Ramiro Galvan Opened The Food Lab Ghost Kitchen

The Augusta-based culinary venture launched in June 2026 at 3113 Washington Road to test new recipes.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Dining Out

Bold vector editorial illustration featuring ingredients for a specialty pizza, including pork belly, jalapeños, and jam on a clean prep table. — Chef Ramiro Galvan launched The Food Lab ghost kitchen in Augusta this June, utilizing the space to test innovative menu items like specialty pork belly pizzas. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you prefer ordering from ghost kitchens over dining in at traditional restaurants?

Ramiro Galvan opened The Food Lab in June 2026, a ghost kitchen located at 3113 Washington Road in Augusta. The kitchen serves as a space for the chef to test customer responses to new menu items before committing to permanent offerings.

Why it matters

The ghost kitchen model allows the El Rey Group to refine dishes and menus in a commercial space without the overhead of a traditional dine-in restaurant. This approach provides a flexible platform for culinary experimentation.

The facility operates from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and features 13 different fried item types on its menu. Orders are fulfilled via online apps and DoorDash, or through direct customer pickup.

The players

Ramiro Galvan

He is the professional chef and owner behind the ghost kitchen concept at The Food Lab.

El Rey Group

This organization serves as the parent company for the new ghost kitchen venture.

The details

Customers interact with the kitchen by building meals through an online menu and arranging for third-party delivery or pickup. Future planned test items for the concept include a specialty pizza featuring smoked pork belly topped with bacon and strawberry jam with jalapeños.

The Munchies Lab closed in 2022.
The Corazon Bonito nonprofit began operations in 2023.
The Food Lab opened its doors in June 2026.
Operating hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Culture Shift

The adoption of the ghost kitchen business model mirrors the broader industry shift away from traditional brick-and-mortar dining. This trend reflects a changing consumer preference for delivery-optimized meals that prioritize convenience over the classic restaurant experience.

Augusta residents can now order meals from the new facility exclusively through online apps for delivery or local pickup. The kitchen is closed every Sunday, meaning customers should plan their ordering habits to account for the weekend schedule.

The takeaway

Ghost kitchens offer an efficient way for local chefs to reach customers while minimizing the financial risks associated with full-service dining. Residents looking to support new concepts can explore these virtual-only brands through their preferred food delivery apps.