The premise is this: no pristine white tablecloths. No impeccably mannered waitstaff. In fact, no indoor or outdoor dining options whatsoever, pandemic or not.
Thatâs the business model behind ghost kitchens, delivery-only pop-up restaurants becoming increasingly popular in the United States. And in Napa Valley, a region famous worldwide for its sit-down, full-service restaurants, a handful of business owners are hedging their bets and foregoing the brick and mortar model.
Among that group are Ben and Ali Koenig, who alongside their general manager and business partner Charles Whittaker opened up Haven Wings, a ghost kitchen, this fall. The husband and wife pair and Whittaker are also behind Heritage Eats, a local restaurant with â yes â physical premises.