Alan Paul Co-Founder, Head of Strategy & BD, CardFree
A lot has changed in the past 9 months. Restaurants that wanted nothing to do with technology suddenly found themselves in desperate need of solutions. Order ahead has become essential for everyone, which means operators have had to learn a lot very quickly. As we close out 2020, here are four things operators should know.
1. Third-Party Delivery is Not a Necessary Evil
Many restaurants have turned to third-party delivery (3PD) throughout the pandemic. Despite the crushing economics, there is a sense amongst operators that they cannot survive without delivery services. As one restaurant owner in Texas put it, “We do it because the customers want it. [It’s] a necessary evil, I suppose.” Customers absolutely want digital ordering & convenience, but a relatively small number need it from third-party delivery.