‘Dark kitchens’ have been on the international food scene for a while now. Dark kitchens, virtual kitchens, cloud kitchens, ghost kitchens or deliver-only kitchens essentially sell meals by delivery only.
These business operate in a remote location and accommodate customers virtually, not physically. South African veteran restaurateur, Larry Hodes, will be opening The Dark Kitchen in Johannesburg.
The quirky ghost restaurant, hidden somewhere in the northern suburbs of Joburg, will only be accessible online or by phone.
The process starts with a simple craving for really good pizza. Choose your preferred base – regular, gluten-free or cauliflower, vegan cheese for banters and vegans – and your favourite toppings.
Your gourmet pizza will be crafted in the mystery location and finally, nine mouth-watering slices of pizza will be delivered to your door. Yes, nine slices of pizza! The ninth slice is presented in its very own single-slice pizza box – perfect for a snack at your desk to satisfy a morning-after craving, or on the road between meetings.
In keeping with the mystery theme – pizza is just the first concept on the menu at The Dark Kitchen, with two more launches coming to light soon under The Dark Kitchen brand.
Hodes explains why the ingenious concept has been so successful globally: ‘The value of a dark kitchen model is in the elimination of customer seating and waiting areas – which are often underused or even simply vacant. It cuts rental, decor costs, and the need for serving staff. This reduces overheads, while at the same time catering to the increased consumer need for gourmet home delivery options.
‘The model also allows the flexibility to change menus quickly and easily. Many traditional restaurants pop up in response to changing tastes and trends, leaving them vulnerable when new food fads roll into town. The concept of cloud kitchens is rising as the food delivery market continues to expand. We’re at the dawn of a new restaurant era – an era where a “dark kitchen” will become a common term.’
Pizzas can be ordered via Uber Eats, Mr D or by calling The Dark Kitchen from Monday to Sunday until 9pm. Deliveries, within a 7km radius of Wanderers, also include a limited bar menu including beers, wine and bubbly.
Discover The Dark Kitchen at thedarkkitchen.co.za
Image: Unsplash
