Foodworks reimagines corporate cafes in the age of COVID

Chicago-based Foodworks has created a new, contact-free foodservice concept geared to office workers in the age of COVID-19.

The new streamlined dining option, Market Cafe Powered by Foodworks, debuted earlier this month in New York City, offering lower operational costs and more technological enhancements than Foodworks’ former full-service cafe model.

Market Cafe is designed to be completely contactless, allowing guests to scan and pay for all their items, then leave with breakfast or lunch. Customers can also order ahead via the MarketConnect app and pick up from a designated shelf onsite.

Featured restaurants at the first Market Cafe include New York favorites such as Katz’s Deli, Parm, Hummus Pita & Co. and Luke’s—all of which package their food to go. Foodworks has also teamed up with other local purveyors to provide premade sandwiches, snacks and cookies. A few household basics are available for sale, too.

“Our goal has always been to support local communities and our beloved restaurant partners,” John Coker, Foodworks president, said in a statement. “By creating Market Cafe, we can provide a first-of-its-kind dining solution for large corporate offices.”

Eurest, the business-and-industry division of Compass Group, launched Foodworks two years ago to serve as a restaurant incubator, providing space in office buildings and corporate locations for pop-up concepts.