The Delivery Prophets

Josh Simons, the visionary behind Chicken & Blues Restaurants and Flamingo Cafe Bars, dives into integrating delivery services with the hospitality industry, through exclusive partnerships and technological advancements. We explore what happens when expanding into new markets while maintaining brand integrity, and some of Josh’s personal reflections from his father's business.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Personalised catering in QSR brands
• The risks that come with scaling a brand
• Starting Chicken and Blues in 2013 in with a tiny 8-seater setup
• How Josh has been exclusive with Deliveroo for 8 years
• Balancing business growth with family life

Links mentioned in this episode

Chicken & Blues

Flamingo Cafe Bars

Josh Simons on LinkedIn

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Máté Kun, CEO of Growth Kitchen, is on the show to discuss the rise and fall of ghost kitchens and why his company’s innovative shared kitchen model is revolutionising food delivery. Máté shares insights on using data, AI, and franchising to expand popular restaurant brands into underserved areas without new physical locations. We’ll delve into industry lessons, collaboration for growth, and the future of affordable, high-quality food delivery. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Evolution and challenges of ghost kitchens post-COVID-19
• How shared kitchen spaces enhance efficiency and growth
• How Growth Kitchen's model resembles the franchising of virtual restaurant brands
• The role of AI and data science in food delivery optimisation
• Importance of brand authenticity for successful virtual restaurant brands

Links mentioned in this episode

Growth Kitchen

Connect with Máté Kun on LinkedIn

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In today's special episode, co-hosts Peter Backman and Jon Borzacchiello dive deep into the intricacies of food delivery, exploring how the experience, packaging, and even the type of food play vital roles in ensuring customer satisfaction. We'll discuss the challenges faced by traditional restaurants versus delivery-focused businesses, the importance of packaging in maintaining food quality, and the evolving trends in the delivery market. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Replicating the restaurant experience in food delivery
• Lessons from delivery-friendly products
• The significance of getting the packaging right
• Tips for heat retention and quality consistency
• What we can learn from the motor car industry

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As the Managing Director at Pizza Pilgrims, Gavin Smith has built an impressive career in operations, working for previous brands such as Wahaca, Browns Restaurants and Mitchells & Butlers.

In this episode, Gavin shares his expertise on negotiation tactics, maintaining food quality, and the critical role of customer feedback. We'll also discuss how COVID-19 has accelerated the importance of delivery, the impact of delivery on traditional restaurant operations, and innovative strategies to meet consumer demands. 

Links Mentioned

Gavin Smith on LinkedIn

Pizza Pilgrims

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Welcome to our debut episode of Delivery Prophets: Across Borders, where your hosts JJ and Peter Backman dive deep into the evolving world of food delivery – one region at a time. In today's episode, we zoom into Asia and explore the critical role of delivery riders, compare delivery trends across Asia and Europe, and discuss the impact of super apps like Grab and Gojek on the industry.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How local cuisine plays a significant role in Asian markets
• How cultural differences affect delivery times and customer behaviour
• the economic and logistical challenges unique to Asia
• the market dynamics post-COVID-19
• And the shift towards multi-industry services

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Maurice Abboudi is an experienced board member, operator, investor and advisor to the hospitality and leisure sector. He was the board advisor to Just Eat 2016 -2019 and previously Director of Business Development at Domino’s Pizza Group. He is also an advisor to several restaurant groups including ASK/Zizzi, Wagamama, Tortilla, Chipotle, Smith & Wollensky, and Vice-chair of the British Takeaway Campaign.

We dive into the challenges of growing restaurant delivery services, from increasing order sizes to targeting corporate orders. Maurice shares his journey from starting a pizza delivery business to working with major players like Domino’s and Just Eat. We also explore the evolution of last-mile delivery, the role of third-party companies, and the critical issue of managing peak times and customer data.

Links Mentioned

Maurice Abboudi on LinkedIn

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Our guest today is Matt Price, General Manager of Uber Eats, where we dive deep into the evolving world of food delivery. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has permanently shifted consumer habits towards home delivery, and we'll explore how this trend is here to stay across all demographics.

From leveraging data to enhance restaurant growth and consumer experience to the pivotal role of technology and partnerships, Matt sheds light on Uber Eats' ambitious vision to be synonymous with food delivery. We'll discuss the significance of creating exceptional delivery experiences, the potential of delivery-only kitchens, and the crucial role of predictable, effortless service.

Links Mentioned

Mark Price on LinkedIn

Uber Eats

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Mark Murphy is the co-founder and CEO of Burgerism, which is set to become the number one delivery burger brand across the UK. Launched in April 2018, from a dark kitchen in Manchester, they sold exclusively through the delivery marketplaces. They have now become a cult burger brand across the region. In 2023, The Times' listed Burgerism #7 on Britain's Best Burgers, while we also ranked as the most popular dish on Deliveroo in Manchester.

Tune in as we dissect the challenges of scaling a delivery brand, seeking balance for sustainable growth in the delivery sector, Burgerism's focus on the Manchester market and potential saturation, and the trend of suburban delivery demand and expansion opportunities.

Links Mentioned:

Mark Murphy on LinkedIn

Burgerism

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Edin Basic is an entrepreneur with extensive experience in the restaurant industry and joins the show to discuss the evolution of delivery business models. He founded Firezza (sold to Pizza Express) and is co-founder of We Amplify, a new hub pooling our experience as seasoned entrepreneurs.

Edin provides a deep dive into the impact of aggregators on delivery quality, the challenges operators face, and the crucial role of specific delivery metrics in driving sales. He also unpacks the complexities of delivery logistics and the influence of aggregators on customer satisfaction.

Links Mentioned

Shereen Ritchie on LinkedIn

Buns From Home

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As the Chief Operating Officer of Buns From Home, Shereen Ritchie is a board-level leader who believes that business success involves balancing operational and commercial considerations with human ones.

Shereen shares insights on the evolution of food delivery, the importance of customer experience, and the challenges and opportunities inherent in the delivery business. The conversation covers topics ranging from the significance of managing the delivery process within the hospitality industry to the role of technology in shaping human interactions.

Links Mentioned:

Shereen Ritchie on LinkedIn

Buns From Home

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