Operations

Virtual restaurant group launches ghost kitchen franchise model

Photo: iStock

July 22, 2020

Miami-based virtual restaurant group, The Local Culinary, has launched a ghost kitchen franchise model.

The concept, which uses ghost kitchens to operate commissary-style production facilities with delivery-only service nationwide, brings 50 brands to existing spaces of independent restaurant owners seeking new ways to maintain their businesses in the changing COVID-19 restaurant market, according to a news release.

Noting dine-in service limitations resulting from social distancing and safety measures, The Local Culinary created the franchise model to give restaurant owners access to its profit-driven brands and a delivery-only service model. Restaurant owners who join The Local Culinary as franchisees can replicate those concepts within their own kitchen spaces and markets through the company's delivery platform, Alp Franko, the European restaurant industry veteran behind the venture, said in the release.

With cuisines ranging from Mexican and Italian to Asian fusion and classic American, the designed-for-delivery menus include items from burgers and fried chicken, to rice bowls and gourmet salads. The model includes on-site training and ongoing support from The Local Culinary team to help owners build a strong online presence to drive new traffic through delivery orders, the company said. After signing a franchise agreement, owners are operational on the platform within 10 days.

"As many restaurant owners are fighting to stay in business due to limited dine-in service and other setbacks caused by the pandemic, we saw the opportunity to help make a positive impact on our industry, sharing access to our unique, proven profit-driven brands that can easily be replicated in any restaurant kitchen," Franko said. "Through this innovative new franchise program, restaurant owners can maximize their kitchen space and bring new options to market, increasing revenue almost immediately with easy-to-prepare items designed for delivery."

The company's 50 brands are available through a number of Florida locations via Uber Eats, Postmates, GrubHub and DoorDash. Some of the concepts include The Chef Burger, Mama Roma, El Taco Loco, The Green Kitchen, Dirty Fingers, Shu Shu, Yoko Bowl, Hot Potato, Chicks, This is Gyros and Hot Dog Station. The franchise program is now available nationwide.

Next week, QSRweb will feature an in-depth discussion with Franko about the concept, its franchisees and how ghost kitchens are changing restaurant operations.