Kitchen United, a brand known for opening ghost kitchens in Kroger stores, is parting ways with the grocery giant as it shifts its business model from physical locations to software, reports Restaurant Business News. A ghost kitchen, also known as a virtual restaurant, is a foodservice business that serves customers directly through delivery or takeout without needing a storefront or dining room.
"We have closed all of the Kitchen United locations operating inside of Kroger," Kitchen United said. "We appreciate their partnership and support over the years. We are currently looking to pivot back into a software business."
Kroger confirmed the separation: “Unfortunately, Kitchen United will no longer operate in our stores… We apologize for any inconvenience this may create and encourage customers to explore delicious ready-to-eat items in our deli departments,” said a spokesperson for the grocer.
Kitchen United operated seven Mix Food Hall locations in Kroger Stores across Texas, Ohio, and Indiana. As of Tuesday, its ordering pages were defunct. Full Story
Related: Dallas Kroger Home To New Kitchen United Mix; Fast Food Inflation Persists