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Online ordering platform for independent chefs and bakers.
Hotplate is changing how people sell food across the US by giving Chefs and Bakers the tools necessary to solo launch and manage a food business online. There are talented people around the world capable of making amazing food, but either due to a lack of awareness, financial constraints, or the daunting overhead costs associated with traditional brick-and-mortar businesses, many never venture into this space independently. Hotplate is fueling a new model of food sales, allowing anyone to create a storefront, announce a sale, and coordinate local pickups with hundreds, or even thousands of customers—all within a 10-minute setup. Our aim is to make the food industry more available to everyone with the desire to enter it, consequently making food more accessible and diverse across the United States.
Hotplate is an online ordering platform that enables independent chefs and bakers to start, manage, and grow their food businesses with features for online ordering, pickup, and customer communication. It positions itself as the go-to setup for pre-order drops and recurring campaigns for specialty baked goods and meals.
Customers subscribe to a Hotplate storefront and create a branded, custom site in minutes. Chefs publish a 'drop' (a menu for a time window), set pickup windows, and manage inventory for each item. The platform automatically texts customers when orders open, provides a checkout flow (credit card, cash, or Venmo/Zelle), and delivers tools to fulfill orders, print packing tickets, and communicate with customers directly through Hotplate. The system emphasizes pre-orders and time-bound drops to help chefs plan production and sell out on a schedule.
Who it’s for: Independent chefs, bakers, pop-up sellers, and small food businesses looking to run online pre-order drops and pickups.
Mentions of thousands of chefs/bakers using the platform and customer testimonials; active user-generated content and social proof indicate traction.
I hope that one day a new batch member will excitedly be looking at this profile
I’m a curious guy who is always interested in meeting new people, so ping me if you want to chat about anything!
Formerly “Inc” · why startups rename →
We license brands for delivery and pick-up
All-in-one digital ordering system for restaurants
