lechef, a Foodtech startup with a first-in-the-region concept founded by serial entrepreneur Eugen Brickcius, has launched to reimagine workplace dining across the MENA region by providing easy access to workplace catering featuring fresh, healthy and grab-and-go meals through tech-driven smart fridges also known as ‘smart canteens’.
Based in KSA, the startup aims to boost business productivity and promote workplace engagement and wellbeing by encouraging employees to stay on workplace premises while enabling the consumption of nutritious meals.
Moreover, although workplace food options expanded throughout the years, they were generally limited, expensive, unhealthy and inconvenient to obtain, leading to frustration for those who sought healthier options.
At its core, the startup provides office catering through smart canteens stocked with fresh and healthy meals that seamlessly integrate into office spaces, offering a hassle-free grab-and-go meal selection experience for employees.
lechef mobile app
Once the smart canteen is set up and stocked, users only register once on the lechef mobile app and can then scan the QR code on the canteen, pick their preferred meals and enjoy without waiting in any checkout line.
The canteen is equipped with an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system that instantly detects selected meal choices and completes the payment automatically, deducting it from the user’s setup payment method. Thereby, saving considerable time by removing waiting lines, and lowering company costs by minimizing staff and maintenance of the setup.
“Our current focus is on launching operations, maintaining high-quality food and beverage choices, honing our technology expertise and gathering data for continuous improvement,” asserted Brikcius.
