We might forget that someday, but ghost kitchens and virtual restaurant concepts were not the product of the COVID-19 pandemic. No, operators have really squeezed the potential of the virtual market since the dawn of the delivery age, which seems eons ago but was around 2012-2013.

Yet the pandemic has fueled the ghost kitchen fires, pushing millions more Americans into the digital world and delivery to the top of the service priority list. The potential suddenly seemed limitless; the combination of infinite virtual real estate with very little overhead was powerful.

Now there are thousands of virtual, ether-only delivery concepts that are spreading rapidly using ghost kitchens, host kitchens, commercial kitchens – really any kitchen that can pull the space together. and resources. Here’s a look at the 57 virtual restaurant brands that we believe are the most exciting – whether in their branding, menu, or growth potential – and which have a good chance of hanging around even after we have. all started to go back to dining rooms.

To note: The online dining room slides showcase several virtual concepts. Data is current as of May.