Transforming Parking Garages to Serve On-Demand Economy
June 28, 2019
Miami-based parking network REEF Technology has announced plans to transform parking lots and garages across the country into tech-forward hubs geared towards the on-demand economy.
The company owns more than 4,500 parking facilities across the United States, and has now expanded to offer space for businesses specializing in last-mile and delivery-only food services, bike- and scooter-rental stations and ride sharing. The company also plans to include micro fulfilment centers and spaces for pop-up businesses at its properties.
“At REEF, we believe a parking lot should be more than a place to store your car.” said Ari Ojalvo, CEO of REEF Technology. “Rather, it can be a hub for the community, connecting people to the businesses and services that keep us all moving forward. REEF will completely transform what people, cities and businesses can expect from parking garages, in the same way the introduction of smartphone apps completely changed the way we think about cellphones.”
A key component of the company’s plans involves last-block, delivery-only kitchen facilities for restaurant partners. Housed in proprietary containers, REEF Kitchens allows restaurant partners to open and quickly expand their businesses, while also providing faster delivery to customers. Each container is able to accommodate from one to five restaurant brands or concepts. Restaurants can run operations directly, or contract with REEF to staff and prepare delivery-only menu items. The concept is already active in Miami and London, with plans to open several hundred additional kitchens across North America and the U.K.
“There’s explosive growth and opportunity in the food delivery business,” said Aziz Ihsanoglu, head of strategy at REEF Technology. “Based on the success of our REEF KITCHENS in the U.K. and Miami, we’re confident restaurants and consumers will enjoy the possibilities our business creates.”