Ghost restaurants grow in Southwest Florida

Scott Simone, the owner of Lil' Italy Bistro in Bonita Springs makes garlic knots for an online order on Monday, Oct. 11, 2021.

Lil' Italy Bistro owner Scott Simone, left, has partnered with Kirk Mauriello, right, as one of the local chefs cooking for the virtual restaurant concept Virturant, Simone cooks orders for his own restaurant as well as for virtual restaurants available through online delivery services.

Sloppy Joes are one of the most popular items offered through Virturant's kitchens.

Virturant's system consolidates online orders and prints them straight into the restaurant's kitchen.