The world of hospitality has been going through a radical change in recent years, and at the heart of it all is the “dark kitchens” phenomenon. Also called virtual kitchens, ghost kitchens or digital kitchens, these facilities aren’t restaurants in the traditional sense, but are radicalising the way we order and consume our food. According to Statista, the global cloud kitchen market was valued at approximately $56.71 billion in 2021, and is predicted to almost double by 2027, reaching $112.53 billion.
What are dark kitchens?
Basically, dark kitchens are used exclusively to prepare food for home delivery or takeaway. Unlike traditional restaurants, there is no space to eat in, and in many cases, there is no visible location for customers to reference. These kitchens operate in the shadows, behind the screens of our mobile devices, and their main purpose is to satisfy the growing demand for food delivery in the digital age.
What are the benefits of dark kitchens?
- Efficiency and optimisation: By focusing exclusively on producing food for takeaway or delivery, dark kitchens can streamline their operations. This means they can maximise the use of space, reducing operating costs and minimising food waste.
- Variety without restrictions: Dark kitchens can house several brands or culinary concepts in a single space, allowing the owners to experiment with a wide range of options without the geographical limitations of a brick-and-mortar restaurant.
- Flexibility: They can quickly adapt to changing trends and consumer demands. If a dish or idea doesn’t work, they can change it easily without having to reform the physical location.
With this in mind, energy efficiency plays a significant role. Dark kitchens require a well-equipped infrastructure including cabinets, undercounters and drinks cabinets. It is here where brands committed to energy efficiency and offering Class A products can really make a difference. Efficient fridges not only contribute to reducing the operating costs of dark kitchens, they also have a positive impact on the environment by consuming less energy.
For example, the models in the 2023-2024 catalogue offer a significant energy saving, as our Upright Cabinets QR 6-5A and QN 6-5B. Thanks to using equipment with such characteristics, dark kitchens can operate more efficiently.
In short, ghost kitchens have been a culinary revolution from the shadows, and the energy efficiency of their refrigeration equipment key to their success and sustainability. Choosing brands committed to energy efficiency can make the difference in the operation and environmental impact of these kitchens of the future.
