The future of ghost kitchens and food halls remains unclear. Kitchen United, a prominent ghost kitchen operator that received $100 million in funding in 2022, has closed all its Kroger food halls. Circle K was among the investors.

"We have closed all of Kitchen United locations operating inside of Kroger," Kitchen United said in an emailed statement Tuesday. "We appreciate its partnership and support over the years. We are currently looking to pivot back into a software business," reported Restaurant Business. 

QSR Magazine reported that Kitchen United “operates virtual food halls where customers choose from different restaurant menus and place all items in one online shopping cart for delivery from a single driver. Kitchen United had virtual food halls inside a handful of Kroger stores in Texas, Ohio and Indiana. The brand’s ability to house multiple restaurant concepts under one roof for delivery and pickup is powered by a proprietary MIX software platform.”

Earlier this month, NACS Daily reported on the rise of food halls. These establishments combine many restaurants under one roof and are often powered by ghost kitchens. According to that story, there are over 340 open food halls in the United States and approximately 127 under development in the United States that are expected to open by 2024. In March, NACS Daily reported on grocery chain Giant opening in-store restaurants.