Step 6: Invest in some level of mobile POS system
- Step 7: Get your brand up on a delivery platform like Grubhub, Doordash, Uber Eats, Eatstreet, or hire your own delivery drivers as a low-cost alternative (especially for those in rural areas)
Need a Trusted Partner for Support Along the Way? Broaster Can Help.
If you’re interested in starting your own virtual chicken brand and utilizing a ghost kitchen, Broaster can be a valuable part of the process.
With over 65 years in the food service industry, we can help your brand find its wings (pun intended) through our trademarked or private label food programs, turnkey cooking equipment, as well hands-on training, marketing support, and more.
And it all starts by reaching out to Broaster online today to learn more about who we are, what we offer, and how we can help your virtual brand succeed.
Contact Us Today
#BetterBeBroaster
The vision? 🙌🏻👀
A box full of Genuine Broaster Chicken🤩🍗
Jul 15
Some combinations just belong together. 🐔🥔
Crispy, juicy Genuine Broaster Chicken Tenders paired with our golden Savory Crunch Wedges creates a combo customers know and love. From the first bite to the last, it`s a meal that keeps them coming back for more.
Jul 14
Why do operators choose pressure frying? 🍗
✔️ More tender, juicy, and flavorful food
✔️ Less oil absorption and reduced overall oil usage
✔️ Greater food production per machine for a better return on investment
Broaster Pressure Fryers are designed to help operators deliver quality, consistency, and efficiency with every cook cycle.
That`s the power of pressure frying.
Jul 12
Turn up the heat with our Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks! 🔥🌶️🧀
Made with our signature Nashville Hot Dust seasoning, these crispy, cheesy mozzarella sticks deliver the perfect balance of bold flavor and satisfying crunch. They`re the ultimate appetizer, snack, or shareable side and the perfect new menu item to spice things up.
Ready to bring the heat to your menu? Contact your Broaster representative today to learn more!
Jul 10
Not to influence your next menu special, but… 👀✨
🌽 Pressure Fried Mexican Street Corn
🥔 Savory Crunch Wedge Nachos
With Broaster Foods & Equipment, the menu possibilities are endless. 🙌🏻
Ready to elevate your menu? Contact us today to learn more about our food programs!
Jul 9
Celebrating 2 Years with Broaster! 🎉🐔🥳
Today we`re recognizing TJ and thanking him for two years of dedication, teamwork, and commitment to our customers and fellow employees.
When asked about his favorite memory at Broaster, TJ reflected on the incredible teamwork that goes into meeting customer needs:
"My favorite memory so far is the teamwork put in to meet customer requests on time! We really pull together to take care of our customers."
And his favorite part of the job?
"Being a contributor within the organization and helping others succeed in what they do. When one of us succeeds, we all succeed." #OnTheRoof
TJ`s team-first attitude and willingness to support those around him embody what makes Broaster special. Thank you for all you do, TJ. We appreciate your contributions and are excited to celebrate this milestone with you!
Join us in congratulating TJ on his 2-year anniversary!🌟👏
Jul 8
National Fried Chicken Day calls for the best. 🍗
For generations, Genuine Broaster Chicken has delivered the crispy texture, juicy flavor, and quality that customers keep coming back for. Today, we’re celebrating the chicken that started it all.
Happy National Fried Chicken Day from Broaster Company!
Jul 6
Happy Fourth of July from Broaster Company!❤️🤍💙
Today, we’re celebrating freedom, family, and the food that brings people together. Whether you’re gathering for a backyard barbecue, community event, or holiday meal, we’re honored to be part of your tradition.
To find where you can purchase Genuine Broaster Chicken, use our store locator: https://broaster.com/store-locator/
Wishing you a safe and happy Independence Day filled with great food and great company!
Jul 4
"There`s nothing better than a trip to the lake and some crispy Broaster Chicken." 🌊☀️🏖️
Operator Spotlight: @thelodgesouthhaven – South Haven, Michigan
Since 1940, The Lodge has been a staple in South Haven. Originally known as The Curve Inn, the restaurant was purchased by its current owners in 2019 and completely renovated before reopening in 2021. While the space was transformed, their commitment to serving Genuine Broaster Chicken® never changed.
Today, The Lodge is a scratch kitchen in the heart of Michigan`s blueberry country, serving homemade favorites alongside hand-breaded Genuine Broaster Chicken. They put a local twist on their menu with favorites like the Spicy Blueberry Chicken Sandwich. Their love for Broaster Chicken runs so deep that they even top their famous Loaded Lodge Bloody Mary with a Genuine Broaster Chicken tender. The combination of tradition, local flavor, and quality ingredients has made them a destination for both locals and visitors alike.
📍 10336 Blue Star Memorial Highway, South Haven, MI 49090
🌐 www.thelodgesouthhavenmi.com
Next time you`re visiting Southwest Michigan, stop in and experience a South Haven tradition for yourself.
Jul 2
Leftover Genuine Broaster Chicken? Turn it into tomorrow`s lunch! 🥗
Shred up your leftover chicken and add it to your favorite salad for a quick, delicious protein boost. Fresh, flavorful, and a great way to make every bite count.
How do you use your leftover Genuine Broaster Chicken? Let us know in the comments! 🍗
Jun 29
Why do operators love the Broaster Equipment? 🔧🍗
Built for performance, consistency, and safety, the Broaster pressure fryers help operators deliver high-quality food day after day. With programmable cooking profiles, automatic time adjustments, and an integrated filtration system, it’s designed to maximize efficiency while maintaining the quality customers expect.
Reliable. Efficient. Trusted by operators everywhere.
Jun 26
This or That? 👀
Are you choosing the classic crowd-pleaser or turning up the heat?
🍗 Jumbo Popcorn Chicken – made with delicious whole white meat chicken and perfect for sharing.
🌶️ Jumbo Cajun Popcorn Chicken – all the quality you love with a bold Louisiana-style kick.
Which one is a top seller at your location? We would love to hear!
Jun 25
Your customers will thank you. 🙌🏻🐔
When you add the Genuine Broaster Chicken® food program to your menu, you’re serving more than just fried chicken. You’re serving the flavor, quality, and reputation people keep coming back for.
Jun 23
Happy National Onion Ring Day!🧅✨
Our Beer Battered Onion Rings start with whole slices of sweet Spanish onions and finish with a crispy, golden beer batter coating that keeps customers coming back for more.
Reach out to us today to learn more about our frozen foods!
Jun 22
Operator Highlight @fattscafe 🌟
Serving up Genuine Broaster Chicken® along with smash burgers, paninis, pizza, wings, shrimp, cheese curds, and more, Fat T`s Cafe is a must-visit in Cresco, Iowa! 🍗🍔🍕
Stop in for great food and enjoy a selection of beers, seltzers, and Frisky Fox wines. 🍺🍷
📍 128 N Elm St, Cresco, IA
📞 (563) 547-1060
Have you tried Fat T`s Cafe? Let us know your favorite menu item! ⬇️
Jun 17
Let`s start at the beginning.🍗💡🕰️
Before Broaster® became a trusted name in foodservice, there was L.A.M. Phelan, an inventor driven by innovation. In 1954, he introduced the Broaster® Pressure Fryer, pioneering a cooking method that delivered crispy, juicy chicken while improving efficiency in the kitchen.
More than 70 years later, his invention is still helping operators serve great food every day. Innovation starts with an idea.
Jun 15
