What is a Commercial Cloud Kitchen?

A cloud kitchen, also known as a ghost kitchen or virtual kitchen, is a commercial kitchen space designed to produce food specifically for delivery. The cloud Kitchen model has emerged as a new business model in response to the rapid growth in consumer demand for both restaurant meals, as well as virtual brands delivered to the comfort of your home. This model is driven by the need to ensure food is out of the door and into the hands of the customers as fast as possible, yet ensuring quality upon delivery.
Unlike a conventional restaurant where there are high investment costs on designs, furniture, kitchen equipment, in addition to high operational expenses; the running of cloud kitchens guarantees lower operational costs. This is due to the fact that there is no need to invest in customer facing area. In turn, the labor force is reduced, thereby yielding higher profit margins whilst maintaining affordable food prices for customers.
A cloud kitchen allows established restaurants to expand their delivery operations without adding stress to the existing kitchen. It also:
– facilitates the creation of multiple brands under one kitchen
– creates efficiency, during peak times. A typical restaurant can deliver 15 to 20 orders per hour, whereas a cloud kitchen can deliver 60 orders or more per hour with fewer employees
– allows for expansion and the potential to increase geographical presence, without the need to spend much on real estate
Moving to a delivery-only model has been made possible recently by advances in technology and changes in consumer habits. Unlike a traditional brick-and-mortar restaurant, a delivery only brand is able to track data and analytics throughout the food delivery process. One can track the popularity of items, wait times, and customer feedback via ratings and adjust their menus via third party food delivery apps.
It paves way for businesses to experiment with new concepts with ease and at low risk. Menus can be adjusted to match consumer preferences, current trends or target multiple demographics with a variety of cuisines. Additionally, the technology enables businesses to integrate their orders with third party delivery companies, ensuring timely delivery at the same time guaranteeing quality.
COVID-19 has accelerated the adoption of cloud kitchens in the food and beverage industry globally, as restaurants minimized and eliminated dining at their premises. The accelerated growth of cloud kitchens is exponential. For instance, the Asia Pacific regional market exceeded 60.0% of the global market share of delivery services in 2020. Increasing internet penetration, rising proliferation of online delivery services, and increasing consumer preference for international cuisines are expected to further drive exponential growth in the sector.
Akin to the global trend, Kenya’s online delivery sector is growing rapidly, providing an opportunity for food creators to be more innovative with their menus. Kenya is seeing a huge influx of virtual brands that are cooked from home or from an unknown locations and delivered via third party delivery companies such as Glovo, Bolt, Uber Eats or individual boda bodas. However, these brands operate from small kitchens that lack space or sophisticated equipment, thereby limiting food production. The availability of affordable modern kitchens has the potential to increase the demand for virtual brands, in addition to encouraging the rise of food entrepreneurs (foodpreneurs).
Kitchens For You is the first commercial cloud kitchen in Kenya which offers fully equipped and managed kitchen spaces. Located in Kilimani, a dynamic neighborhood with both commercial and residential spaces. An ideal location for timely delivery of meals including in nearby Kileleshwa and Lavington area. Our site also provides other complimentary services such as dry and cold storage, cleaning, on-site support staff, dispatch area and waste management. Our kitchens have a modern design and top of the range equipment. Our goal is to provide an ideal workspace that encompasses the full needs of a food business.
If you are an existing business or looking to start a food delivery business, then opting for a delivery-only kitchens is your best option. The start-up costs are lower, time to open is shorter and the risk factor of a 3-5-year lease commitment is absent.
Our kitchens have been designed to meet the demanding requirements of commercial kitchen business. We realize not every business is the same, so our layouts are adapted to suit the needs of our clients. The Kitchens can also be hired by food content creators for videography and photo shoots.
Our spaces are fully operational and ready for you to move into with no waiting for permits, construction delays, utilities or even connections. Our kitchens are available to hire on short and long term leases. For the short term lease you book your preferred slots via our website, and for the long term lease the kitchens are generally taken for a minimum of one month with multiyear options also available.