Ghost Kitchens: The Rise of Delivery-Only Restaurants
The food delivery landscape is being dramatically reshaped by ghost kitchens, also known as virtual kitchens or cloud kitchens. These are commercial kitchens that operate exclusively for delivery services, without a physical storefront for dine-in customers. This model drastically cuts overhead costs associated with rent and in-store staffing, allowing startups to offer a wider variety of cuisines and experiment with different menu items with lower financial risk. The efficiency gains translate to lower prices for consumers and higher profit margins for the businesses, disrupting the traditional restaurant model.