Muscle Maker Grill announced that it has begun the construction phase at its third and fourth delivery-only ghost kitchens to open in the downtown Chicago market. The first two locations, which are now in the hiring and training phase are set to open in the coming weeks. The final kitchen out of the five Chicago locations is anticipated to open later this summer. The kitchens will feature menu items from both MMG Brands, Muscle Maker Grill and Healthy Joe’s. Individually packaged MMG meal plans will also be sold from all of the ghost kitchens. The Company announced its partnership and a ten-location deal with the major industry leading ghost kitchen provider in February and has recently hired a Vice President of Real Estate and Non-Traditional Development to execute against its non-traditional growth plans.

COVID-19 has caused the restaurant industry to spotlight delivery alternatives such as contactless delivery and delivery-only ghost kitchens. The company plans to increase its delivery-only ghost kitchen footprint in key major metropolitan markets as part of its non-traditional growth strategy. Low cost of entry, reduced overhead and waste, and quick buildouts are key factors in Muscle Maker’s strategy to grow this segment.

Mike Roper, CEO of Muscle Maker Grill, says, “We’re thrilled to announce that we have broken ground at the third and fourth dual-branded delivery-only ghost kitchen sites. We’re looking forward to launching in the downtown Chicago market and fulfilling the growing delivery demand; especially since people are expected to continue practicing social distancing due to COVID-19. The first four locations are expected to open within a few weeks of one another providing jobs and healthier alternatives to Chicago area residents. In addition to the ghost kitchens, we’re opening four dual-branded Muscle Maker Grill and Healthy Joe’s restaurants at the Northern Virginia Community College this summer which also supports our long-term non-traditional growth strategy.”