The global COVID-19 pandemic has touched nearly every industry with devastating impact. The restaurant industry is arguably one of those most severely affected. The restrictions have caused many sudden closings and has posed huge challenges for those businesses still open. With the challenges have come opportunities. For the restaurant industry, the meteoric rise in to-go business has spurred the acceleration of ghost kitchens, a trend already in place, but certainly intensified by the consumer changes brought about by the coronavirus.
Many businesses will not resume normal operations after such long closures. However, with some planning and strategizing, those that are able to come back may flourish in the new dining marketplace using ghost kitchens and catering to the to-go and delivery services.
In simple terms, ghost kitchens are “virtual” kitchens. They act as restaurants without a dining space built to focus only on online orders for delivery. As apps like Postmates, GrubHub, Doordash, and Uber Eats tap into a large chunk of the $800 billion dollar restaurant industry, companies that adapt can do so to their advantage.
The consumer shift to take-out and delivery is likely to be permanent. Companies like Cloud Kitchens, Kitchens United, and DoorDash Kitchens are providing turn-key solutions and are rapidly expanding operations and locations. Other formats, like the new Postmates ghost kitchen in downtown Los Angeles operate as a single kitchen preparing food for several established brands, all in one location. As more restaurants and chains shift to the ghost kitchen concept, the need for kitchen and food prep spaces to accommodate this trend will continue to grow.
Many lighting manufacturers we represent have been providing specialized hardware and technology to this industry and are ready to support the ghost kitchen trend. Here are several products we’re spotlighting to serve this need:
Food Warmers
Baselite Food Warmers
Baselite food warmers are designed and built to the highest commercial standards. Shades are constructed from high grade aluminum, brass or copper and hand spun at their own facility.
See Baselite food warmers here »
Download the Baselite food warmer catalog »
Recessed Troffer, NSF Rated, Wet Location
Williams MCT LED Troffer
The Williams MCT LED is designed to meet the demanding requirements of controlled environments. The smooth surface doorframe and lens materials simplify cleaning and maintenance.
See Williams MCT LED Troffer »
Paramount Lighting F4 Series
Paramount Lighting’s F4 Series lens frame are available for food zone with stainless steel construction and with silicone sealant.
See Paramount Lighting F4 Series Troffer »
Enclosed & Gasketed / NSF Rated, Splash Zone Certified, Wet Location
Williams 96 LED Fully Enclosed & Gasketed Industrial
Williams’ 96 LED is a fully gasketed fixture that resists dust, bugs, and moisture.
See Williams 96 LED Fully Enclosed and Gasketed Industrial Lights »
Paramount Lighting C4 Series
The C4 Series from Paramount Lighting features IP 65 rating, (N/A In-Row) with high light output of 1200 lumens for each array.
See Paramount Lighting C4 Extreme Series Surface Mount »
Hi-Bay Wash Down, NSF Rated
Solas Ray Lighting “The Beast”
Utilizing cutting edge LED technology, these fixtures set the industry standard in supplying high output lighting to factories, warehouses, aircraft facilities, cold storage, gymnasiums, retail and numerous other applications.
See Solas Ray Lighting “The Beast” High Bay »
Exits, NEMA 4X
Emergi-Lite Survive-All™ SVX Series
Ideal for environments where protection against humidity, dust, water infiltration and the risk of vandalism are specification criteria. The Survive-AllTM SVX exit sign provides protection against rugged environments with a fully gasketed NEMA-4X housing and a vandal-resistant heavy-duty polycarbonate faceplate.
See Emergi-Lite Survive -All™ SVX Series »