Fast Casual Executive Summit

Fast Casual Executive Summit session to delve into third-party delivery

A panel of speakers will discuss third-party delivery at the Fast Casual Executive Summit next month in Denver, Colorado.

Image by Willie Lawless/ Networld Media Group

September 16, 2024 by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

In the fast-paced world of foodservice, third-party delivery platforms have become a ubiquitous force. They offer unparalleled reach, connecting restaurants with a vast customer base. However, their allure is tempered by the growing concerns of soaring commissions, hidden fees, and operational complexities.

As the industry grapples with these challenges, the question remains: are third-party delivery platforms helping or hurting business? A panel discussion called "Are Third-Party Delivery Platforms Propelling Growth or Draining Profit?" at the Fast Casual Executive Summit delves into the complexities of this relationship, offering insights and strategies to maximize the benefits while mitigating the risks.

The Fast Casual Executive Summit, a Networld Media Group production, will be held Oct. 13-15 in Denver, Colorado at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel.

This session will take place on Monday, Oct. 14 at 10:15 a.m.

Panelists include Jon Asher, CMO Of Nekter Juice Bar, Nathan Breneman, VP of leadership or R&R BBQ, Casey Hilder, director of marketing for Starbird and Sean Kennedy, president and CEO of Cowboy Chicken. The moderator for the event is Anand Tumuluru, CEO and co-founder of LoopAI, which is sponsoring the event.

"At Cowboy Chicken, delivery is critical to our continued growth," said Kennedy. "Third-party delivery providers and restaurateurs are no longer adversaries. We must all work together for everyone's success. We consider them true partners and don't see any decline in their strength in the industry."

Asher said third-party delivery services have significantly expanded the brand's reach, allowing it to deliver fresh and wholesome handcrafted bowls, juices and smoothies to customers beyond its stores.

"While we were initially concerned about how the food quality would hold up, after extensive testing, we found that our products actually deliver better than hot food concepts — so well that we recently won an award for Most Loved Delivery Brand. We embraced third-party delivery early on and while we have made many changes along the way to ensure a positive experience for our guests, it has always been an important focus for us."

Asher said integrating third-party delivery services into the Nekter's existing systems presented challenges, but leveraging tech from the brand's online ordering partners and Olo created a seamless, frictionless experience.

"We've also run successful campaigns with DoorDash, offering exclusive items that not only excite our loyal customers but also attract new ones," he said. "It's been a balancing act of convenience, technology, and maintaining our brand's high standards."

At R&R BBQ, third party delivery has helped the brand reach a broader audience and provided an additional revenue stream, especially during the pandemic when off-premise dining surged.

"This has enabled us to serve customers even in areas without physical locations," Breneman said. "However, navigating delivery fees and commission structures can affect margins, particularly when leveraging promotions to engage customers. Striking a balance between convenience and profitability is crucial.

"Having a partner like LoopAI, who understands these complexities, has made a world of difference. They help us identify where our money is going and where to invest, ensuring we maximize business health without sacrificing the customer experience. Thanks to their guidance and strategic marketing, we've achieved 25% year-over-year growth."

To register for the Fast Casual Executive Summit, click here.

About Mandy Wolf Detwiler

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Mandy Wolf Detwiler is the managing editor at Networld Media Group and the site editor for PizzaMarketplace.com and QSRweb.com. She has more than 20 years’ experience covering food, people and places.
 
An award-winning print journalist, Mandy brings more than 20 years’ experience to Networld Media Group. She has spent nearly two decades covering the pizza industry, from independent pizzerias to multi-unit chains and every size business in between. Mandy has been featured on the Food Network and has won numerous awards for her coverage of the restaurant industry. She has an insatiable appetite for learning, and can tell you where to find the best slices in the country after spending 15 years traveling and eating pizza for a living. 

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