Lookalkitchen Comes in the Middle of Busy "Cloud Kitchen" Business Competition

The presence of a culinary based business cloud kitchen in Indonesia is not quite long. However, the pandemic has created momentum for intangible kitchens or restaurants that only offer takeaways without on-site dining facilities. One of the new players who have entered the collective kitchen market is Lookalkitchen.

The startup founded by Peter Choi (CEO) and Daniel Song (CFO) offers a model cloud kitchen alternative for culinary business people to optimize their kitchen or restaurant. Slightly different from the concept cloud kitchen that already exists, Lookalkitchen makes use of the existing kitchen from brand so no longer issued cost in addition to space rental, cooking utensils and employee management.

Lookalkitchen partners with food and beverage brands online which generally only serves delivery and already has a strong presence on social media. This platform enables underutilized kitchens to generate more revenue by accumulating bespoke-only brands takeaway no upfront cost.

In his presentation Peter said, "Through collaboration with brands that already exists, we basically form a community in the F&B sector where they can share value in the midst of rapid adaptation online food delivery. This is expected to create additional revenue for culinary businessmen who join."

Through collaboration with partner restaurants, culinary business people online They don't have to bother looking for new locations so they can be closer to customers because they can easily take advantage of the kitchens of existing local restaurants. This unique collaboration concept supports the “profit-sharing” model between Lookalkitchen and culinary businesses online and partner restaurants.

When asked about the profit-sharing concept scheme applied, the Lookalkitchen team admitted that they could not answer yet, because each restaurant has a specific agreement. However, they asserted that the team would only receive the benefits when the partner had earned revenue.

Daniel added, "For restaurant owners, re-planning their business model and making changes quickly is not an easy decision, especially during the time of the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead of spending more time and money, we offer a hassle-free registration and partnership process. hassle at all in just two weeks. That includes the kitchen or restaurant assessment stage, the activation process, until it is finally available on all food-beverage delivery platforms online main."

In assessing restaurant partners, Lookalkitchen looks at three most important aspects. First, a functional kitchen with adequate cooking and preparation areas, equipped with storage space and basic kitchen utensils. Second, the hygiene protocol that every staff adheres to when preparing food and ensuring the cleanliness of the kitchen area. Lastly, separate room and equipment to handle halal and non-halal food.

Focus on commercial kitchen

Indonesia is said to be the largest market in Southeast Asia for food delivery with GMV reaching 31% which is estimated to reach $7 billion by the end of 2023. Several unicorn companies have also seen this potential and then entered the market cloud kitchen, just say it ShopeeFood and TravelokaEats.

On this occasion, Daniel also announced that Lookalkitchen will soon open five in-house brands including LA Galbi, The Crepe Lab, Bao Me Mao, Foli Kitchen, and Warung Hercules. The team works with Head professionals to build and operate these restaurants. In addition to providing a collective kitchen, Lookalkitchen also facilitates partners with insight marketing and technology direction.

"Currently we are still focused on serving customers in the Jabodetabek area. However, at the end of 2021, we plan to expand to Bandung, Surabaya, and Medan. With a low-asset business model, without having to rent a place or find employees, we can quickly reach other areas in Indonesia," added Daniel.

Regarding funding, his team admitted that they had received funding in 2020 but could not mention the value and investors. To date, Lookalkitchen has managed 20 food and beverage brands online and supported by 50 revitalized kitchens/restaurants.

In Indonesia business cloud kitchen already played by several other startups as well. With a different approach, there is Hangry who focuses on developing brand His own F&B. There is also DishServe which tries to facilitate home kitchen owners to become a channel cloud kitchen for the owner brand F&B.