Overview
Rebel Foods, formerly known as Faasos, is a pioneering company in the food technology industry, specializing in cloud kitchens and virtual restaurants. Founded in 2011 by Jaydeep Barman and Kallol Banerjee, the company is headquartered in Mumbai, India. The company operates on a cloud kitchen model, which involves a network of kitchens dedicated exclusively to food preparation for delivery. This approach minimizes overhead costs associated with traditional restaurants and allows for significant scalability. As of 2023, Rebel Foods operates 325 cloud kitchens in 35 cities across India and an additional 35 kitchens in Indonesia, the UAE, and the UK. Rebel Foods owns and operates several culinary brands, including Faasos, Behrouz Biryani, Oven Story, and Mandarin Oak, offering a diverse range of cuisines. The company generates revenue through the sale of its food brands via popular delivery platforms, leveraging data analytics and consumer feedback to refine its menu offerings. Key activities include marketing, product management, IT maintenance, operations, quality control, logistics, and training. The company s key resources include its brand portfolio, network of cloud kitchens, large workforce (approximately 3,500 employees), high levels of automation, and significant economies of scale. Rebel Foods s value propositions include offering high-quality, affordable food across various cuisines, providing a range of culinary experiences, and ensuring efficient delivery through its tech-driven approach. The company aims to be the world s largest internet restaurant company and the most affordable quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain. In terms of funding, Rebel Foods has raised approximately $545.53 million from various investors, including InnoVen Capital, Alteria Capital, and Stride Ventures. The company has also expanded into traditional dine-in outlets, notably with the launch of Wendy s® restaurants in India, for which it holds the master franchise. Overall, Rebel Foods is at the forefront of the cloud kitchen revolution, combining culinary expertise with advanced technology to deliver a wide range of culinary options to consumers globally.
Leadership Team
Rebel Foods s leadership team comprises several key figures who have played significant roles in the company s growth and innovation:
- Jaydeep Barman: Co-founder and CEO
- Instrumental in the company s international expansion and launch of successful food brands
- Background includes roles at Onida, Brainvisa Technologies, and McKinsey & Company
- Holds an MBA from INSEAD and a PGDM from IIM Lucknow
- Other Co-founders:
- Kallol Banerjee
- Sagar Kochhar
- Ankur Sharma
- Ankush Grover
- Raghav Joshi
- Soumyadeep Barman These co-founders have contributed to the company s strategic direction and growth.
- Saurav Jha: Key leader focusing on distribution and logistics
- Joined in 2018
- Responsible for ensuring operational kitchens across the country
- Emphasizes team motivation and entrepreneurial spirit
- Other Leadership Roles:
- Vinayak Yadav: Executive - Human Resources
- Aashiya Khan: Social Media Manager - Global
- Rohit Kasbe: General Manager - Audit The leadership at Rebel Foods is characterized by a strong focus on innovation, customer experience, and entrepreneurial spirit, driving the company s success in the cloud kitchen industry. The diverse and specialized team manages various aspects of the company s operations, ensuring continued growth and development in the competitive food technology sector.
History
Rebel Foods, now the world s largest internet restaurant company, has a compelling evolutionary history marked by key milestones:
- Founding and Early Years (2011):
- Founded by Jaydeep Barman and Kallol Banerjee in Pune
- Started as Faasos, an Indian wrap chain
- Expansion and Challenges (2011-2014):
- Rapid expansion of Faasos
- Unsuccessful attempt to introduce pizzas led to crucial insights
- Shift to Cloud Kitchens (2014-2016):
- Realized 75% of orders came through online deliveries
- Transitioned from traditional QSRs to cloud kitchen model
- Reduced rent-to-sales ratio from 15% to 4%
- Brand Diversification (2016 onwards):
- Launched multiple brands under cloud kitchen model
- Notable brands: Behrouz Biryani, Mandarin Oak, Sweet Truth, The Good Bowl
- Global Expansion (2018 onwards):
- Expanded to Indonesia, UAE, UK, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Philippines
- As of 2022, operates over 450 cloud kitchens across 75 cities
- Partnerships and Innovations:
- Launched Rebel Launcher Program in 2018
- Partnered with Wendy s for 250 cloud kitchens in India
- Acquired majority stake in luxury chocolate brand Smoor in 2022
- Technology and Operating System:
- Developed robust OS for culinary innovation, technology, and supply chain management
- Processes orders through EatSure platform and other food aggregators
- Funding and Valuation:
- Received significant funding from investors like Sequoia Capital and Qatar Investment Authority
- Valued at $1.4 billion after Series F funding in 2021 Rebel Foods s journey from a small wrap chain to a global internet restaurant company showcases innovative pivots, strategic expansions, and a strong focus on technology and operational efficiency.
Products & Solutions
Rebel Foods, the world's largest and fastest-growing internet restaurant company, offers a diverse range of innovative products and solutions that leverage advanced technology and operational efficiency:
Brands and Menu Offerings
Rebel Foods operates over 45 brands, including Faasos, Behrouz Biryani, Oven Story Pizza, Mandarin Oak, The Good Bowl, SLAY Coffee, Sweet Truth, and Wendy's. These brands cater to a wide range of culinary preferences across multiple countries.
Cloud Kitchen Operations
The company manages more than 450 cloud kitchens in over 70 cities across 10 countries. These kitchens are optimized for efficiency using patented machinery and automation, ensuring uniformity and increased productivity in food preparation.
Rebel OS Technology Platform
Rebel Foods has developed a full-stack technology platform called Rebel OS, designed to manage multi-channel ordering, inventory, last-mile delivery, and other operational aspects. This platform enables the efficient launch and scaling of multiple brands independently.
Rebel+
Rebel+ is a suite of products aimed at simplifying the setup and operation of internet restaurants. Key features include:
- Catalogue management system for uniform product listing across digital outlets
- Multi-brand, multi-channel order management
- Integrated Point of Sale and Kitchen Display System
- Self-serve functionality for store setup, product listing, and sales management
- Integration with global aggregator partners and support for inventory management, last-mile delivery, and IoT projects
EatSure Platform
EatSure is a consolidated food delivery service allowing customers to order from multiple trusted restaurants in a single order without additional delivery charges. This platform integrates various Rebel Foods brands and partner restaurant chains, enhancing customer convenience.
Rebel Launcher Program
This program enables other food and beverage brands to leverage Rebel Foods' cloud kitchen platform and technology stack for scaling their operations. It has facilitated the launch of over 25 brands and aggressive expansion across various regions.
Automation and Innovation
Rebel Foods employs automation and artificial intelligence to streamline cooking processes, simplify ingredient management, and ensure consistency in food quality. The company continually invests in innovative solutions such as automated dispensing systems to enhance operational efficiency. Through these products and solutions, Rebel Foods optimizes the entire food delivery ecosystem, from kitchen operations to customer experience, leveraging cutting-edge technology and operational expertise.
Core Technology
Rebel Foods, a pioneering cloud kitchen and virtual restaurant company, relies heavily on advanced technology to drive its operations, efficiency, and innovation. Key aspects of their core technology include:
Automated Cooking Processes
Rebel Foods has implemented various automated cooking devices, including:
- Intelligent woks
- Automated fryers (tawas)
- Smart kitchen equipment These devices are integrated with AI and IoT to adjust parameters like temperature, time, and movement, ensuring consistent and high-quality food preparation.
IoT and AI Integration
The company leverages IoT, AI, and robotics to automate and optimize kitchen operations. This includes:
- Visual AI for quality control
- Automated package scanning for size, weight, appearance, and temperature
- Ensuring product standards before delivery
Smart Kitchen Platform
Rebel Foods has built a comprehensive in-house tech platform in partnership with AWS, integrating multiple microservices such as:
- Learning management
- HR and payroll
- End-to-end kitchen management
- Procurement and warehousing
- Supply chain management
- Kitchen operations and delivery The platform also features automated dispensing, temperature and time-adjusted fryers, and integration of devices with orders for seamless customizations.
Data Analytics and Consumer Feedback
Extensive use of data analytics helps Rebel Foods:
- Understand consumer preferences
- Refine menu offerings
- Optimize operational processes
- Stay ahead of food trends
- Ensure operational efficiency
Centralized Procurement and Standardized Recipes
To manage costs and ensure quality control, Rebel Foods employs:
- Centralized procurement
- Standardized recipes across multiple brands This approach allows for better supplier negotiations, minimized food waste, and consistent food quality.
Visual AI and Quality Control
Rebel Foods has developed a Smart Quality Control system using visual AI, which:
- Scans each package for product ID, order ID, size, weight, appearance, and temperature
- Ensures all packages meet required standards before dispatch
Scalability and Expansion
The cloud kitchen model, supported by advanced technology, enables Rebel Foods to:
- Scale rapidly
- Enter new markets with minimal investment
- Adapt quickly to changing consumer preferences and market trends By integrating culinary expertise with advanced technologies like IoT, AI, and robotics, Rebel Foods has created a robust technological foundation that optimizes operations, automates processes, and enhances the overall customer experience.
Industry Peers
Rebel Foods, a prominent player in the cloud kitchen and food delivery industry, faces competition from several companies in the sector. Here's an overview of its key industry peers and competitors:
Cloud Kitchen Competitors
- Curefoods
- Based in Bengaluru, Karnataka
- One of Rebel Foods' top rivals
- Generates about 40% of Rebel Foods' revenue
- BOX8
- Founded in 2012 in Bangalore, Karnataka
- Operates in the food distribution field
- FreshMenu
- Known for its cloud kitchen operations
- Competes in the Indian market
- Wow Momo Foods
- Major player in the cloud kitchen space
- Direct competitor to Rebel Foods
Other Food Delivery and Cloud Kitchen Operators
- EatClub Brands
- Operates cloud kitchen services, including the BOX8 brand
- Competes in the on-demand food ordering and delivery space
- Kitopi
- Global cloud kitchen operator
- Competes with Rebel Foods in cloud kitchen operations and food delivery
- CloudKitchens
- Provides kitchens, equipment, and support for delivery-only restaurants
- Poses a competitive threat in the cloud kitchen segment
Broader Food Delivery Ecosystem
- Zomato and Swiggy
- Primarily food delivery aggregators
- Have some involvement in the cloud kitchen space
- Mainly focused on their core aggregation and delivery businesses
Rebel Foods' Competitive Advantage
Rebel Foods distinguishes itself through:
- Multi-brand cloud kitchen model
- Proprietary operating system (Rebel OS)
- Partnerships with various food brands, including global names like Wendy's
- Extensive use of technology and automation in kitchen operations
- Wide geographical presence across multiple countries By leveraging these strengths, Rebel Foods maintains a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving food delivery and cloud kitchen industry. The company's focus on technology-driven operations and diverse brand portfolio allows it to adapt quickly to market trends and consumer preferences, positioning it as a leader in the sector.