Ghost Kitchens in the Post-Pandemic Era

This report is part of the Case Study report series, which analyzes trends explored on the TrendSights Map. The consumer insight offered throughout the report is drawn from the Q1 2023 and Q4 2022 global consumer survey, a quarterly survey designed to capture consumer sentiment as it evolves throughout the year.

The pandemic encouraged brands to explore delivery-only concepts like ghost kitchens, where a single restaurant prepares or where multiple virtual restaurants share a kitchen, known as host kitchens. Delivery takeaway forecast to increase in growth during the 2022-27 period, especially in North America and Asia. It is therefore important for foodservice providers to invest longterm in ghost kitchens to align with consumer preferences.

Scope

• The virtual restaurant bubble proceeded to grow during global pandemic lockdowns when consumer demand for convenience was at an all-time high.
• Although consumers in urban areas were working from home more often, they still had fast-paced lifestyles.
• Despite times of high inflation, a notable proportion of younger consumers spend highly on delivery. Delivery-only enterprises such as ghost kitchens have an opportunity to thrive if they effectively micro-target the younger, high-spending consumer groups.

Reasons to Buy

• Understand the challenges and opportunities for foodservice brands in order to tap into the ghost kitchen trend in the post-pandemic era.
• Gain insight into how competitors are responding to this trend.
• Access valuable strategic take-outs to help direct future decision-making and inform new product and service development.