Ghost Kitchens Vanish in Krogers

Kitchen United (Pasadena, Calif.) is shutting down its ghost kitchen concept in seven Kroger Co. locations in Texas, Central Ohio and Indianapolis, Progressive Grocer reports. The concept, dubbed Kitchen United MIX, was trumpeted as the nation’s first “multi-restaurant ordering” to-go experience that allows customers to order meals from multiple restaurants, all on the same bill.

“Unfortunately, Kitchen United will no longer operate in our stores,” a Kroger spokesperson told Progressive Grocer. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may create and encourage customers to explore delicious ready-to-eat items in our deli departments.”

The concept’s first Kroger locale was in the Dallas market in July 2022, followed by three Columbus-area Krogers and stores in Houston and suburban Indianapolis. The food halls were housed in Kroger’s deli area, and several locations offered in-store seating for customers. (The partnership also included a Mix locale in one of Kroger’s Ralphs stores in Los Angeles.)

In a news release about the project launch in August 2021, Craig Gauden, Kroger’s director of partnership development, outlined the grocer’s hopes for the project: “As we continue to define Kroger as a food destination, this collaboration creates another seamless way for our customers to order lunch or dinner for pick up while they shop for groceries or for delivery to their location of choice.”