The Delivery Prophets

What happens when scaling fast becomes more of a risk than an opportunity? And what do VCs really expect when they back the next big thing in delivery? In this week’s minisode, Dan Warne, founder of Sessions, takes us inside the high-stakes world of delivery startups fueled by venture capital. Dan unpacks why rapid growth isn’t always the answer, and how obsession with scale, spurred by easy funding, can outpace what consumers actually want.

Tune into the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2N8IqufZnDfD8oAoXfxWXW?si=Z8aFSo4aR5-0peJFesu7LQ

Peter Backman and Tim Alderson speak with Cornelia Raportaru, CEO of Stuart, the logistics company powering deliveries for some of the biggest names in restaurants, grocery, and retail. From the growing importance of direct customer relationships to who really owns the data, and why that matters, they explore the deeper shifts shaping the future of food delivery. You’ll hear real insight into white-label delivery, cross-market challenges in places like the UK, France, and Poland, and the strategies businesses need to stay profitable, agile, and close to their customers.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Data ownership challenges for restaurants using food delivery marketplaces
• How direct delivery gives restaurants more control over customer relationships
• Differences between restaurant, grocery, and retail delivery operations
• Evolving customer expectations around convenience, speed, and delivery timing
• The impact of market consolidation on restaurant flexibility and choices
• Partnerships and ecosystem collaboration as the future of food delivery

Links mentioned in this episode:

Cornelia Raportaru on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corneliaraportaru/

Stuart: https://stuart.com/ 

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Host Peter Backman is joined by co-host Tim Alderson and hospitality entrepreneur Paul Hopper, founder of HOP Vietnamese. They dive into the latest news, including DoorDash’s potential acquisition of Deliveroo, and what these shifts mean for restaurants and operators.

Paul shares his journey, from brand expansion and running dark kitchens to using data for decision-making. He also opens up about the challenges of launching Hop Vietnamese in cities like Manchester and the importance of building a strong local presence.

In this episode, we discuss:

• DoorDash's potential acquisition of Deliveroo and its impact on the market.
• Challenges and realities of operating dark kitchens for small brands
• Deciding between single vs. multichannel delivery platform strategies.
• Growing a restaurant brand in new markets like Manchester.
• Shifts in consumer behaviour and the future of super apps in delivery

Links mentioned in this episode:

HOP Vietnamese: https://www.hopvietnamese.com/  

Paul Hopper on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-hopper-b72a777a/ 

Like the show? We’d be hugely grateful if you could help us spread the word by taking 1 minute to leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice. Full instructions at https://www.thedelivery.world/ratingsandreviews

When COVID lockdowns forced Pizza Pilgrims to shut their doors overnight, the team made a bold decision: no layoffs, no cutting corners, just creativity.

In this week’s minisode, Gavin Smith from Pizza Pilgrims shares the inspiring story of how a forgotten side project, Pizza in the Post, became a lifeline for the business and a source of connection for thousands stuck at home. From chest freezers to 15,000 orders a week, the pivot was powered by passion, community, and a startup spirit that never quit.

Tune into the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UZns06aUMp61f9HWjowN4?si=b59e88f36ce14434

Charles Brafman is the co-founder of &Dine, a corporate catering platform born in lockdown and now powering connections between London’s businesses and its most passionate independent food vendors. We explore what it really takes to scale a delivery platform today, the evolving business models reshaping the industry, and why staying close to both customer and vendor needs is non-negotiable.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Evolving delivery models for a shifting market
• Connecting independents with corporate catering demand
• Ensuring quality at scale for group orders
• Helping local vendors reach corporate clients
• Prioritising service, presentation, and vendor relationships

Links mentioned in this episode:

&Dine: https://www.anddine.co.uk/ 

&Dine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anddinecooking 

Charles Brafman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-brafman-86921861/ 

Like the show? We’d be hugely grateful if you could help us spread the word by taking 1 minute to leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice. Full instructions at https://www.thedelivery.world/ratingsandreviews

Welcome to our first minisode from the Delivery Prophets, where we hand-pick a 5-minute actionable clip from our favourite interviews. This week, Matt Price from Uber Eats discusses how delivery helps restaurants reach new customers and increase orders. But success isn’t just about signing up – it’s about strategy. From menu optimisation to pricing and operations, we explore what it takes to make delivery truly profitable.

Tune into the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UZns06aUMp61f9HWjowN4?si=b59e88f36ce14434

In this episode of Delivery Prophets, we chat with Deacon Rose, co-founder of Coqfighter. We trace Coqfighter’s journey from a pub residency to nationwide expansion through strategic delivery partnerships. Deacon shares insights on brand building, working with Growth Kitchen, and the challenges of scaling a restaurant business. We also discuss new market players like DoorDash and their impact on commission structures. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Importance of delivery for restaurant growth and profitability
• Strategies for optimising delivery operations and partnerships
• Challenges faced by small independent restaurant operators
• Expansion plans and regional adaptations for Coqfighter
• Role of data in understanding customer behaviour and preferences
• Navigating post-COVID changes in consumer dining habits
• Future of delivery: sustainability and building strong restaurant brands

Links mentioned in this episode:

Coqfighter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coqfighteruk

Coqfighter: https://www.coqfighter.com/

Growth Kitchen: https://growthkitchen.co/ 

Like the show? We’d be hugely grateful if you could help us spread the word by taking 1 minute to leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice. Full instructions at https://www.thedelivery.world/ratingsandreviews.

In this special New Year edition, we're diving deep into the key insights we've gathered over the past year from interviewing various industry experts. From local strategies with Mark Murphy in Manchester to technological innovations discussed with Uber's Matt Price, and the evolving landscape of ghost kitchens, we explore the dynamic world of food delivery. We'll share top learnings, reflect on the transformative trends, and consider what's next for 2025.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Neighbourhood-specific delivery strategies for business growth.
• Evolution of technology in the food delivery sector.
• Delivery's impact on customer experience and expectations.
• The role of ghost kitchens in the delivery market.
• Importance of high-quality packaging for product delivery.
• Different business approaches: local delivery vs. multi-city expansion.
• Importance of partnering with reliable delivery aggregators.

Links mentioned in this episode:

13. Mark Murphy Burgerism: Suburban Delivery Demand & Niche Market Saturation

14. Perfecting Food Delivery Ecosystems with Matt Price, Uber Eats

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With extensive experience with brands such as Gourmet Burger Kitchen, West Cornwall Pasty Co. and Krispy Kreme, Keith Bird shares his invaluable insights on how consumer demands are reshaping the industry. We’ll explore how apps have revolutionized restaurant operations and customer trust, the influence of cultural acceptance on diverse culinary offerings, and the significant rise of aggregators like Uber Eats and Deliveroo. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Importance of consumers in the food delivery ecosystem.
• Evolution of delivery platforms like Deliveroo and Uber Eats.
• Balancing dine-in and delivery business models in restaurants.
• Role of apps in enhancing restaurant visibility and trust.
• Strategies for optimising in-home dining experiences.
• Adapting international cuisines for delivery and takeaway.
• Future innovations in food delivery… including drone usage.

Links mentioned in this episode

Marugame Udon

Keith Bird on LinkedIn

Like the show? We’d be hugely grateful if you could help us spread the word by taking 1 minute to leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice. Full instructions at https://www.thedelivery.world/ratingsandreviews

Hawksmoor CEO and co-founder Will Beckett joins The Delivery Prophets to unpack the complexities of the food delivery industry. We’ll dive into the pros and cons of employing in-house delivery drivers versus using third-party aggregators, highlighting examples like Yard Sale Pizza and Buns From Home.

Will discusses how innovative at-home dining experiences from Rockfish and My Supper Hero Meal Kits are reshaping customer expectations. We'll also explore the irreplaceable essence of in-restaurant dining and the unique challenges brands like Hawksmoor face in maintaining their premium experiences through delivery.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Employee dynamics: from restaurant chefs to food delivery drivers 
• Direct customer relationship models
• At-home brand experiences with virtual and restaurant kits
• Challenges of replicating restaurant experiences at home
• Distinct cultural approaches to home delivery in different regions
• The importance of in-person dining experiences and hospitality

Links mentioned in this episode

Hawksmoor

Rockfish

Yard Sale Pizza

Buns From Home

My Supper Hero Meal Kits

The Delivery Prophets Podcast  #2 with Jamie Barber

Will Beckett on LinkedIn

Like the show? We’d be hugely grateful if you could help us spread the word by taking 1 minute to leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice. Full instructions at https://www.thedelivery.world/ratingsandreviews.