No longer do you have to get dressed, drive across town to your favorite cafe, find a parking spot, put your name on a waiting list and then hang out until you’re called. From restaurants specializing in fine dining to Mom & Pop establishments, nationwide fast food chains to casual cafes, the majority are now offering home or business delivery either by hiring their own drivers or using a third-party service such as Uber Eats, Grubhub or DoorDash.
The interest in food delivery is generating a new dynamic in the restaurant business. Many employment opportunities have been created to handle the order taking and packaging of these meals to leave the restaurant. Orders are generally placed one of two ways: either over the phone or online. The order is then processed as if the customer was in the restaurant, the only exception being all food items have to be boxed for take-out and then handed off to the delivery driver.
While it’s easy to assume restaurants offering delivery service are seeing a bottom line increase, unfortunately the majority say this isn’t true. Along with having to hire more staff, the cost of the actual delivery itself is causing the overall profit margin to shrink. Frequently the meal ordered for delivery is less expensive, with high profit items including beverages, generally not included. And while the demand for food delivery is increasing in volume, it is not yet high enough to offset additional labor costs.
Unless streamlined processes can quickly be implemented to reduce costs, one of two things will begin to occur. Many of your favorite restaurants and cafes will no longer offer food delivery, or worse case scenario, they will be forced to close their doors. So while the convenience is unarguably a plus, perhaps stop and think next time before ordering dinner online or by phone.
Searching for a long-term, part-time or temporary job in the St. Louis area? Call Staffing One Services today at 314.361.2444 for assistance.