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by michaelbwang 4776 days ago
I've thought about launching an idea like this in the US. After doing some research, it proved to be too difficult to execute because of foodservice regulations and ensuring safety.

I like your concept, especially emphasizing the benefits of home cooking. Here are some things I think you should think carefully about: -how do you ensure safety on both ends (buyer and seller)? -why would someone want to use your platform instead of doing their own underground restaurant? -how do you vet hosts? Is there a vetting process for hosts? -how do you ensure a pleasant group meal dynamic?

Would love to chat more about this if would like. This is an idea I would really, really like to see succeed!

1 comments

Hey Michael !

I'll try to answer to you questions:

>-how do you ensure safety on both ends (buyer and seller)?

We do review the hosts manually. For the guests, they have to talk with the hosts in order to make a booking reservation so I guess if they don't get along nothing is going to happen. We also have a review/rating system.

>-why would someone want to use your platform instead of doing their own underground restaurant? Well, it's not only for money but also for the pleasure to share your food, culture, ... with someone else. And in order to start an underground restaurant you need to get known, it might be kind of hard if it's underground.

>-how do you vet hosts?

Sorry for my broken english, but I don't understand this question.

>-Is there a vetting process for hosts?

Yes

> -how do you ensure a pleasant group meal dynamic?

We have a blog[1] where we are trying to tell our hosts how to organize/... the event and how to deal with the culture difference.

My twitter handle and my email are in my HN profile, you're welcome to ping me !

[1] http://theartof.cookening.com