In this episode of Data Delicacies, host Arun Kumar chats with Andrew Nakkache, Co-Founder and CEO of FIRST, a delivery platform redefining logistics for restaurant brands, delivery fleets, and ordering services. The discussion dives into how consumer expectations for delivery speed, efficiency, and experience have skyrocketed in recent years and how businesses can adapt to meet these demands. Andrew shares insights on the evolution of food delivery, the challenges in the current market, and the solutions FIRST offers to optimize operations and keep customers satisfied. Whether you're a restaurant operator or a delivery service, this conversation offers actionable strategies to thrive in a competitive landscape.

Key Takeaways -

1. Scaling and Pivoting for Growth - Andrew shares how FIRST reached a milestone of 50,000 deliveries a month and $3 million in revenue but struggled to find a scalable path. The turning point came when major platforms like Uber and DoorDash opened their delivery APIs, allowing FIRST to pivot. By leveraging existing technology and integrating third-party delivery services, FIRST could offer a similar value proposition without handling deliveries directly, setting the stage for scalable growth.
2. Meeting Nationwide Demand - Andrew discusses the convergence of delivery and shipping in the restaurant industry, with companies like Giordano’s offering frozen pizzas for shipping. He emphasizes that restaurants with strong brand presence can meet nationwide demand by utilizing technology to simplify both delivery and shipping processes. By integrating these systems into a unified platform, technology allows restaurants to manage all customer orders efficiently, ensuring a seamless experience, whether it's delivery or shipping.
3. Leaning Into the Data - Andrew reflects on how, historically, restaurant operators have been too focused on the day-to-day operations to prioritize data. However, there's a shift occurring, as more restaurants are starting to value data to improve decision-making. He highlights a key challenge with third-party marketplaces—restaurants don’t have access to customer data. Andrew points out the significance of knowing who your customers are and how the lack of this data can prevent restaurants from making informed business decisions.

Episode Links:

• Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn
• Visit First Delivery Online
• Follow First Delivery on Instagram

ABOUT ANDREW NAKKACHE -

Andrew is the Co-Founder & CEO of FIRST, the delivery platform built for Restaurant Brands, Delivery Fleets, and Ordering Services to give businesses what they need to scale sales, reduce costs, take control over their delivery experience. 

Previously, Andrew started Habitat Logistics, where him and his team offered Delivery-as-a-Service to restaurants, and they fulfilled over 1M orders with a fleet of 500 drivers serving nearly 1000 restaurants. 

FIRST is backed by the same investors who backed Uber, DoorDash, and Instacart, and powers deliveries for thousands of restaurants to fulfill their end-diners appetite for both on-demand delivery and catering. 

ABOUT DATA DELICACIES—

Data Delicacies is a weekly podcast that dives deep into the world of technology and data as it pertains to restaurants. Host Arun Kumar interviews some of the best and brightest in the industry about all things hospitality tech, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

• Listen to Data Delicacies on Spotify
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• Visit Incentivio Online
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Produced by Incentivio & Cali BBQ Media