ClickCease

Ghost Kitchens: What They Are & How to Create One

What is a ghost Kitchen?

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?

Broaster Pressure FryersIt 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.

Chickite MarinadeIf 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

#FAQFryDay: What is pressure frying?

Let's ask the #ChickenExperts!
👇
Pressure Frying is similar to conventional open frying in which foods are heated to cooking temperature in a well filled with cooking oil, except that in a pressure fryer the food is cooked under controlled pressure in a sealed vessel.

Foods cooked in a Broaster Pressure Fryer are much more tender, juicy, and flavorful because moisture and natural juices are retained.

Cooking under pressure in a sealed environment prevents food from losing its moisture. When moisture evaporates from food during frying, it is replaced by the oil it is fried in. Oil absorption during open frying has been found to be as much as 20%. Pressure frying seals the food’s moisture and natural juices within the product, preventing the penetration of cooking oil. #BetterBeBroaster #GenuineBroasterChicken #RestaurantIndustry
E-Series | Pressure Fryers | Ventless Fryers | Instant Burger | Smokaroma 

Which option is best for you? Check out the Broaster Company Family of Equipment 👇 #BetterBeBroaster #GenuineBroasterChicken #RestaurantIndustry
"Broaster fryers cook the chicken to perfection"

Those aren't just words. Bill from Bill's Place in LaGrange Park, Illinois knows his chicken! #BetterBeBroaster #GenuineBroasterChicken
FILL IN THE BLANK: The first thing I think of when I think of Broaster Chicken is _____________ ! 

Here's what some of our customers have said 👇👇 #broasterchicken #betterbebroaster
Broaster is the best! #BetterBeBroaster #BroasterChicken
Those first-bite reactions are always the best!

#BetterBeBroaster #BroasterChicken
CASE STUDY: NATIONAL CHAIN EXPANDS MENU WITH BROASTER

We worked with a customer to expand their menu to include chicken wings & other appetizer items by bringing a ventless fryer into 200+ locations in 6 months.

The Broaster ventless fryer was the perfect size to fit into their tight kitchens. The smart touch control panel provided easy use for the customer, and was basically plug and play for the operators with their temperatures, cook times, and menu items already loaded into the fryers. #BetterBeBroaster #BroasterChicken

Contact us for ways Broaster Company can help you EXPAND your MENU --> https://broaster.com/contact/
Us too Heath....us too! #BetterBeBroaster #BroasterChicken
Yup! Who's drivin'?! #BetterBeBroaster #BroasterChicken
ICYMI: We were recognized with a 2024 Kitchen Innovation Award for our E-Series 24G Pressure Fryer!

We're so proud of this innovative addition to our Broaster Company family of equipment. Check out just some of the things that make it so great 👇 #betterbebroaster #broasterchicken #kitcheninnovation
Srsly?! #BroasterChicken #BetterBeBroaster
OPERATOR SPOTLIGHT
If you've been to South Central Kentucky...we bet you've heard of Poppa's Quik Stop. And if you've been to a Poppa's Quik Stop you know they're known for serving tasty Geuine Broaster Chicken!

📍In the area? Stop out at their Poppas Quick Stop #7 location at 101 Man-O-War Blvd in Danville. You can't miss its bright colors! #BetterBeBroaster #BroasterChicken
Me knowing I’m getting both Broaster spicy tenders and a chicken sandwich for lunch! #BetterBeBroaster #BroasterChicken
The betrayal! #BetterBeBroaster #BroasterChicken

NEVER BE FAR FROM BROASTED