REEF, the largest operator of neighborhood kitchens and urban logistics hubs in the United States and Canada, has announced the expansion to Chicago of the recently launched NBRHD Restaurant Development Program, designed to help local restaurants scale their delivery business and provide marketing support through REEF’s Neighborhood Kitchens platform.
The initiative was incubated in REEF’s hometown of Miami over the last month and garnered more than 100 applications from local restaurateurs and entrepreneurs. Today, the program expands in Chicago as an open call to local restaurants, giving them the opportunity to tap into REEF NNBHRD Kitchens’ turnkey solutions for the preparation, distribution, and expansion of delivery food concepts.
In total, REEF Technology has earmarked $1 million in marketing dollars to support qualifying local restaurants across the country, over the course of the next few weeks and months. Restaurants with fewer than three locations qualify to apply for the program, and REEF encourages applications from local women and Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) owned restaurants.
REEF is working with a group of local panelists, including various non-profits, social tastemakers, hospitality experts, and restaurant coalitions. In Chicago, REEF is partnering with Natalie Shmulik of The Hatchery, a non-profit food and beverage incubator dedicated to helping local entrepreneurs build & grow successful businesses, and Toure Muhammad of Black Chicago Eats, the largest directory of black-owned restaurants in Chicago, to help select finalists.
How to Apply
● Applications will open at 8:00am on Tuesday, March 23rd and applications will be accepted until 11:59pm on Sunday, April 4th
● REEF is currently accepting applications from locally-owned restaurants in Chicago.
Evaluation Process
Over the next few months, at least five recipients in Chicago will be selected based on the strength of their culinary concept, potential for success on delivery platforms, community following and personal story. Each recipient will receive the following:
● A dedicated marketing campaign for their restaurant, valued at $10,000 ● A partnership spot in REEF’s NBHRD Kitchens platform to expand their delivery business – this includes a full suite of services including menu development, procurement and culinary operations ● Professional food photography for delivery platforms
“Local restaurants are the heart of Chicago, and we’re thrilled to continue supporting them through the REEF platform and through this innovative program,” said Alan Phillips, Chief Creative Officer of REEF. “Our NBRHD Restaurant Development Program fills was created to help our beloved local brands adapt, sustainably grow their business and reach new customers without upfront capital costs."
In addition to this call for local restaurants, REEF is also actively hiring for a variety of roles in their NBRHD Kitchens including kitchens supervisors, line cooks and prep cooks. REEF offers competitive wages, bonus potential and more.
REEF Neighborhood Kitchens is currently a national delivery-only network of 100+ neighborhood kitchens across 20+ cities.
REEF, the largest operator of neighborhood kitchens and urban logistics hubs in the United States and Canada, has announced the expansion to Chicago of the recently launched NBRHD Restaurant Development Program, designed to help local restaurants scale their delivery business and provide marketing support through REEF’s Neighborhood Kitchens platform.
The initiative was incubated in REEF’s hometown of Miami over the last month and garnered more than 100 applications from local restaurateurs and entrepreneurs. Today, the program expands in Chicago as an open call to local restaurants, giving them the opportunity to tap into REEF NNBHRD Kitchens’ turnkey solutions for the preparation, distribution, and expansion of delivery food concepts.
In total, REEF Technology has earmarked $1 million in marketing dollars to support qualifying local restaurants across the country, over the course of the next few weeks and months. Restaurants with fewer than three locations qualify to apply for the program, and REEF encourages applications from local women and Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) owned restaurants.
REEF is working with a group of local panelists, including various non-profits, social
tastemakers, hospitality experts, and restaurant coalitions. In Chicago, REEF is partnering with Natalie Shmulik of The Hatchery, a non-profit food and beverage incubator dedicated to helping local entrepreneurs build & grow successful businesses, and Toure Muhammad of Black Chicago Eats, the largest directory of black-owned restaurants in Chicago, to help select finalists.
How to Apply
● Applications will open at 8:00am on Tuesday, March 23rd and applications will be
accepted until 11:59pm on Sunday, April 4th
● REEF is currently accepting applications from locally-owned restaurants in Chicago.
Evaluation Process
Over the next few months, at least five recipients in Chicago will be selected based on the strength of their culinary concept, potential for success on delivery platforms, community following and personal story. Each recipient will receive the following:
● A dedicated marketing campaign for their restaurant, valued at $10,000
● A partnership spot in REEF’s NBHRD Kitchens platform to expand their delivery business – this includes a full suite of services including menu development, procurement and culinary operations
● Professional food photography for delivery platforms
“Local restaurants are the heart of Chicago, and we’re thrilled to continue supporting them through the REEF platform and through this innovative program,” said Alan Phillips, Chief Creative Officer of REEF. “Our NBRHD Restaurant Development Program fills was created to help our beloved local brands adapt, sustainably grow their business and reach new customers without upfront capital costs."
In addition to this call for local restaurants, REEF is also actively hiring for a variety of roles in their NBRHD Kitchens including kitchens supervisors, line cooks and prep cooks. REEF offers competitive wages, bonus potential and more.
REEF Neighborhood Kitchens is currently a national delivery-only network of 100+ neighborhood kitchens across 20+ cities.
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