Local Kitchens is defying industry trends by proving that its tech-enabled multi-brand restaurant concept is a successful business model. The company recently secured $40 million in new Series B funding.
Founded in 2020 by former DoorDash employees Jon Goldsmith, Jordan Bramble, and Andrew Munday, Local Kitchens offers dishes from local restaurants and renowned chefs to consumers in Northern California.
Operating similarly to cloud and ghost kitchens, Local Kitchens uses a digital platform to manage orders for multiple brands from a single kitchen. However, CEO Jon Goldsmith emphasizes that the company is not a ghost kitchen, as they operate their own restaurant locations, employing staff to cook and offer dining room service.
This unique model allows Local Kitchens to achieve 50% more sales per person per hour compared to traditional restaurants, making them more efficient in terms of labor hours.
In San Francisco, Local Kitchens partners with local brands like Sushirrito and Boba Guys, as well as nationally recognized chefs such as Mason Hereford. Since its Series A funding in 2021, the company has grown significantly and achieved unit-level profitability.
General Catalyst led the recently announced $40 million Series B funding round for Local Kitchens, with other existing investors also participating. The company’s total funding now stands at $75 million.
By prioritizing consumer needs and addressing restaurant challenges, Local Kitchens has created a new dining experience category that combines high-quality food, good service, and community connection. This innovative approach has set them apart in the evolving food delivery landscape.
Stanley Tang, co-founder of DoorDash and an existing investor in Local Kitchens, has joined the company’s board of directors. This move further strengthens the company’s leadership team as they continue to expand into new markets.
