I Need A Chef!

I cooked almost everyday for years and when we became empty nesters I had to learn how to cook for just two and then I found it was easier to order delivery. It didn’t cost anymore than if I was to go to the store and cook at home. I still cook (sometimes) but on those days I’m busy or I just don’t feel like it…..I Don’t! I do find that delivery becomes boring and you order the same foods over and over. The Local Culinary in Miami is changing the game of delivery from restaurants.

This innovative virtual restaurant concept led by seasoned European restaurant industry veteran and entrepreneurial visionary Alp Franko, celebrated its official launch on August 8th, with the opening of its first location in downtown Miami. With a commissary-style dark kitchen located on South Miami Avenue, The Local Culinary operates eight individual concepts where chefs produce a range of creative, inspired menus. Catering to both evergreen fare and timely dining trends, The Local Culinary is dedicated to serving modern, chef-driven food delivery options inspired by global cuisine. From Mexican, Italian and Asian cuisines to burgers, fried chicken, healthy bowls, gourmet salads and more, the company’s delivery-only virtual restaurant fare is available to Miami residents through UberEats, Postmates, GrubHub and DoorDash.

The Local Culinary was founded by Alp Franko, an entrepreneur with expertise in hospitality management, optimization and overall strategy. Franko is also the founder of the New York-based private equity group, BlackBull Investment, which is dedicated to investing in the hospitality sector.

Franko set out to create The Local Culinary based on the rising demand for delivery-only restaurants. According to a recent survey on Upserve.com, 60 percent of U.S. consumers order delivery or takeout once a week, and 31 percent say they use these third-party delivery services at least twice a week. Orders placed via smartphone and mobile apps are expected to become a $38 billion industry by 2020, with millennials as a driving force.

By incorporating high quality chef driven dishes with a powerful branding, The Local Culinary is changing by elevating the delivery experience. Each restaurant concept has a separate identity, and all include fun surprises such as candies, toys, sombreros and more to create an at-home or office restaurant experience best enjoyed with family, friends and coworkers. The eight initial concepts include:

• • The Chef Burger – specializes in high-quality burgers and prime ingredients
• • Dirty Fingers – transforming the fast food game with elevated burgers, hot dogs, wings, fries and more
• • Mama Roma – bringing a true taste of Italy with authentic recipes and high-quality ingredients
• • El Taco Loco – delivering unique tacos with a touch of craziness
• • Shu Shu – bringing Asian-inspired dishes such as lettuce wraps, noodles, pad Thai, spring rolls and more

• • The Green Kitchen – serving nutrient-dense menu options with fresh and flavorful ingredients
• • Yoko Bowl – combines flavors of Asia and Hawaii to create rice bowls with raw fish, vegetables and more
• • Chicks – specializing in all things chicken, from fried to grilled, burgers, savory wings and more

“Inspired by the increasing demand for high-quality food delivery options, The Local Culinary aims to provide easily accessible meals with fresh and flavorful ingredients,” explains Franko. “We set ourselves apart by creating a true restaurant experience for our customers with handcrafted menus, clever packaging and thoughtful branding, which our guests can enjoy from the comfort of their office or home.”

With a second location in the works for Florida, Franko has aggressive expansion plans into other major U.S. markets including New York City. In addition to delivery, the company will connect with consumers through a series of in-market pop-up restaurant experiences, participation in culinary festivals and brand partnership activations.

For more information, please visit www.TheLocalCulinary.com