Ghost Financial Eyeing On "Ghost Kitchen" Business Sector, Restaurants Through Food Ordering Applications

JAKARTA - Financial services startup Ghost Financial on Tuesday, April 5 announced an initial round of investment as it launches banking-style products into the growing "ghost kitchen" sector. This model restaurant is dedicated to serving customers through a food delivery app.

Austin, Texas-based Ghost said it had raised $2.5 million from investors including HOF Capital, 305 Ventures, Hustle Fund, and Active Capital. The company provides insurance, loans, credit cards, and other financial products to small businesses that operate ghost kitchens.

As the popularity of food delivery soars during the pandemic, many ghost kitchens have sprung up to meet the demand. They are separate from sit-down restaurants or traditional restaurants and focus solely on the delivery of ordered food. Young businesses often buy their inventory using cash, checks, or debit cards, rather than credit cards, which John Meyer, chief executive of Ghost Financial, says is holding back their growth.

"What appears to be lacking is a very clear layer of banking and finance to support the ... ghost kitchen industry," Meyer said.

Big restaurant groups like Wingstop Inc have also used ghost kitchens in recent years. According to a Reuters report, this was driven by lower upfront costs and labor costs.

"Despite the increasing popularity of food delivery during the pandemic, there are no signs the trend will subside," Meyer said. He also noted that some popular personalities such as YouTube star MrBeast have also started to be in the business of ghost kitchens.