Lechef launches first ‘smart canteen’ concept in MENA region

MENA – Foodtech startup Lechef has launched the first ‘smart canteen’ in the MENA region, a workplace catering solution featuring easy access to workplace catering featuring fresh, healthy and grab-and-go meals through tech-driven smart fridges.

The innovative solution centers around smart canteens that integrate seamlessly into office spaces, offering employees a convenient grab-and-go meal experience. 

Employees register once on the Lechef mobile app, scan a QR code on the smart canteen, and select their meals without the hassle of checkout lines.

Equipped with RFID technology, the system instantly detects chosen items and processes payments automatically through the user’s pre-registered payment method.

This approach not only saves time by eliminating waiting lines but also reduces operational costs by minimizing staffing and maintenance requirements. 

The startup was founded by Eugen Brikcius, a seasoned entrepreneur with over a decade of experience and a proven track record as a startup CEO.

Brikcius previously served as Co-CEO of Rocket Internet’s ride-hailing venture Jeeny, CEO of the UAE-based e-commerce platform Wadi.com, and Managing Director at Foodics. 

The concept for Lechef emerged when Brikcius moved to the Middle East and recognized inefficiencies in workplace dining over the past decade. He observed that employees often lost an average of 30 minutes daily deciding on lunch options, leading to productivity losses, especially when off-site meals exceeded break times. 

Although workplace food options have expanded, they often remain limited, expensive, and unhealthy, creating challenges for employees seeking nutritious alternatives.

Subscription meal services, while available, lack flexibility and variety. An internal study revealed that 65% of employees in Riyadh and Jeddah struggle to find appealing and healthy food options. 

Determined to address these pain points, Brikcius developed Lechef as a tech-driven solution to modernize workplace dining. “At Lechef, we believe everyone deserves access to a wholesome, healthy meal during their busy workday,” he said. “Our goal is to transform workplace dining into an experience that boosts morale and productivity.” 

The smart canteen solution is scalable, making it suitable for industries such as healthcare, education, banking, consulting, and government. Each canteen can cater to up to 50 employees, providing an efficient and adaptable dining solution for workplaces of various sizes. 

Through Lechef, the startup aims to streamline dining, promote healthier lifestyles, and create a more productive work environment for employees.

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