Exploring Third-Party Delivery at Fast Casual Executive Summit Session

In the rapidly evolving foodservice industry, third-party delivery platforms have emerged as a prominent force, providing restaurants with extensive reach to connect with numerous customers. However, their appeal is clouded by rising concerns over high commissions, hidden fees, and operational challenges.

As the sector navigates these issues, the pressing question is: do third-party delivery platforms support or hinder business growth? A panel discussion titled “Are Third-Party Delivery Platforms Propelling Growth or Draining Profit?” at the Fast Casual Executive Summit will explore this intricate relationship, providing insights and strategies to harness their advantages while alleviating potential downsides.

The Fast Casual Executive Summit, organized by Networld Media Group, is set to take place from October 13 to 15 at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel.

This panel discussion is scheduled for Monday, October 14, at 10:15 a.m.

The panel will feature Jon Asher, CMO of Nekter Juice Bar; Nathan Breneman, VP of Leadership at R&R BBQ; Casey Hilder, Marketing Director for Starbird; and Sean Kennedy, President and CEO of Cowboy Chicken. The session will be moderated by Anand Tumuluru, CEO and co-founder of LoopAI, the event’s sponsor.

“Delivery is vital for our ongoing growth at Cowboy Chicken,” Kennedy stated. “Third-party delivery providers and restaurants are no longer rivals. Collaboration is essential for mutual success. We view them as true partners and see no signs of their influence in the industry waning.”

Asher noted that third-party delivery services have significantly broadened the brand’s reach, enabling it to deliver fresh, handcrafted bowls, juices, and smoothies to customers beyond their physical locations.

“Initially, we were concerned about maintaining food quality during delivery. However, after extensive testing, we discovered that our products actually perform better than traditional hot food offerings. In fact, we recently received an award for Most Loved Delivery Brand. We embraced third-party delivery early, and despite making numerous adjustments to enhance our guests’ experience, it has always remained a key focus for us.”

Asher also indicated that integrating third-party delivery services with Nekter’s existing systems posed challenges, but utilizing technology from the brand’s online ordering partners and Olo has facilitated a seamless experience.

“We’ve launched successful campaigns with DoorDash, introducing exclusive items that not only excite our loyal customers but also draw in new ones,” he explained. “Finding the right balance between convenience, technology, and maintaining our brand’s high standards has been essential.”

At R&R BBQ, third-party delivery has expanded the brand’s reach and created a new revenue stream, especially during the pandemic when off-premise dining surged.

“This has allowed us to connect with customers in areas where we lack physical locations,” Breneman remarked. “However, managing delivery fees and commission rates can impact profit margins, particularly when using promotions to engage customers. It’s crucial to find a balance between convenience and profitability.”

“Partnering with LoopAI, who understands these complexities, has made a significant difference. They help us track our expenses and identify investment opportunities, ensuring we optimize our business health without compromising the customer experience. Thanks to their support and strategic marketing, we’ve achieved a 25% year-over-year growth.”

For those interested in attending the Fast Casual Executive Summit, click here to register.