Home NewsThe 100 ematerialized catering, a constraint that has...

The 100 ematerialized catering, a constraint that has become a commercial niche

February 14 2022
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Home meal delivery has become an ingrained mode of consumption in the lives of the French, especially over the past two years. Dark kitchens, aggregators and home delivery platforms... Find out how to take part in the rise of digitalized catering.

Dark kitchens, 100 igit catering without on-site reception or consumption

Adoria tells you more about the concept of dark kitchens, and how they have transformed the catering landscape in recent years.

What is a dark kitchen

A dark kitchen is a physical location where kitchen staff can set up shop to provide take-out meals that are only sold by delivery. This burgeoning concept fills a growing need for touchless food delivery.

The takeout revolution

Even before 2020, the takeout delivery market was already beginning to represent a significant portion of the restaurant industry. The pandemic has further boosted meal sales via popular apps like Deliveroo and Uber Eats. As a result, this burgeoning sector offers new opportunities for takeout, regardless of the size of your restaurant.

Dark kitchens, in vogue long before the pandemic

In 2017, Deliveroo launched its scheme to promote the idea of dark kitchens to a wider audience, offering hubs where catering companies are set up solely to prepare food for delivery. Paving the way for dark kitchens, the project was a huge success in its early years.

The Rise of Dark Kitchens

Dark kitchens have grown markedly since 2020, but their growth is not simply a response to the pandemic. The hospitality industry's ability to adapt to changing consumer behaviors has been evident for the past few years, and it's a safe bet that dark kitchens will only grow in popularity.

Dark kitchens: what's the future?

Thanks to Amazon's investment and the steady influx of new startups into the sector, dark kitchens could become much more popular, even in a post-pandemic world. Indeed, this business model offers major cost savings, as well as meeting the expectations of home delivery enthusiasts.

Building on dark kitchens as a physical restaurant

However, the idea that cloud kitchens will explode into the takeout market in the near future seems unlikely, especially when taking into account the advances of other food delivery players. For example, Uber Eats has finally abandoned its plans for a chain of dark kitchens. Moreover, especially in France, consumers are still fond of on-site meals. They are therefore more likely to choose a restaurant for home delivery if they have eaten there before. Something to keep in mind if you want to digitalize your restaurant.

Distribution platforms and aggregators as distribution channels

Digital technologies are also part of the landscape, and are rapidly changing the meal delivery industry. Indeed, every year customers are increasingly using apps and websites to order their food. How can you use these tools as a revenue-generating engine for your restaurant?

Which delivery services should you turn to as a restaurant owner?

If you want to be a part of the takeout boom, restaurant aggregators and service platforms allow you to be listed online. Among the most present aggregators and delivery services in France are Just Eat, Takeaway.com, Uber Eats or Deliveroo. You can choose to be listed with one or more aggregators.

Advantages of going through this type of service for home delivery

Although signing up with a delivery platform is an additional cost, it has many advantages:

  • the acquisition of new customers: aggregator sites like Deliveroo and UberEats make it easier for consumers to discover new restaurants they might like. For better visibility, work with several of these meal delivery apps and consider paying for premium placements that will help your restaurant get found.
  • external technology expertise: delivery apps handle the technical side of ordering meals online. This way, you strengthen your online presence at no extra cost.
  • an operational support: most delivery apps not only help restaurants receive online orders, but also hire and manage the fleet of drivers if you don't have any.
  • a powerful marketing tool: Delivery aggregators are great at advertising and community management. Take advantage of this to showcase your restaurant.

So, ready to start your digital transition to boost your restaurant sales?
Adoria can help you digitize your business with its restaurant software.
Don't hesitate to contact us for a personalized demo.

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