COLLEGE PARK, Md. — In 2010, Nomie Hamid opened his first brick-and-mortar restaurant, Krazy Kabob, in College Park, not far from the University of Maryland. While at this cozy spot, Hamid created the concept for Crazy His Burrito and also opened The His Kebab His Joint as a delivery-only option.
Krazi Kebob, a former fast-food restaurant in College Park, borrows the line-work techniques of Chipotle and Pancheros burritos while injecting Pakistani and Indian flavors into its food. Fast forward to his 2021, in the midst of a global pandemic, and Hamid was inspired to flesh out a concept for his virtual kitchen that he had been incubating for a while.
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After just 10 years with Kraj Kabob, third-generation restaurateur Hamid was forced to close permanently as a new apartment building was constructed in its place. He was using a recipe inherited from his grandfather, Abdul Hamid, who immigrated to Pakistan and immigrated to the United States in 1968.
“With one door closed, I took the opportunity to realize my long-held vision of a digital food hall and set up shop in the commercial space that is now Virtual X Kitchen. “We had two successful restaurants in the space – Krazi Burrito and Krazi Kabob, but we also knew there was potential for something bigger,” Hamid told Patch. “The realities of operating a locally owned restaurant are very difficult, especially in urban areas with high rents and competitive large corporate chains. My vision for a virtual kitchen structure is to use space and resources more efficiently. It provides the perfect solution for other culinary professionals and a more accessible way to open and operate a restaurant.”
In addition to Hamid's four eateries, Virtual X Kitchen also hosts Bread N Greens and Coffee Editor. Being located in College Park, a college town, brings its own unique set of circumstances.
“College Park's demographics are somewhat unique, with the local community populated by a constantly fluctuating population of college students. As a result, we see very noticeable trends that align directly with college schedules. Winter break is especially difficult. “It's a tough time for many small businesses here, on top of already volatile restaurant sales for businesses near campus as many students leave College Park to move or travel during the holidays.'' will see a significant drop in sales until students return after vacation. ” he explained.
Virtual X-Kitchen acts as a ghost kitchen. Also known as virtual kitchens or cloud kitchens, this type of facility is specifically designed for multiple chefs or businesses to prepare food for pick-up and delivery to customers rather than in-person dining. Virtual X Kitchen currently operates a total of four 'Krazi' brands: Krazi Kebob, Krazi Burrito, Krazi Chick and The Kabob Joint, as well as a catering company.
Physical dine-in comes with significant overhead costs, so Hamid worked hard to build a virtual restaurant brand that serves the local community and college students. With the help of an Amazon Business grant, Hamid further strengthened his brand by designing the Virtual K Kitchen paper bags that go with every order. That way, even if a customer orders food through a third-party platform, their order will still display his Virtual X Kitchen logo.
Located at 5110 Roanoke Pl. #102 in College Park, Virtual Orders can be placed directly from the company's website.
