Sizl Secures $3.5M Funding to Revolutionize Cook-to-Order Food Delivery Service
Dark kitchens, often known as ghost kitchens, cloud kitchens, or virtual kitchens, have faced criticism regarding their food quality. However, Sizl, a cook-to-order delivery service based in Chicago, is working to change this perception by providing meals made from fresh ingredients delivered in approximately 30 minutes. This innovative approach aims to meet the demands of health-conscious customers seeking quick yet nutritious dining options.
Sizl’s Recent Funding Announcement
On Tuesday, Sizl announced its successful completion of a $3.5 million seed funding round, achieving a post-money valuation of $12 million.
How Sizl Differs from Traditional Dark Kitchens
Unlike conventional dark kitchens that operate as shared cooking spaces for various restaurants, Sizl runs its own dedicated kitchens. The team consists of a small group of Ukrainian cooks alongside local culinary talent from Chicago, ensuring that each meal is prepared with care. Sizl also employs its own delivery couriers and offers a mobile app where customers can earn rewards.
Addressing Food Quality Concerns
Dark kitchens often struggle with maintaining consistent food quality and freshness due to their lack of traditional dine-in spaces. Sizl combats this issue by emphasizing the use of fresh ingredients. According to co-founder and COO Anastasia Kalinkina, the service primarily sources its meat and produce from local suppliers, including Greensys, an organic farm located in central Illinois. While Sizl does collaborate with large distributors like US Foods and Sysco, it prioritizes local sourcing.
Specialization in Eastern European Cuisine
Many ghost kitchens offer a broad range of food options but lack a clear culinary focus. Sizl sets itself apart by specializing in Eastern European cuisine, which enhances its appeal in a competitive market. The menu features around 60 items, including:
- Chicken Kyiv
- Pierogies
- Grilled Cheese
- Spaghetti Bolognese
- Traditional Family Recipes like Borscht and Syrniki
Experienced Founders with a Vision
The founders of Sizl—Anastasia Kalinkina, CEO Alex Kolesnikov, Nick Delitski, and Kyrylo Kupin—bring significant experience to the table. Originally from Ukraine, they previously established Local Kitchen, which scaled to $46 million in annual revenue.
Innovative Customer Engagement Strategies
Another challenge facing dark kitchens is their reliance on third-party delivery platforms, which often feature numerous similar brands. Sizl distinguishes itself by offering its own mobile app that incorporates game mechanics to engage customers. Users can collect themed cards for rewards every time they order or log into the app. Additional features include:
- An in-app currency called “mojis”
- Mini games for added engagement
- 3% cash back on all orders
Future Expansion Plans
The recent funding round was led by Yellow Rocks!, with participation from Kinetik and several angel investors, including Mike Alexandrovski, co-founder of delivery startup Borzo. The funding will be allocated to:
- Opening up to four additional kitchens in Chicago this year
- Exploring expansion into Boston, Charlotte, and the San Francisco Bay Area
Sizl also has plans for a Series A funding round scheduled for later this year or early 2026, signaling its ambitious growth trajectory.
For more information about Sizl and its offerings, visit their official website at Sizl.
