ATLANTA — HUNGRY, the online marketplace that connects independent chefs with the $25 billion business and events catering market, today announced the launch of its catering platform in Atlanta. The company is launching in Atlanta in partnership with J’s Kitchen Culinary Incubator, a state-of-the-art kitchen facility created to provide early-stage business support to culinary entrepreneurs. HUNGRY is also teaming up with Usher, who recently invested in HUNGRY and whose mother, Jonnetta Patton, owns J’s Kitchen. Atlanta joins HUNGRY’s existing markets of Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia, and comes on the heels of the company’s recent $8 million Series A funding.
HUNGRY Atlanta is launching with more than 20 top chefs on its platform – many of whom currently cook out of J’s Kitchen. HUNGRY provides independent chefs with a platform from which to sell their signature menus directly to corporate customers, who can effortlessly place catering orders via the TryHungry.com website, which are then delivered by professional HUNGRY staff with meticulous attention to detail. Rather than ordering only from restaurants or traditional caterers, Atlanta-area offices can now order directly from a rapidly growing network of talented local chefs.
“We are thrilled to open our doors in Atlanta! Our partnership with J’s Kitchen means Atlanta businesses have an outstanding selection of cuisines from an incredible array of top chefs,” said Jeff Grass, HUNGRY CEO. “The Atlanta food scene is growing tremendously, and we are very excited to connect all these great chefs to companies seeking delicious and affordable caterings.”
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“HUNGRY is the perfect partner for J’s Kitchen, because they are helping where our chefs need it most – with exposure to thousands of companies that want better office food. Our chefs can focus on what they do best, while earning far more than other culinary jobs and working great hours. It’s a match made in heaven,” said Jonnetta Patton, founder of J’s Kitchen Culinary Incubator.
HUNGRY’s platform saves companies an average of 33 percent over traditional caterers, while helping chefs earn three to 10 times more per hour than standard culinary jobs*. More than 400 companies in the Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia markets have put their office food needs in the hands of HUNGRY and its network of top chefs, including Amazon, E-Trade, Microsoft, WeWork, and many more.
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J's Kitchen offers kitchen space and comprehensive business development services to culinary entrepreneurs, such as certified chefs, bakers, caterers and specialty food producers, who are passionate about cultivating their talents into a successful small business. J's Kitchen offers a development program customized to fit each small business, creating a specific brand identity and strategy to foster growth. Services include agent representation, onsite food and supply procurement, consultation and access to a network of industry experts. A five-to-one staff-to-member ratio ensures that each member receives personalized attention from a team dedicated to helping them succeed. J’s Kitchen’s curriculum of educational workshops is designed to foster critical business and culinary skills. Business support is available to members during weekday hours while shared kitchen facilities are accessible 24 hours a day.
About HUNGRY
HUNGRY is the first-ever platform that provides exceptional business and event catering by its exclusive network of top local chefs. Clients enjoy delicious meals, an array of cuisines and affordable prices PLUS on-schedule delivery, setup and clean-up--guaranteed. HUNGRY chefs focus on what they love most and do best: creating amazing food. HUNGRY is committed to improving the lives of its chefs, clients and communities. Through its ‘Fight Against Hunger’ program, for every two meals HUNGRY clients purchase, HUNGRY feeds a person in need. HUNGRY also protects our planet by using recyclable, fully biodegradable and compostable materials. HUNGRY is headquartered in Arlington, VA and operates in three markets today – the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. HUNGRY is backed by Sands Capital Ventures, Motley Fool Ventures and Marcy Venture Partners.
About J’s Kitchen Culinary Incubator
J's Kitchen Culinary Incubator, LLC, was created by Jonnetta Patton, one of today's most decorated business figures in music and entertainment. Her latest venture combines her love of the culinary arts with her decades of business acumen to assist up-and-coming culinary entrepreneurs on their journey to business ownership. The 21,000-square foot shared kitchen space offers members state-of-the-art commercial equipment, on-site food and supply procurement, office facilities and a curriculum of workshops designed to foster critical business and culinary skills. For more information or to become a member, visit www.jkitchenculinaryincubator.com.
* Average cost of a catered meal in the Philadelphia area is $14+, vs. $10 with HUNGRY. Chefs working on the HUNGRY platform make approximately $75-150 per hour, vs. the industry average of $22 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
