GITNUXREPORT 2025

Ghost Kitchen Statistics

Ghost kitchens industry grows rapidly, with higher profits, lower costs, and consumer demand.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Over 60% of consumers have ordered food from a ghost kitchen at least once

Statistic 2

Nearly 50% of consumers said they prefer ordering from a ghost kitchen due to faster delivery times

Statistic 3

Consumers under 35 are the most likely demographic to order from ghost kitchens, with over 70% having done so in the past year

Statistic 4

The most popular cuisines for ghost kitchens in 2023 are American, Chinese, and Indian

Statistic 5

Online ordering via mobile devices accounts for more than 75% of ghost kitchen orders

Statistic 6

52% of consumers are unaware that they are ordering from a ghost kitchen rather than a traditional restaurant

Statistic 7

Nearly 80% of consumers say their overall satisfaction with food delivery increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, much of which was driven by ghost kitchens

Statistic 8

Food delivery orders from ghost kitchens are most often placed during dinner hours, between 6 pm and 9 pm

Statistic 9

About 35% of ghost kitchens focus solely on vegetarian or vegan cuisine, reflecting consumer demand for plant-based options

Statistic 10

In a 2022 survey, 65% of consumers expressed willingness to try new restaurants launched solely as ghost kitchens, indicating strong growth potential

Statistic 11

The primary reason consumers prefer ghost kitchens is the convenience of faster and easier ordering, cited by 68% of respondents

Statistic 12

Customer satisfaction levels for ghost kitchen food delivery are 25% higher than for traditional dine-in experiences in some surveys

Statistic 13

The use of environmentally friendly packaging in ghost kitchens increased by 35% in 2023, reflecting consumer demand for sustainability

Statistic 14

78% of consumers prefer quick and contactless food ordering options, a trend accelerated by ghost kitchens

Statistic 15

The average order size from ghost kitchens is about 12% higher than from traditional restaurants, due to the emphasis on takeout and delivery

Statistic 16

The number of ghost kitchen patents filed globally increased by 40% between 2019 and 2022, reflecting innovation in the industry

Statistic 17

The ghost kitchen market size was valued at approximately $43 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $71 billion by 2027

Statistic 18

The number of ghost kitchens in the U.S. increased by over 40% between 2019 and 2022

Statistic 19

Delivery-only restaurants account for roughly 20% of all new restaurant openings in the U.S. since 2020

Statistic 20

By 2025, an estimated 70% of all new restaurant concepts will either be ghost kitchens or heavily reliant on delivery

Statistic 21

The United States has the highest number of ghost kitchens, with over 20,000 operational locations in 2023

Statistic 22

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to account for the largest share of the ghost kitchen market by 2027

Statistic 23

About 55% of ghost kitchens operate under a food delivery-only business model

Statistic 24

65% of ghost kitchen operators surveyed plan to expand into new markets within the next two years

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42% of ghost kitchens partner with at least three different third-party food delivery platforms

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85% of ghost kitchens reported increased demand during the pandemic, with many seeing growth rates exceeding 25%

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The top three cities for ghost kitchen deployment in the U.S. are Los Angeles, New York City, and Chicago

Statistic 28

Subscription-based meal concepts are increasingly being tested within ghost kitchens to diversify revenue streams

Statistic 29

About 30% of ghost kitchens offer alcohol delivery services, which has become a notable revenue stream

Statistic 30

The use of virtual brands within ghost kitchens has increased by over 50% in the last two years, allowing operators to maximize menu diversity

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The global ghost kitchen market share is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 16% from 2023 to 2030

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Ghost kitchens are increasingly being used by big restaurant chains to expand their presence without opening new dine-in locations

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The most common size for ghost kitchen facilities is between 1,000 and 3,000 square feet, suitable for multiple virtual brands

Statistic 34

The growth of ghost kitchens has contributed to a 12% increase in food delivery sales in major markets between 2020 and 2022

Statistic 35

In 2023, 40% of new restaurant licenses in the U.S. are for ghost kitchen concepts, indicating rapid industry adoption

Statistic 36

The most common delivery platforms used by ghost kitchens include UberEats, DoorDash, and Grubhub, with over 90% market share combined

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About 70% of ghost kitchens are located in urban areas with high population densities, maximizing delivery efficiency

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Revenue from virtual brands within ghost kitchens grew by over 60% in 2022, indicating their vital role in diversification

Statistic 39

Ghost kitchens are responsible for approximately 15% of all foodservice delivery sales in the U.S. in 2023, showcasing their growing importance

Statistic 40

Approximately 40% of ghost kitchen operators plan to franchise their concepts within the next five years, seeking rapid growth

Statistic 41

80% of ghost kitchen owners believe the model allows for lower operational costs compared to traditional restaurants

Statistic 42

Food safety incidents have decreased 15% in ghost kitchens compared to traditional restaurants, according to survey data

Statistic 43

Ghost kitchens can typically reduce startup costs by up to 40% compared to traditional restaurants

Statistic 44

The average time from order to delivery has decreased by approximately 25% in ghost kitchens over the past three years

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The average cost for constructing a ghost kitchen ranges from $50,000 to $200,000, depending on size and location

Statistic 46

The top three challenges faced by ghost kitchen operators are high competition, delivery logistics, and maintaining food quality

Statistic 47

The average employee turnover rate in ghost kitchens is estimated at around 30% annually, slightly lower than traditional restaurants

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Ghost kitchens tend to have 25% lower rent and utility costs compared to brick-and-mortar restaurants

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The majority of ghost kitchens operate with fewer than 10 employees, emphasizing lean operational models

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The environmental impact of ghost kitchens is estimated to be 20-30% lower than traditional restaurants due to decreased energy consumption and waste

Statistic 51

70% of ghost kitchen operators plan to incorporate more automation and AI into their operations in the next 3 years

Statistic 52

The cost to develop a virtual brand within a ghost kitchen ranges from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on complexity

Statistic 53

The adoption of contactless payment technologies in ghost kitchens has reached 85%, streamlining the ordering and payment process

Statistic 54

Nearly 60% of ghost kitchens utilize data analytics to optimize menu offerings and pricing strategies

Statistic 55

Ghost kitchens have a lower environmental carbon footprint per meal served compared to traditional restaurants, by an estimated 15-20%

Statistic 56

The average lifespan of a ghost kitchen operation is approximately 3 to 5 years before the need for relocation or major renovation

Statistic 57

The integration of AI-driven chatbots for customer service is being adopted by 45% of ghost kitchens, enhancing order accuracy and customer experience

Statistic 58

The top challenges faced by ghost kitchens include delivery logistics and food quality control, cited by over 65% of operators

Statistic 59

The deployment of robotic cooking and delivery solutions in ghost kitchens increased by 50% in 2023, aiming to reduce labor costs and improve efficiency

Statistic 60

Approximately 75% of ghost kitchen revenue is generated through third-party delivery apps

Statistic 61

The average ghost kitchen operation yields about $250,000 in revenue per year

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Ghost kitchens generally see about a 15% higher profit margin compared to traditional dine-in setups

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60% of restaurant owners who adopted ghost kitchen models say they experienced increased sales

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The average profit margin for ghost kitchens can reach up to 20%, higher than many traditional small-scale restaurants

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Ghost kitchen revenue per square foot is approximately 1.5 times higher than traditional restaurant spaces

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Key Highlights

The ghost kitchen market size was valued at approximately $43 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $71 billion by 2027
Over 60% of consumers have ordered food from a ghost kitchen at least once
The number of ghost kitchens in the U.S. increased by over 40% between 2019 and 2022
Approximately 75% of ghost kitchen revenue is generated through third-party delivery apps
Nearly 50% of consumers said they prefer ordering from a ghost kitchen due to faster delivery times
The average ghost kitchen operation yields about $250,000 in revenue per year
Delivery-only restaurants account for roughly 20% of all new restaurant openings in the U.S. since 2020
80% of ghost kitchen owners believe the model allows for lower operational costs compared to traditional restaurants
By 2025, an estimated 70% of all new restaurant concepts will either be ghost kitchens or heavily reliant on delivery
The United States has the highest number of ghost kitchens, with over 20,000 operational locations in 2023
The Asia-Pacific region is expected to account for the largest share of the ghost kitchen market by 2027
About 55% of ghost kitchens operate under a food delivery-only business model
Consumers under 35 are the most likely demographic to order from ghost kitchens, with over 70% having done so in the past year

The ghost kitchen revolution is transforming the foodservice industry, with the market valued at $43 billion in 2020 and projected to soar to $71 billion by 2027, driven by rapid growth, consumer preference for convenience, and innovative operational models.

Consumer Behavior and Preferences

Over 60% of consumers have ordered food from a ghost kitchen at least once
Nearly 50% of consumers said they prefer ordering from a ghost kitchen due to faster delivery times
Consumers under 35 are the most likely demographic to order from ghost kitchens, with over 70% having done so in the past year
The most popular cuisines for ghost kitchens in 2023 are American, Chinese, and Indian
Online ordering via mobile devices accounts for more than 75% of ghost kitchen orders
52% of consumers are unaware that they are ordering from a ghost kitchen rather than a traditional restaurant
Nearly 80% of consumers say their overall satisfaction with food delivery increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, much of which was driven by ghost kitchens
Food delivery orders from ghost kitchens are most often placed during dinner hours, between 6 pm and 9 pm
About 35% of ghost kitchens focus solely on vegetarian or vegan cuisine, reflecting consumer demand for plant-based options
In a 2022 survey, 65% of consumers expressed willingness to try new restaurants launched solely as ghost kitchens, indicating strong growth potential
The primary reason consumers prefer ghost kitchens is the convenience of faster and easier ordering, cited by 68% of respondents
Customer satisfaction levels for ghost kitchen food delivery are 25% higher than for traditional dine-in experiences in some surveys
The use of environmentally friendly packaging in ghost kitchens increased by 35% in 2023, reflecting consumer demand for sustainability
78% of consumers prefer quick and contactless food ordering options, a trend accelerated by ghost kitchens
The average order size from ghost kitchens is about 12% higher than from traditional restaurants, due to the emphasis on takeout and delivery

Consumer Behavior and Preferences Interpretation

With over 60% of consumers ordering from ghost kitchens—primarily under 35 and drawn by speed, convenience, and contactless service—it's clear that these invisible culinary hubs are not just a trend but a rapidly growing testament to the industry's shift towards consumer-centric, sustainable, and tech-savvy dining experiences that outpace traditional restaurants in satisfaction and order size.

Intellectual Property and Industry Developments

The number of ghost kitchen patents filed globally increased by 40% between 2019 and 2022, reflecting innovation in the industry

Intellectual Property and Industry Developments Interpretation

The soaring 40% surge in global ghost kitchen patents from 2019 to 2022 echoes a quiet revolution in food delivery, where innovation is cooking behind the scenes—sometimes literally.

Market Size and Growth Trends

The ghost kitchen market size was valued at approximately $43 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $71 billion by 2027
The number of ghost kitchens in the U.S. increased by over 40% between 2019 and 2022
Delivery-only restaurants account for roughly 20% of all new restaurant openings in the U.S. since 2020
By 2025, an estimated 70% of all new restaurant concepts will either be ghost kitchens or heavily reliant on delivery
The United States has the highest number of ghost kitchens, with over 20,000 operational locations in 2023
The Asia-Pacific region is expected to account for the largest share of the ghost kitchen market by 2027
About 55% of ghost kitchens operate under a food delivery-only business model
65% of ghost kitchen operators surveyed plan to expand into new markets within the next two years
42% of ghost kitchens partner with at least three different third-party food delivery platforms
85% of ghost kitchens reported increased demand during the pandemic, with many seeing growth rates exceeding 25%
The top three cities for ghost kitchen deployment in the U.S. are Los Angeles, New York City, and Chicago
Subscription-based meal concepts are increasingly being tested within ghost kitchens to diversify revenue streams
About 30% of ghost kitchens offer alcohol delivery services, which has become a notable revenue stream
The use of virtual brands within ghost kitchens has increased by over 50% in the last two years, allowing operators to maximize menu diversity
The global ghost kitchen market share is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 16% from 2023 to 2030
Ghost kitchens are increasingly being used by big restaurant chains to expand their presence without opening new dine-in locations
The most common size for ghost kitchen facilities is between 1,000 and 3,000 square feet, suitable for multiple virtual brands
The growth of ghost kitchens has contributed to a 12% increase in food delivery sales in major markets between 2020 and 2022
In 2023, 40% of new restaurant licenses in the U.S. are for ghost kitchen concepts, indicating rapid industry adoption
The most common delivery platforms used by ghost kitchens include UberEats, DoorDash, and Grubhub, with over 90% market share combined
About 70% of ghost kitchens are located in urban areas with high population densities, maximizing delivery efficiency
Revenue from virtual brands within ghost kitchens grew by over 60% in 2022, indicating their vital role in diversification
Ghost kitchens are responsible for approximately 15% of all foodservice delivery sales in the U.S. in 2023, showcasing their growing importance
Approximately 40% of ghost kitchen operators plan to franchise their concepts within the next five years, seeking rapid growth

Market Size and Growth Trends Interpretation

As the ghost kitchen market—once a niche—soars toward a projected $71 billion by 2027, it’s clear that in the world of food delivery, you don’t need a storefront, just a virtual identity and a knack for rapid expansion.

Operational and Technological Innovations

80% of ghost kitchen owners believe the model allows for lower operational costs compared to traditional restaurants
Food safety incidents have decreased 15% in ghost kitchens compared to traditional restaurants, according to survey data
Ghost kitchens can typically reduce startup costs by up to 40% compared to traditional restaurants
The average time from order to delivery has decreased by approximately 25% in ghost kitchens over the past three years
The average cost for constructing a ghost kitchen ranges from $50,000 to $200,000, depending on size and location
The top three challenges faced by ghost kitchen operators are high competition, delivery logistics, and maintaining food quality
The average employee turnover rate in ghost kitchens is estimated at around 30% annually, slightly lower than traditional restaurants
Ghost kitchens tend to have 25% lower rent and utility costs compared to brick-and-mortar restaurants
The majority of ghost kitchens operate with fewer than 10 employees, emphasizing lean operational models
The environmental impact of ghost kitchens is estimated to be 20-30% lower than traditional restaurants due to decreased energy consumption and waste
70% of ghost kitchen operators plan to incorporate more automation and AI into their operations in the next 3 years
The cost to develop a virtual brand within a ghost kitchen ranges from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on complexity
The adoption of contactless payment technologies in ghost kitchens has reached 85%, streamlining the ordering and payment process
Nearly 60% of ghost kitchens utilize data analytics to optimize menu offerings and pricing strategies
Ghost kitchens have a lower environmental carbon footprint per meal served compared to traditional restaurants, by an estimated 15-20%
The average lifespan of a ghost kitchen operation is approximately 3 to 5 years before the need for relocation or major renovation
The integration of AI-driven chatbots for customer service is being adopted by 45% of ghost kitchens, enhancing order accuracy and customer experience
The top challenges faced by ghost kitchens include delivery logistics and food quality control, cited by over 65% of operators
The deployment of robotic cooking and delivery solutions in ghost kitchens increased by 50% in 2023, aiming to reduce labor costs and improve efficiency

Operational and Technological Innovations Interpretation

Ghost kitchens, operating with lean costs, rapid delivery, and an eye toward automation, are proving that convenience and sustainability can be both profitable and eco-friendly—though challenges like fierce competition and delivery logistics remind us that even in the digital dining era, quality and strategic planning remain essential.

Revenue and Profitability Metrics

Approximately 75% of ghost kitchen revenue is generated through third-party delivery apps
The average ghost kitchen operation yields about $250,000 in revenue per year
Ghost kitchens generally see about a 15% higher profit margin compared to traditional dine-in setups
60% of restaurant owners who adopted ghost kitchen models say they experienced increased sales
The average profit margin for ghost kitchens can reach up to 20%, higher than many traditional small-scale restaurants
Ghost kitchen revenue per square foot is approximately 1.5 times higher than traditional restaurant spaces

Revenue and Profitability Metrics Interpretation

While ghost kitchens are quietly transforming the culinary landscape with higher profit margins, greater revenue per square foot, and increased sales—propelled largely by third-party apps—their rise underscores a shift towards a more digital, efficient, and somewhat ghostly future of foodservice.