In the food service industry, there are several terms related to food delivery that are commonly used. Some of these terms include:
Aggregator: A food aggregator is a third-party delivery platform that acts as a middleman between customers and restaurants or dark kitchens. These aggregators use technology to connect and access a broader audience through their website or app.
API (Application Programming Interface): An API is a set of rules and protocols that connects computers, programs, and services to allow applications to talk to each other and process data. In the context of food delivery, APIs are used to link communication between the restaurant’s menu with multiple options and the kitchen as part of the system for order processing.
Back of House: This term refers to the areas in a restaurant where actions are not visible to customers. It includes spaces like the kitchen, breakrooms, offices, where cooks, stewards, and other staff work behind the scenes to prepare and deliver food orders.
Brick-and-Mortar: This term describes a traditional business model where there is a physical building or location where services are provided directly to customers.
Customer Experience: Customer experience refers to the perception customers have based on their interactions with a restaurant or dark kitchen brand. It encompasses all customer interactions from ordering to delivery and aims to provide a positive experience that fosters loyalty.
Contactless Dining: Contactless dining involves serving guests without interpersonal contact using smartphones, SMS texting, QR codes, or other digital means throughout the customer journey.
Cloud Kitchen: A cloud kitchen is a type of dark kitchen model where kitchens are optimized for food delivery services without dine-in areas. These kitchens are equipped with staff and resources to meet high demand for delivery-only meals.
Commercial Kitchen: Commercial kitchens are professional kitchens typically used by chefs or businesses without their own cooking facilities for preparing large quantities of food.
Curbside Delivery: Curbside delivery is a contactless pickup method where customers can collect their meals without entering the establishment.
Dark Kitchen: Dark kitchens are facilities dedicated solely to preparing meals for delivery rather than dine-in services. They may also be referred to as cloud kitchens, ghost kitchens, or virtual kitchens.