Sizl Secures $3.5M to Elevate the Cook-to-Order Food Delivery Experience
In the ever-evolving landscape of food delivery, Sizl is making waves with its innovative approach to cook-to-order meal delivery. Recently, the Chicago-based company announced it has raised an impressive $3.5 million in seed funding, aiming to redefine dining from the comfort of home.
What Sets Sizl Apart?
When you think of dark kitchens—also known as ghost kitchens or cloud kitchens—the word is often associated with subpar food quality. However, Sizl is on a mission to challenge that perception, showcasing a commitment to delivering meals crafted with fresh, quality ingredients in as little as 30 minutes.
A Fresh Take on Dark Kitchens
Unlike traditional dark kitchens that function as communal kitchens for various restaurants, Sizl operates its own kitchen spaces. A small team of Ukrainian cooks collaborates with local culinary talents from Chicago to offer dishes that promise authenticity and flavor. This unique kitchen model also allows Sizl to maintain a fleet of dedicated delivery couriers, ensuring timely and efficient service.
Image Credits: Sizl
The Quest for Freshness
One of the key aspects of Sizl’s appeal lies in its dedication to sourcing. The founders have emphasized their partnerships with local suppliers, such as Greensys, an organic farm located in the heart of Illinois. While they’ve acknowledged collaboration with larger distributors like US Foods and Sysco, Sizl prioritizes local ingredients— a differentiator in a crowded market.
A Unique Culinary Focus
Where many ghost kitchens diverge into a myriad of cuisines with little specialization, Sizl prides itself on its concentrated menu inspired by Eastern European cuisine. This strategic focus allows Sizl not only to stand out but also to cultivate a dedicated customer base seeking a niche culinary experience.
Their menu is curated with 60 enticing items, including traditional offerings such as chicken Kyiv and pierogies, and comforting classics like grilled cheese and spaghetti bolognese. Notably, Sizl also showcases family recipes, featuring beloved dishes like Kalinkina’s grandmother’s borscht and syrniki.
Founders with Vision and Experience
Behind this culinary venture are four dedicated founders: Anastasia Kalinkina (COO), Alex Kolesnikov (CEO), Nick Delitski, and Kyrylo Kupin (CMO). Their journey began with the successful Local Kitchen, which achieved annual revenues of $46 million. Their previous experience positions Sizl for a promising trajectory in the competitive food service industry.
Image Credits: Sizl
Gamified Customer Engagement
Sizl breaks the mold further with a cutting-edge mobile app. While customers can access Sizl via popular delivery platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub, the Sizl app offers a unique twist. Featuring game mechanics, customers can earn themed cards to unlock rewards. With in-app currency known as “mojis” and mini-games, Sizl successfully creates an engaging dining experience while offering an attractive 3% cash back on all orders.
Funding and Future Expansion
The recent funding round was led by Yellow Rocks!, with contributions from Kinetik and angel investors including Mike Alexandrovski, co-founder of delivery startup Borzo. Sizl has announced its ambitious plans to open up to four additional kitchens in Chicago this year, while eyeing expansion into Boston, Charlotte, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Moreover, the groundwork is already being laid for a Series A funding round set for late this year or early 2026.
Conclusion
As Sizl pushes the boundaries of traditional food delivery, it stands as a beacon for what the future of dark kitchens can offer—fresh, delicious food delivered quickly with a clear focus on quality and customer engagement. Keep an eye on this innovative culinary player as it continues to carve out a niche in the bustling food landscape.
For more information about Sizl, visit their official website.
