New cloud kitchen concept Food to Go has announced that it received its first round of funding as it launches its operations in the UAE.
Using technology-driven restaurant operations solutions for franchisers and food outlets, this new concept is set to open several other branches over the next year to cater to all seven emirates.
Food to Go Co-Founder Wael Khechen, a seasoned specialist in the provision of high quality F&B products with a track record of close to 15 years in the GCC, is looking to mobilise nationwide operations.
“Food to Go is responding to a major need for F&B services that reduce overheads and take some of the load off local businesses that are not able to meet increasing demand for their products,” says Khechen.
Through Food to Go, Khechen will help local businesses increase efficiency and boost sales while capitalising on the latest technological innovations in food preparation, with several F&B brands already on board including the likes of Karaz from Beirut, Miyabi Sushi, D.O.N. Pizza, Burger Pit, Mambo Pizza, Meat avenue and Kale to name a few.
“With the UAE expanding its urban spaces, restaurant owners are placed under tremendous pressure to grow their distribution network, and are effectively unable to do so without incurring high set-up costs. Our service ultimately relieves the bulk of the stress of managing restaurants and empowers business owners to focus on refining their offering and brand presence while scaling demand for their products,” he adds.
The seeding campaign for Food to Go is being managed by YAS Investment and has received positive feedback from the market. Backing the project as one of the main investors for the first round of funding is AlSerkal Ventures, which – according to the masterminds behind the concept – will add major value to Food To Go to oversee expansion initiatives in the coming months.
“We’re always on the lookout for fresh solutions that truly capture and utilise the power of technology,” say experts at AlSerkal Ventures. “The traditional restaurant business model has been positively disrupted by technology and we believe services being offered by Food to Go will fill a major void in the market as a means of meeting increasing demand for high quality food services.”
With over a dozen internationally-trained chefs on on board, Food to Go brings high-level expertise and skills to the industrial kitchen, boasting a large pool of culinary experts and support staff.
From original recipes to food preparation and plating, this one-stop kitchen aims to ensure that every single dish is crafted to perfection each and every single time.
Operating its first branch in Dubai, the business model comprises advanced kitchen facilities managed by the best chefs in the country, whose scope is to ensure the highest quality and consistency of food products on behalf of the many operators who have already joined the group.
“Technology plays a key role in our operations, whereby the entire process is managed using the latest tools and solutions to ensure that all interactions with our partners’ customers are closely monitored, reviewed and reported on constantly for ongoing improvement and the safeguarding of a seamless customer experience,” explains Khechen.
In addition to the provision of full menu preparation, Food to Go also offers call centre and full food delivery fleet support to maximise customer access through expanded geographic reach. The group will enter its second round of funding in the coming year.
The demand for cloud kitchens has been on the rise for some years now in response to increasing restaurant operational costs and heavy competition, leaving brick and mortar establishments amid tremendous challenges to sustain quality and demand from their growing customer base.