Reef Technology, the fast-growing ghost kitchen operator, is buying a startup that helps connect local restaurants with other businesses that want to offer food.
Chicago-based 2ndKitchen is Reef's second acquisition in as many months. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Founded in 2017, 2ndKitchen provides technology that allows businesses that don't otherwise serve food to offer ordering and delivery from nearby restaurants. Clients include hotels, breweries, apartment complexes and more in 30 cities. 2ndKitchen's tech handles every step of the process, from ordering to payment and delivery. It aims to help generate more revenue for both the businesses and the restaurants they partner with.
It will now become a part of Reef, providing a link between Reef's network of delivery-only restaurants and nearby businesses. Reef operates small kitchen trailers that serve food from local, regional and/or national chains. They're typically located in parking lots in areas close to lots of potential customers.
The acquisition will help make Reef's restaurants a prominent option for local businesses that want to add foodservice.
"REEF operates the world’s best and most relevant restaurant brands," said Tommy Rosen, head of development at Reef. "It is only natural for us to bring these brands to the world’s best hotels and hospitality venues."
2ndKitchen currently powers foodservice for more than 100,000 rooms and tables. Reef, meanwhile, operates more than 300 kitchen vessels and has deals to open thousands more worldwide over the next several years, including hundreds with big brands including Wendy's and Del Taco.
The Miami-based company has faced scrutiny in recent months over permitting and other violations in some cities. It recently closed all of its mobile locations in New York because of what the city said were health and safety violations.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.