Chicago-based startup Sizl has just raised $3.5 million in seed funding to scale its cook-to-order food delivery service, aiming to disrupt the ghost kitchen model with a fresh twist—literally.
Operating at a post-money valuation of $12 million, Sizl is challenging the negative reputation of dark kitchens, often criticized for inconsistent food quality and mass-produced meals. Instead, Sizl is betting on freshness, authenticity, and a unique in-app experience to win over customers in the fast-growing food delivery space.
A New Spin on the Dark Kitchen Model
Unlike most ghost kitchens that rent out space to multiple brands and rely on third-party delivery apps, Sizl controls the entire process. The company runs its own kitchens staffed with a close-knit team of Ukrainian chefs and local culinary talent from Chicago. This hands-on approach allows Sizl to ensure quality and consistency across every meal it serves.
Sizl doesn’t just stop at making food. The company also handles its own delivery, further setting it apart from others that rely heavily on platforms like Uber Eats or DoorDash. While Sizl is still listed on those apps, it also offers a dedicated mobile app that makes ordering not just easier—but more engaging.
Fresh, Fast, and Eastern European-Inspired
Targeting health-conscious consumers looking for speedy, wholesome meals, Sizl places a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients. According to co-founder and COO Anastasia Kalinkina, the startup sources much of its meat and produce from local suppliers, including Greensys, an organic farm in central Illinois. While they do partner with larger distributors like US Foods and Sysco, the focus remains on sourcing locally whenever possible.
Sizl’s niche lies in its Eastern European cuisine, a specialization that helps the brand stand out in a crowded food delivery market. The compact, curated menu—limited to 60 items at any given time—features dishes like chicken kyiv, pierogies, grilled cheese, and spaghetti bolognese. It also includes cherished family recipes like Kalinkina’s grandmother’s borscht and syrniki, adding a personal and cultural touch that’s rare in ghost kitchen offerings.
Founders with Proven Track Records
The startup was founded by a team of Ukrainian entrepreneurs—Kalinkina, CEO Alex Kolesnikov, CMO Kyrylo Kupin, and Nick Delitski—who previously launched a dark kitchen chain called Local Kitchen. That venture grew to generate $46 million in annual revenue, giving the team a strong foundation to build on with Sizl.
A Gamified Food Delivery App
What truly sets Sizl apart is its gamified mobile app, designed to boost customer loyalty and repeat business. Users collect themed cards with every order or login, unlocking rewards as they go. The app also features an in-app currency called “mojis,” along with mini-games and a 3% cash back reward on all orders. It’s not just food delivery—it’s an interactive experience.
Backed by Strategic Investors and Looking to Expand
The $3.5 million seed round was led by Yellow Rocks! and joined by Kinetik and several angel investors, including Borzo co-founder Mike Alexandrovski. Sizl plans to use the fresh capital to open up to four new kitchens in Chicago by the end of the year, building on its two current locations. The company is also eyeing expansion into new markets like Boston, Charlotte, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Looking ahead, Sizl is already preparing for a Series A round, expected to launch by late 2025 or early 2026, as it continues its mission to transform food delivery with fresh, flavorful, and fast meals rooted in culture and quality.
Chicago-based startup Sizl has just raised $3.5 million in seed funding to scale its cook-to-order food delivery service, aiming to disrupt the ghost kitchen model with a fresh twist—literally.
Operating at a post-money valuation of $12 million, Sizl is challenging the negative reputation of dark kitchens, often criticized for inconsistent food quality and mass-produced meals. Instead, Sizl is betting on freshness, authenticity, and a unique in-app experience to win over customers in the fast-growing food delivery space.
A New Spin on the Dark Kitchen Model
Unlike most ghost kitchens that rent out space to multiple brands and rely on third-party delivery apps, Sizl controls the entire process. The company runs its own kitchens staffed with a close-knit team of Ukrainian chefs and local culinary talent from Chicago. This hands-on approach allows Sizl to ensure quality and consistency across every meal it serves.
Sizl doesn’t just stop at making food. The company also handles its own delivery, further setting it apart from others that rely heavily on platforms like Uber Eats or DoorDash. While Sizl is still listed on those apps, it also offers a dedicated mobile app that makes ordering not just easier—but more engaging.
Fresh, Fast, and Eastern European-Inspired
Targeting health-conscious consumers looking for speedy, wholesome meals, Sizl places a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients. According to co-founder and COO Anastasia Kalinkina, the startup sources much of its meat and produce from local suppliers, including Greensys, an organic farm in central Illinois. While they do partner with larger distributors like US Foods and Sysco, the focus remains on sourcing locally whenever possible.
Sizl’s niche lies in its Eastern European cuisine, a specialization that helps the brand stand out in a crowded food delivery market. The compact, curated menu—limited to 60 items at any given time—features dishes like chicken kyiv, pierogies, grilled cheese, and spaghetti bolognese. It also includes cherished family recipes like Kalinkina’s grandmother’s borscht and syrniki, adding a personal and cultural touch that’s rare in ghost kitchen offerings.
Founders with Proven Track Records
The startup was founded by a team of Ukrainian entrepreneurs—Kalinkina, CEO Alex Kolesnikov, CMO Kyrylo Kupin, and Nick Delitski—who previously launched a dark kitchen chain called Local Kitchen. That venture grew to generate $46 million in annual revenue, giving the team a strong foundation to build on with Sizl.
A Gamified Food Delivery App
What truly sets Sizl apart is its gamified mobile app, designed to boost customer loyalty and repeat business. Users collect themed cards with every order or login, unlocking rewards as they go. The app also features an in-app currency called “mojis,” along with mini-games and a 3% cash back reward on all orders. It’s not just food delivery—it’s an interactive experience.
Backed by Strategic Investors and Looking to Expand
The $3.5 million seed round was led by Yellow Rocks! and joined by Kinetik and several angel investors, including Borzo co-founder Mike Alexandrovski. Sizl plans to use the fresh capital to open up to four new kitchens in Chicago by the end of the year, building on its two current locations. The company is also eyeing expansion into new markets like Boston, Charlotte, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Looking ahead, Sizl is already preparing for a Series A round, expected to launch by late 2025 or early 2026, as it continues its mission to transform food delivery with fresh, flavorful, and fast meals rooted in culture and quality.
