The Emergence of Virtual Restaurants and Ghost Kitchens

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many restaurants to close or switch to takeout and delivery only. In response, many chefs and restaurateurs turned to virtual restaurants to keep serving their customers.

Virtual restaurants operate exclusively through delivery platforms like Uber Eats and Grubhub, often specialize in one cuisine or dish, and cook out of shared kitchens or other commercial spaces. Without a storefront, they run leaner and cheaper, which makes it easier to turn a profit, and customers get their favorite dishes delivered at home.

Virtual restaurants will not replace sit-down dining, but they give chefs a way to adapt and reach a wider audience than a single physical location ever could.