Ghost kitchens take on new forms

Ghost kitchens could be due for a rebrand. “Ghost pantries” would seem to be more appropriate for some recent entrants, or even just “ghost stores.”

That’s because a handful of new so-called ghost kitchens—originally conceived as delivery-only restaurant outposts—have more than just freshly prepared food on the menu, stretching the selection to include things like fruit baskets, energy drinks and sports merchandise.

The NBA’s Detroit Pistons, for instance, announced yesterday a delivery-only concept called Pistons Dish in partnership with ghost kitchen provider Reef Technology. The menu features basketball-inspired items with names like Hooper’s Honey Walnut Shrimp and Fast Break Falafel, but also promises “select Pistons merchandise.” All of it is available via DoorDash, Grubhub, Seamless and Uber Eats.