City officials recently approved a new set of guidelines that they hope will help govern new ghost kitchen business models that are sprouting up across Orlando.
During the March 14 meeting of the Orlando City Council, officials voted to approve the creation of the new, Ghost Kitchen Pilot Program. The new guidelines allow city officials to establish a review process to approve new ghost kitchens in various forms.
The city sought to define ghost kitchens based on their unique uses that combine aspects of light manufacturing, processing, and eating and drinking.
In addition to clarifying the approval process, the new guidelines also incorporate alcohol sales as part of a ghost kitchen operation.
Like caterers, most ghost kitchens prepare food on site, but use third-party delivery services to disseminate the food to the consumer. Unlike other food vendors, including food trucks and caterers, ghost kitchens do not offer on-site consumption or purchases and are not intended to serve the public directly.
The new rules provide that ghost kitchens may accept occasional pickups from members of the public, so long as it comprises less than 25% of the company’s sales.Â
For a complete list of the new rules and regulations, read the city of Orlando planning division’s pilot program rules.Â