Grow Topline: Virtual Restaurants and their untapped potential

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Time to navigate the exhilarating world of virtual restaurants with Geoff Alexander, the entrepreneurial leader behind WowBao. This intriguing episode promises to dive into the finer details of this revolutionary sector, where we discuss the triumphs, the challenges, and the sheer potential that lies within. Geoff's passion for this space is infectious as he spills the beans on WowBao's unique approach to consistency and execution, and the importance of having resilient partnerships.
Are virtual kitchens the future? Is their impact on traditional restaurants fair game or an unwarranted criticism? We tackle these pressing questions with an unbiased lens, exploring the various models within this space and the pivotal role of delivery platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash. We also shed light on the controversy that often surrounds virtual brands, questioning the fairness of the criticism they receive for simply trying to survive and generate revenue.
Geoff reveals the importance of supply chain partnerships in virtual brands. His insights into the success story of WowBao's standout Chinese food underlines the significance of having a unique product and a robust supply chain. Listen on as we reveal the recipe for success within the virtual restaurant landscape, underscored by innovation, resilience, and strategic partnerships!

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1. Grow Topline: Virtual Restaurants and their untapped potential (00:00:00)

2. Do Ghost Kitchens and Virtual Brands still make sense in this post-COVID world? (00:02:03)

3. How has WowBao dealt with the importance of consistency in execution? (00:03:27)

4. Did starting out in Brick & Mortar give WowBao a headstart on other virtual concepts? (00:06:51)

5. What specific tech tools have been used to help with the growth? (00:08:22)

6. How to assess a restaurant's readiness for a virtual brand? (00:09:59)

7. Should virtual brands have been delisted from Uber? (00:11:53)

8. How to decide between different virtual brand models (00:16:33)

9. Getting team members motivated for virtual to succeed (00:17:25)

10. How important is food differentiation in selecting a virtual brand? (00:18:29)

11. Being found through thinking like a SEO (search engine optimization) expert (00:20:28)

12. Vending machines and CPG angle of virtual brands - the importance of supply chain strength (00:21:02)

13. Innovating something disruptive within a larger parent company (00:22:50)

14. How many WowBao's in 2024? (00:25:35)