If you're looking to create a ghost kitchen, there's plenty of work to tend to — but the results can be seriously profitable. Once you've come up with a brilliant concept with innovative marketing ideas and financial projections — you're ready to seek funding. In today's increasingly connected digital marketplace, there are more opportunities than ever to secure investment.
That said, you'll only attract the best investors if your business plan is water-tight and you've accounted for a variety of potential outcomes. Read on to find out more about how to secure funding for your ghost kitchen startup.
The ghost kitchen boom began before COVID-19 struck, but shelter-in-place orders have skyrocketed demand for food delivery services to astronomical levels. In 2018, consumers in the U.S. spent $10.2 billion on ordering food — and some estimates state that this doubled, or even tripled, in 2020.
Starting a ghost kitchen is easier than opening a traditional restaurant with front of house service, but it still comes with an array of challenges. With so much competition, you need to make sure that your team perfects the two cornerstones of online food delivery — quality and speed of service.
With no fancy menus to print, furniture to ponder over or unpredictable front of house staff to train, you're free to focus on the bottom line. The main focual points for setting up a ghost kitchen should be:
Now you've got the basics covered, it's time to find investors to bring your vision to life. Depending on the angle you choose, there'll be plenty of hoops to jump through to prove that you've got what it takes.
Discover the main types of investors you should consider approaching to get the cash for starting a dark kitchen.
Venture capital is a type of financing that investors give to small businesses and startups that have the potential for long-term growth. Individuals or organizations pool money from financial institutions — usually in return for equity in the business. Bear in mind that this means they'll likely have a say in certain aspects of operations.
Angel investors are individuals with a high net worth who use their own money to invest in startups and small businesses in return for equity. While they're often friends or family members, it's possible to shop for angel investors online or at events.
Blogging is an excellent way to secure funding because it provides a unique insight into your methods and processes. Investors want to be as close to certain as possible that the company they put up funds for will be fruitful. Showcasing your story and diligent business practices along the way is a great way to show people what you're capable of.
Social media is a profoundly powerful tool for business owners because it provides unparalleled access to other people. You can follow investors that interest you, get a feel for who they are and start building a relationship with them remotely.
Crowdfunding has emerged in the last decade as a serious way for business owners to raise capital. It often takes a lot of work because you need to convince as many people as possible to invest in your ghost kitchen. The beauty is that they don't have to be rich or have a stake in your company.
The food industry is at the mercy of ever-changing trends, so it's vital that you know how to discern the difference between a fad and a lasting change. Some of the most important emerging trends in the restaurant delivery industry include:
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