Technology

How Reef Kitchens is riding the wave of delivery demand

This week’s episode of the RB podcast “A Deeper Dive” features Alan Philips, Reef’s chief creative officer, who explains the ghost kitchen operator’s unique model.

Medallia Zingle

This episode of "A Deeper Dive" is sponsored by our partner, Medallia Zingle.

Reef Kitchens has a unique business. But its model is more traditional than you think.

This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast “A Deeper Dive” features Alan Philips, the chief creative officer for Reef Kitchens.

Ghost kitchens are expanding quickly around the country, and investors have poured a ton of money into these companies, banking on a new business model that takes advantage of the growth in delivery demand. Yet there are a lot of these providers, and delivery itself still has long-term questions.

Reef takes a unique approach to ghost kitchens. The company builds its “neighborhood kitchens” using modular units on parking lots in urban areas, enabling it to build them quickly. But it is the operator of the kitchens, so the chains and independents that locate in the kitchens license their brands to Reef.

This podcast is part of Restaurant Business’s week-long look at the impact of the coronavirus on technology. Read more about ghost kitchens, as well as virtual brands.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe on Spotify.

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Financing

The ongoing dangers of third-party delivery

The Bottom Line: The parent company of Tender Greens, which filed for bankruptcy this week, is laying part of the blame on its heavier reliance on delivery orders.

Technology

As restaurant tech consolidates, an ode to the point solution

Tech Check: All-in-one may be all the rage, but there’s value in being a one-trick pony.

Financing

Steak and Ale comes back from the dead, 16 years later

The Bottom Line: Paul Mangiamele has vowed to bring the venerable casual-dining chain back for more than a decade. He finally fulfilled that promise. Here’s a look inside.

Trending

More from our partners