Though ghost kitchens once seemed poised to become the future of the U.S. food industry, it looks as if dark kitchens have become only a shadow of their former potential.
With the return to in-person dining back in full force post-pandemic, more than 70% U.S. consumers have reported that it’s important for their food to come from physically-accessible locations, rendering the idea of ghost kitchens unappealing.
As a result, major food chains – such as Wendy’s and Applebees – have gone on to scrap currently-open or planned ghost kitchens by 2023.
With consumers back to pre-pandemic habits, the entire concept of ghost kitchens may just find its way into the fast food graveyard.
