Welcome to Smart City Kitchens! Your new cloud kitchen is the engine of your food and beverage (F&B) business, and we’re here to help you get it running smoothly. Our onboarding process is designed to be a clear, step-by-step journey so you have all the necessary tools and information to launch and grow your brand with confidence.
Step 1: Getting to know you and your business
Before we begin the technical setup, the first step is a simple introduction. We want to understand your vision and how we can best support you. This is a crucial foundation for a successful partnership.
We’ll need some basic information about your brand, including:
- Brand name and cuisine type
- Operating hours
- Licence types and certifications
- Experience with cloud kitchens
You’ll also need to provide the email of your finance personnel for all invoicing and financial communications. This initial information helps us tailor our support and ensure everything is set up correctly from the very beginning.
Step 2: Kitchen set up
This is the most hands-on part of the process. You’ll need to decide on the equipment for your cloud kitchen and determine its layout. We’ll work with you to make sure your equipment is compatible with your specific kitchen unit’s power supply and gas connections.
- Equipment schedule: You’ll need to list every single piece of equipment you plan to bring in. This includes the brand, model number, dimensions, and all utility requirements. A template will be provided to make this easy.
- Kitchen layout plan: This plan needs to be submitted with all your equipment clearly labelled. It’s not just for our records; it’s a required part of your SFA application. A CAD drawing is preferred, but a to-scale sketch from your equipment provider is also acceptable.
- Kitchen improvements: If you need any upgrades or customisations, these are subject to our approval and will be done by our trusted contractors at your cost. We’ll handle the coordination to guarantee the work is done to our standards.
Step 3: SFA application
Securing your Singapore Food Agency (SFA) licence is essential for legal operations in Singapore. We’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide and a list of all the necessary documents to make the application process straightforward.
- Licence types: You’ll apply for either a Food Shop Licence (for regular food sales and deliveries) or a Food Processing Licence (for B2B purposes and production).
- Online submission: You’ll submit your application via the GoBusiness portal. Once submitted, please provide us with your application number so we can track it. The SFA will then schedule either an in-principle approval (for Food Shop Licences) or an on-site inspection (for Food Processing Licences).
- Final approval: After any outstanding documents are submitted and reviewed, you can make the payment and receive your final licence.
Step 4: Digital onboarding
This phase is all about getting your brand visible and ready to take orders. We’ll help you set up your brand on the major delivery platforms and plan your initial market launch.
- Delivery platform setup: We recommend onboarding with GrabFood, Foodpanda, and Deliveroo for maximum market reach. We can connect you with our points of contact at each platform to streamline the process.
- Menu and photo review: Our Customer Success team can provide a menu consultation to help you optimise your offerings for delivery platforms. They will also ensure your menu descriptions and photos are polished and ready to attract customers.
- Launch campaign: We’ll help you strategise your launch, from setting a marketing budget to planning aggressive campaigns with at least one delivery platform to build initial momentum.
Our Support System
- Invoicing: Invoices are issued on the 10th of every month and are due on the 25th. We use a
- GIRO direct debit system for seamless payment. Your first invoice will be prorated from the date you accessed the service.
- Zendesk portal: For any assistance you need, you can submit a ticket via our Zendesk portal for faster turnaround times and a clear record of all requests.
- Working with our partners: We’ve partnered with trusted equipment providers like Bakers & Chefs, Qson, Asia FSE, and Yeo Eng Koon to help you curate your kitchen.
Start your onboarding journey today
Our comprehensive onboarding process is designed to save you time and help you scale your F&B business faster in Singapore. From the initial setup to getting your brand on delivery platforms, we provide the resources and know-how you need. It’s never been easier to focus on what matters most—the food.
Smart City Kitchens offers delivery kitchens and support to launch your brand on your terms.
Get in touch with us to start your journey!