A Los Angeles-based company has launched an online program that offers operators “unparalleled insight” into opening delivery-only restaurants.

The program, called Virtual Restaurant Builder, was created by Virtual Restaurant Consulting (VRC) and aims to help out businesses interested in ghost kitchen concepts.

With industry experts agreeing that the shift towards off-premise dining is a major threat to the profitability of many restaurants, many restaurateurs are being forced to adapt to this shift in consumer demand.

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And according to VRC, trying to open a successful virtual restaurant without the necessary expert advice and guidance would be a major challenge.

Alan Moore, senior partner at VRC, stated: “With this seismic shift towards off-premise dining, the emergence of virtual restaurants and cloud kitchens is the biggest change I’ve witnessed in my 30 years in the hospitality business.

“To be honest, for many independent restaurateurs the traditional brick-and-mortar model is broken, and I am genuinely concerned that many restaurants will go the way of Blockbuster, Borders Books and Tower Records if they don’t adapt.

“That is why we wanted to provide a modern solution at an accessible price point.”

The Virtual Restaurant Builder is a digital online platform comprised of 44 instructional videos, templates, cheat seats, live Q & A calls, ongoing mentorship, and more.

The entire course is available immediately upon enrollment and can be completed on an individual timeline.

The Builder is aimed at both existing restaurateurs who want to level the playing field with a relatively low investment, and for those who want to get into the restaurant business.

Moore said: “Opening a virtual restaurant is not about putting a menu online or just signing up with one of the third-party delivery apps.

“We have seen dozens of independent owners and celebrity chefs fail by going it alone without the needed guidance and expertise…and that is why the Virtual Restaurant Builder is absolutely indispensable.”

The Virtual Restaurant is priced at $4999, and two launch specials are being offered for a limited time: 50% discount—five payments of $499; or 60% discount for a one-time payment of $1999.