Kitchen United

Kitchen United is a ghost kitchen operator and technology provider founded in 2017. The company operates commercial kitchen spaces that house multiple restaurant brands, allowing them to prepare food for delivery and pickup without the need for a traditional brick-and-mortar location. Kitchen United's proprietary software platform enables customers to order from multiple brands in a single transaction, with orders synchronized to maximize efficiency. The company's technology consolidates orders from various delivery platforms and restaurant apps into a unified stream for food preparation.

As of July 2022, Kitchen United operated approximately 200 kitchen units across 20 regions in the US. The company experienced triple-digit top line growth for three consecutive years leading up to 2022. Kitchen United's business model initially combined delivery technology, real estate, and virtual restaurant brands. However, in November 2023, the company announced a significant shift in strategy, deciding to sell or close all of its physical locations and pivot to focus solely on its software business. This change included the closure of all Kitchen United locations inside Kroger supermarkets, which had been a key part of its expansion efforts since 2021.

Key customers and partnerships

Kitchen United has partnered with several major restaurant chains and brands throughout its operation. Some of its notable customers included Burger King, Popeyes, Chick-fil-A, Portillo's, Panera Bread, Dog Haus, Wingstop, and Brinker International. The company also collaborated with large corporations such as Kroger, Google Ventures, and Fidelity Investments.

In terms of partnerships, Kitchen United formed a significant alliance with Kroger in August 2021, opening virtual commissary locations inside select Kroger supermarkets. This partnership allowed customers to order food from multiple restaurants for pickup while shopping or for home delivery. Additionally, the company also worked with Simon Property Group to open units in malls, although this focus shifted in favor of grocery store locations in early 2023.