Food tech startup 2ndKitchen raises $4.35M seed round to enable businesses without a kitchen to serve food from nearby restaurants

Eight years ago, Marc Andreessen penned his famous essay on why software is eating the world. The essay was about how software is permeating every area of our lives, from cars we drive, to automation in homes, and smart devices we use. “We’re watching a new generation of tech start-ups realize the Web’s original potential,” Marc said. Today, his essay is more relevant than ever.

Most of the current disruptions we witnessed before now have been within tech-based organizations. But, that’s about to change. Just last week, we wrote about how former Uber CEO, Kalanick, is disrupting the restaurant with his idea of cloud kitchens. Kalanick is not alone. There are many other tech startups using technology to transform the $800 billion industry. One of these startups is a Chicago-based 2ndKitchen, which connects people with restaurants in their neighborhood and serve food without the hassles of a kitchen. Founded in 2017 by Arik Gaisler, Jonathan Elron, and Nick Anastasiades, 2ndKitchen helps businesses without a kitchen to serve food seamlessly by partnering with nearby restaurants on custom menus.

Yesterday, 2ndKitchen announced it hashas raised an additional $3 million, completing its Seed funding round at $4.35 million. The round, which will be used to help businesses create food experiences with neighborhood restaurants, was led by Hyde Park Venture Partners. Other backers include MATH Venture Partners, Great North Labs, Bragiel Brothers, and M25. The Techstars graduate 2ndKitchen provides new way for Bars, Breweries and Hotels to provide custom branded food service from nearby restaurants.

“Many service and hospitality businesses have to serve food in order to give customers a great experience, but having a kitchen is complicated, expensive, time-consuming, and too often unprofitable if food is not their main focus,” said Nick Anastasiades, CEO of 2ndKitchen. “2ndKitchen is the perfect solution. We help any business create a high-quality, custom, and on-brand dining experience for their customers, for free.”

2ndKitchen helps businesses such as bars, breweries and hotels partner with local restaurants to create custom food experiences. By offering unique food options, these business can keep patrons in their seats longer and attract new clientele. Restaurants benefit by adding another source of revenue to maximize kitchen capacity, especially during off-peak hours when bars and breweries are busiest.

Since graduating from Techstars and launching in 2018, 2ndKitchen has expanded its service nationwide and tripled its headcount. The company will use the funding to continue its rapid expansion across the U.S., pursue new business categories beyond bars, breweries, and hotels, and create a world-class resource hub for bars, breweries, and hotels to grow their businesses.