2ndKitchen, a food technology startup based in Chicago, has secured a total of US$4.35 million in its seed funding round after recently raising an additional US$3 million, according to a company announcement.
A Techstars graduate in 2018, 2ndKitchen enables businesses without a kitchen to serve food seamlessly using a custom menu from nearby restaurants. The startup was founded in 2017 by Arik Gaisler, Jonathan Elron, and Nick Anastasiades.
The startup’s seed funding round was led by Hyde Park Venture Partners, an early-stage venture capital firm focused on high-growth, mid-continent technology startups. The round was also backed by MATH Venture Partners, Great North Labs, Bragiel Brothers, and M25.
The firm first raised $1.4 million in its seed round in February.
“Many service and hospitality businesses have to serve food 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. We help any business create a high-quality, custom, and on-brand dining experience for their customers, for free,” said Nick Anastasiades, CEO of 2ndKitchen.
The firm said it helps businesses such as bars, breweries, and hotels partner with local restaurants to create custom food experiences. By offering unique food options, these businesses can keep patrons in their seats longer and attract new clientele.
Hotels and other hospitality businesses are also using 2ndKitchen to create room service menus that are branded to the hotel.
Not only businesses benefit from using 2ndKitchen. The startup said restaurants benefit by adding another source of revenue to maximize kitchen capacity, especially during off-peak hours when bars and breweries are busiest.
The startup said it will use the funding to continue its rapid expansion across the US, 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.
