Kroger Launches Dark Kitchen Partnership with ClusterTruck

Kroger and ClusterTruck, a software platform that powers profitable, vertically integrated delivery-only kitchens, launched a partnership that is said to change the way Americans access freshly prepared meals. By offering multiple menus from one central scratch kitchen, Kroger Delivery Kitchen will deliver fresh and delicious meals on-demand without service or delivery fees.

For the initial rollout Kroger Delivery Kitchen, powered by ClusterTruck, will launch in Carmel, Indiana, where the partners are jointly opening a fourth kitchen, along with Indianapolis and Columbus, Ohio. Additionally, King Scoopers Delivery Kitchen, also powered by ClusterTruck, will serve consumers in Denver.

“The way our consumers order and receive meals is evolving, and ClusterTruck innovative culinary and digital design is cracking the code for the future of profitable meal delivery,” said Yael Cosset, Kroger’s CIO. “Kroger is leveraging ClusterTruck’s advanced technology to ensure our consumers don’t have to sacrifice quality and value for convenience when it comes to meal delivery. The delivery kitchen will allow our consumers to access restaurant-quality fresh and delicious meals like never before and without having to pay excessive service or delivery fees.”

ClusterTruck, an Indianapolis-based based company, owns and operates vertically integrated delivery-only kitchens. ClusterTruck’s dark kitchens are powered by a proprietary software system that uses custom algorithms to optimize kitchen and delivery operations. This systematic approach to meal delivery ensures nearly every order is delivered within 7 minutes of the meal’s preparation. The average time between placing an order and a consumer receiving their food is less than 30 minutes.

“Our recipe for success has been a blend of cutting-edge software combined with high-quality ingredients and delicious variety,” said Chris Baggott, ClusterTruck co-founder and CEO. “This winning combination has allowed us to thrill consumers across the country while achieving profitability. We’re excited to partner with Kroger to redefine the food experience for their valued consumers.”