Relay Delivery: A New Solution for Restaurants During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to numerous industries, and the restaurant sector was undoubtedly among the hardest hit. With lockdowns, social distancing measures, and widespread health concerns, restaurants had to rapidly adapt to survive. In this blog post, we delve into how Relay Delivery emerged as a critical solution for restaurants navigating these turbulent times. We'll explore the strategies and adaptations businesses made to continue serving customers safely and efficiently, focusing on how innovative delivery models played a pivotal role.

This blog post expands on our latest episode, COVID-19 Food Safety Standards Vol. 1: Relay Delivery, where we had the pleasure of speaking with Alex Blum, CEO of Relay Delivery. He provided invaluable insights into the company's mission and how they stepped up to support the restaurant industry during its most vulnerable period. Join us as we dissect the key takeaways from that conversation and paint a comprehensive picture of how Relay Delivery became a lifeline for countless restaurants.

The Restaurant Industry's COVID-19 Challenge

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 sent shockwaves through the restaurant industry. Suddenly, dining rooms were empty, and businesses faced a stark reality: adapt or perish. The traditional model of in-house dining was no longer viable due to government-mandated closures and widespread public fear of contracting the virus. Restaurants scrambled to find alternative ways to reach their customers, and the focus quickly shifted to takeout and delivery services.

Adapting to a New Normal

Restaurants that had previously relied heavily on dine-in service had to quickly pivot their operations. This involved a multifaceted approach that included:

• Enhanced Sanitation Protocols: Restaurants implemented rigorous cleaning and sanitization procedures to ensure the safety of their staff and customers. This included frequent handwashing, disinfecting surfaces, and implementing contactless payment options.
• Restructuring Kitchen Operations: Kitchen layouts were often reconfigured to facilitate social distancing among staff. Staggered shifts and smaller teams became commonplace to minimize the risk of transmission.
• Streamlining Menus: Many restaurants simplified their menus to focus on dishes that traveled well and could be prepared efficiently. This helped to reduce waste and optimize kitchen operations for takeout and delivery.
• Embracing Technology: Restaurants adopted online ordering systems, mobile apps, and delivery platforms to reach customers remotely. This digital transformation was crucial for maintaining sales and staying connected with their clientele.

The Delivery Dilemma

While takeout provided a limited solution, delivery became the primary lifeline for many restaurants. However, relying solely on in-house delivery services was often impractical due to limited resources and logistical challenges. Partnering with third-party delivery apps seemed like a logical solution, but these platforms often came with hefty commission fees that significantly impacted already-thin profit margins.

Restaurants found themselves in a precarious position, needing delivery services to survive but struggling to absorb the high costs associated with them. This created a demand for more sustainable and cost-effective delivery solutions, paving the way for innovative companies like Relay Delivery to step in.

Relay Delivery: A New Solution

Relay Delivery emerged as a game-changer for restaurants struggling to navigate the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike traditional third-party delivery apps that charge exorbitant commissions, Relay Delivery offered a more transparent and equitable model. Their approach focused on providing restaurants with reliable delivery services at a fair price, empowering them to retain more of their revenue and maintain profitability.

How Relay Delivery Works

Relay Delivery operates on a network model, connecting restaurants with a fleet of independent drivers who are vetted and trained to provide efficient and reliable delivery services. The platform utilizes advanced technology to optimize delivery routes, track orders in real-time, and ensure timely delivery to customers. This technology-driven approach allows Relay Delivery to streamline operations and minimize costs, ultimately benefiting both restaurants and customers.

Key Benefits for Restaurants

Relay Delivery offered several key benefits for restaurants during the COVID-19 crisis:

• Lower Commission Fees: Compared to traditional third-party apps, Relay Delivery charged significantly lower commission fees, allowing restaurants to retain a larger portion of their earnings.
• Control Over the Delivery Process: Restaurants had more control over the delivery experience, including the ability to customize delivery zones, set delivery fees, and manage their own customer relationships.
• Improved Customer Satisfaction: By providing reliable and timely delivery services, Relay Delivery helped restaurants to enhance customer satisfaction and build loyalty.
• Access to a Wider Customer Base: Relay Delivery expanded restaurants' reach, allowing them to serve customers beyond their immediate vicinity and tap into new markets.

Guest Introduction: Alex Blum, CEO of Relay Delivery

To gain a deeper understanding of Relay Delivery's impact, we had the pleasure of speaking with Alex Blum, the company's CEO, on our podcast, The Hospitality Hangout. Alex shared invaluable insights into the challenges restaurants faced during the pandemic and how Relay Delivery stepped up to provide a much-needed solution.

Alex's background in the technology and logistics industries gave him a unique perspective on the delivery landscape. He recognized the inefficiencies and inequities inherent in the traditional third-party delivery model and set out to create a platform that was more fair and sustainable for restaurants. His passion for supporting the restaurant industry and his commitment to innovation have been instrumental in Relay Delivery's success.

Discussion Highlights: Navigating COVID-19 with Relay Delivery

During our conversation with Alex, we explored several key themes related to the restaurant industry's response to COVID-19 and the role Relay Delivery played in helping businesses survive and thrive. Here are some of the highlights from our discussion:

The Importance of Agility

Alex emphasized the importance of agility and adaptability for restaurants during the pandemic. He noted that businesses that were quick to embrace technology and adapt their operations were more likely to succeed. Relay Delivery played a crucial role in enabling this agility by providing restaurants with a flexible and scalable delivery solution.

The Need for Fair Pricing

One of the central themes of our discussion was the need for fair pricing in the delivery industry. Alex argued that traditional third-party delivery apps often took advantage of restaurants' vulnerability, charging exorbitant commissions that squeezed their profit margins. Relay Delivery's lower commission fees provided restaurants with a much-needed financial lifeline.

Building Strong Partnerships

Alex stressed the importance of building strong partnerships between restaurants and delivery providers. He noted that Relay Delivery worked closely with its restaurant partners to understand their specific needs and tailor its services accordingly. This collaborative approach fostered trust and mutual success.

Focusing on Food Safety

Food safety was a paramount concern during the pandemic, and Alex highlighted the steps Relay Delivery took to ensure the safe handling and delivery of food. This included providing drivers with training on food safety protocols, implementing contactless delivery options, and ensuring that all deliveries were handled in a hygienic manner.

The Future of Restaurant Delivery

Looking ahead, Alex predicted that delivery would continue to be a crucial part of the restaurant industry, even after the pandemic subsides. He believes that innovative delivery solutions like Relay Delivery will play an increasingly important role in helping restaurants to compete and thrive in the evolving marketplace.

The Hospitality Hangout Podcast: Episode Credits

Our insightful discussion with Alex Blum was made possible thanks to the hard work and dedication of our talented team. Here are the credits for the episode:

• Produced by: Branded Hospitality Media
• Hosted by: Michael Schatzberg, Jimmy Frischling
• Producer: Julie Zucker
• Creative Director: Adam Levine
• Show Runner: Drewe Raimi
• Post Production: Three Cheers Creative

For more information about The Hospitality Hangout podcast, please visit www.thehospitalityhangout.com.

Conclusion: The Future of Restaurant Delivery

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to the restaurant industry, forcing businesses to adapt and innovate in order to survive. Relay Delivery emerged as a vital solution, providing restaurants with a fair, reliable, and cost-effective delivery service that helped them navigate these turbulent times. By offering lower commission fees, greater control over the delivery process, and a focus on food safety, Relay Delivery empowered restaurants to retain more of their revenue, enhance customer satisfaction, and expand their reach.

Our conversation with Alex Blum, CEO of Relay Delivery, shed light on the company's mission and its impact on the restaurant industry. Alex's insights into the importance of agility, fair pricing, strong partnerships, and food safety underscored the critical role that innovative delivery solutions play in the evolving marketplace. As we look to the future, it's clear that delivery will remain a crucial component of the restaurant industry, and companies like Relay Delivery will continue to play a significant role in shaping its trajectory.

To delve deeper into this topic and hear our full conversation with Alex Blum, be sure to check out our episode, COVID-19 Food Safety Standards Vol. 1: Relay Delivery, on The Hospitality Hangout podcast. We hope this blog post has provided valuable insights into how Relay Delivery helped restaurants navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and what the future holds for restaurant delivery.