Sizl Raises $3.5M to Revolutionize Cook-to-Order Food Delivery

Sizl Aims to Redefine the Dark Kitchen Experience

Dark kitchens – frequently known as ghost kitchens, cloud kitchens, or virtual kitchens – are often subject to criticism regarding the quality of their food. Sizl, a delivery service specializing in cook-to-order meals and headquartered in Chicago, is working to alter this perception.

The company delivers meals prepared with fresh ingredients within approximately 30 minutes. Sizl recently announced a $3.5 million seed funding round on Tuesday, resulting in a $12 million post-money valuation.

A Different Approach to Dark Kitchens

Unlike many typical dark kitchens that function as shared facilities for multiple restaurants, Sizl operates its own kitchens. These kitchens are staffed by a focused team comprised of Ukrainian cooks and talented culinary professionals from the Chicago area.

Furthermore, Sizl manages its own delivery personnel and provides a dedicated mobile application featuring a rewards program. This integrated approach distinguishes it from competitors.

The lack of a traditional dining area in many dark kitchens, with a sole focus on takeout, can sometimes contribute to inconsistencies in food quality and freshness. Sizl directly addresses this concern.

Focus on Freshness and Local Sourcing

A primary appeal for Sizl’s target demographic – health-conscious consumers seeking convenient meals – is the commitment to “fresh ingredients,” as explained by co-founder and COO Anastasia Kalinkina to TechCrunch.

Sizl states that it obtains meat and produce from local suppliers, including Greensys, an organic farm situated in central Illinois. While also utilizing larger distributors like US Foods and Sysco, the company emphasizes a substantial portion of its ingredients originate from local sources.

Specialization in Eastern European Cuisine

Many ghost kitchens offer extensive menus without a specific culinary focus. Sizl differentiates itself by specializing in Eastern European cuisine, potentially creating a unique market position.

The current Sizl menu features a curated selection of 60 items. These range from traditional dishes like chicken Kyiv and pierogies to more common options such as grilled cheese and spaghetti bolognese.

The menu also incorporates family recipes from Kalinkina, including her grandmother’s borscht and syrniki. This personal touch adds to the authenticity of the offerings.

Experienced Founders

Sizl’s founders – Kalinkina, Alex Kolesnikov (CEO), Nick Delitski, and Kyrylo Kupin (CMO) – all hail from Ukraine. They bring prior experience in the dark kitchen sector to the venture.

Previously, they developed Local Kitchen, which Kolesnikov reported achieved $46 million in annual revenue. This prior success provides a strong foundation for Sizl’s growth.

Addressing Third-Party Delivery Concerns

A common criticism of dark kitchens is their reliance on third-party delivery platforms. This can lead to saturation of apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub with numerous virtual brands, often exhibiting similarities.

While Sizl is also available on these platforms, it distinguishes itself with a proprietary mobile app. This app incorporates gamification elements to enhance customer engagement.

Customers earn themed cards through orders and logins, unlocking rewards. Sizl also features an in-app currency (mojis) and mini-games, alongside a 3% cash back offer on all purchases.

Funding and Expansion Plans

The recent funding round was spearheaded by Yellow Rocks!, with contributions from Kinetik and several angel investors, including Mike Alexandrovski, a co-founder of the delivery startup Borzo.

The capital will be allocated to establishing up to four additional kitchens in Chicago this year, supplementing its existing two locations. Expansion into Boston, Charlotte, and the San Francisco Bay Area is also under consideration.

Sizl is already planning a Series A funding round for later this year or early 2026, indicating strong growth ambitions.