Illuminating the dark kitchen business model - A knowledge-based perspective from the supply-side

Abstract

While the dark kitchen model is becoming more prominent, its research potential remains underdeveloped, including an understanding based upon the knowledge and experience of owners/managers. Learning from this supply-side group is vital for the present and future of this phenomenon, for instance, in shedding light on dark kitchen-consumer transactions and relationships and in maintaining or enhancing the quality of products and services. By incorporating the conceptual lens of the knowledge-based view of the firm, the study contributes empirically and theoretically to this domain. Semi-structured, open-ended interviews among dark kitchen owners/managers focused on rewarding aspects, challenges, success factors, and the future development of dark kitchen businesses. The analysis highlights the importance of such dimensions as ‘broaden the spectrum’ (rewarding aspects), ‘agile attitude’ (challenges), ‘prioritisation’ (success factors), and ‘additions to the inventory’ (future development). These and other findings support the development of a theoretical framework and underscore theoretical and practical implications.