Dark kitchens, often criticized for their food quality, may have just found a game-changer in Sizl, a Chicago-based cook-to-order delivery service that promises meals made with fresh ingredients in around 30 minutes. The company has just announced a $3.5 million seed round, valuing it at $12 million post-money, to fuel its expansion plans.

Sizl's approach differs from typical dark kitchens, which often serve as shared spaces for various restaurants. Instead, the company runs its own kitchens with a small team of Ukrainian cooks and local culinary talent from Chicago, preparing food to order. This focus on quality control is paired with Sizl's own delivery couriers and a mobile app that rewards customers with a gamified experience.

The company's commitment to fresh ingredients is a key selling point for its target audience of health-conscious customers. Sizl sources meat and produce from local suppliers, including Greensys, an organic farm in central Illinois. While the company also works with larger distributors like US Foods and Sysco, it emphasizes that a significant portion of its ingredients come from local sources. This focus on quality and freshness sets Sizl apart from other dark kitchens, which often struggle with consistency.

Sizl's menu, which changes seasonally, features a curated selection of 60 items at a time, with a focus on Eastern European cuisine. This specialization could help the company stand out from local eateries and establish a loyal customer base. The menu even includes family recipes from co-founder Anastasia Kalinkina's Ukrainian heritage, adding a personal touch to the service.

The Sizl team, comprised of Ukrainian founders with prior experience in building a dark kitchen chain, brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. They previously built Local Kitchen, which scaled to $46 million in annual revenue. This expertise, combined with Sizl's innovative approach, positions the company for success in a crowded market.

Another common criticism of dark kitchens is their reliance on third-party delivery platforms, which can lead to a saturation of virtual brands on apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. Sizl, however, differentiates itself with its own mobile app, which uses game mechanics to engage customers. The app rewards users with themed cards, an in-app currency (mojis), and mini games, as well as 3% cash back on all orders.

The recent funding round, led by Yellow Rocks! with participation from Kinetik and several angel investors, will be used to open up to four additional kitchens in Chicago this year. Sizl is also exploring expansion into Boston, Charlotte, and the San Francisco Bay Area. With a Series A round planned for later this year or early 2026, the company is poised for rapid growth and further disruption of the dark kitchen space.

As the food delivery market continues to evolve, Sizl's focus on quality, freshness, and customer engagement sets a new standard for dark kitchens. With its innovative approach and experienced team, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for convenient, high-quality meals.