Fort Lauderdale woman discovers ‘secret’ Florida restaurant with no employees. She loves the experience, but some viewers are concerned

A late-night food stop in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is sparking debate on TikTok and raising questions about the future of dining. TikTok creator Thatgirl (@pickabill) recently shared a video showcasing what she described as a unique restaurant experience in the city. The video appears to show a food pickup spot operating without any customer-facing employees.

According to the creator, the business, called FTL Food Hub, offers customers a fully self-service experience. The creator described the location as “basically like this little secluded place,” where customers place and pay for orders digitally. She noted that the menu includes a variety of options, including halal food, burgers, and tacos.

In the video, she walks viewers through the ordering process. She shows touchscreen tablets and pickup lockers or compartments where customers retrieve their meals.

The creator loved the convenience, but it’s not for everyone

After ordering, Thatgirls says customers wait for their food to appear in a designated pickup area. “They’re all behind this little door right here,” she said of the restaurant employees.

“You get your food. You pick it up right here. You gotta speak to no one. You get your food, and you go,” she added.

The concept impressed the creator, who praised the business model. “I think whoever came out with this business model is so smart. Continue making businesses, because this is absolutely amazing,” she said. “So convenient. You get your food, and you go.”

While some in Thatgirl’s comments section were intrigued by the convenience and automation, others noted the ultra-minimalist layout late at night. Several viewers expressed unease about entering a secluded location with no visible employees.

One commenter wrote, “That’s so scary,” while another dubbed it “the food ‘Backrooms,’” referencing the internet horror concept and film centered on endless, unsettling spaces. A third viewer commented, “This don’t feel safe.”

While it may seem unusual, the concept likely falls under what the restaurant industry calls a “ghost kitchen” or “virtual kitchen.” Ghost kitchens are facilities that focus on delivery and pickup orders without traditional dining rooms or waitstaff, according to industry descriptions from CloudKitchens and other restaurant groups.

Some operate multiple restaurant brands out of the same kitchen space. According to IBISWorld, ghost kitchen businesses now operate across the United States. Industry estimates vary, but some reports place the number at more than 1,500 nationwide.

The model gained popularity during and after the pandemic as consumers increasingly embraced food delivery and pickup options. Industry analysts project continued growth in the sector over the coming years.