The Venture Codex

Led · Equity · Dec 2019

Darth Kitchens is a Cape Town–based delivery-only “dark” kitchen that sells food exclusively through delivery apps such as UberEats, Mr D and OrderIn. The business launched its first order in August after founder Heini Booysen began work on it in March and has fitted out a 400 sqm premises off Bree Street. It operates five virtual brands—Buddy’s Burgers, Fluent (Health Bowls), Bagels Shmagels, Anvil Burger Co and Ringo’s NY Style Pizzeria—and has integrated incoming app orders into a single point-of-sale to avoid multiple tablets. The team comprises 20 permanent kitchen staff and five founding members, including two executive chefs from The Test Kitchen and Thali. Booysen estimates operational costs are about 25% lower than a traditional restaurant (rent is roughly 20% of typical city-centre rates), though order apps take 20–30% commission. Management expects to break even in a few months and is planning additional kitchens in Rondebosch, Stellenbosch and Johannesburg.