Austin-based Virtual Fork Launches Kitchen Marketplace
Virtual Fork, an Austin-based startup, launched its pilot program on October 1, 2022, bringing a kitchen-sharing marketplace to Central Texas. Co-founders Cole Graham and Jacob Pielke launched their business with the goal of connecting food businesses with available space in underutilized commercial kitchens. These kitchens, located in existing restaurants, bars, cafes, and hotels, can list their closed hours on Virtual Fork. When a renter comes in and uses the space, any kitchen can become a ghost kitchen.
The platform enables collaborative partnerships between kitchens and food businesses. With Virtual Fork, kitchen owners can advertise their space and available amenities to renters. After selecting a kitchen space, renters and owners come together and agree on the terms of the space use. Virtual Fork acts as a hub for all communication, payment, and accountability.
“Austin’s culinary scene has been booming, and we saw an opportunity to help both existing and new businesses,” Graham stated. “Jacob and I knew about the Central Prep Facility requirements in Austin, and knew that smaller businesses and food trucks would not be able to afford the high costs associated with commissary kitchens or existing options. Virtual Fork is a way that existing kitchens will have more revenue to pay off their rent, and independent businesses can increase production while staying health-code compliant. We make finding a ghost kitchen in Austin easier than ever before.”
Virtual Fork also makes sure hosts and guests are protected against any additional liability. On-platform tools for cleanliness, hand-off, incident reporting, and scheduling ensure that ongoing operations are smooth for both parties. Virtual Fork will also launch a protection plan in the coming months, as an added layer of trust between users in the kitchen.
Keep up to date with all things Virtual Fork at www.virtualfork.io or on Instagram and LinkedIn @virtual_fork.
Details
October 25, 2022
Name: Cyrus Norwood
Phone: (720) 878-7608
Email: cyrus@virtualfork.io