The Delivery Prophets

Welcome to the first ever Delivery Prophets: Tech Smart, brought to you by TheDelivery.World in partnership with S4D.In this conversation, host Peter Backman sits down with Benjamin Kool, CEO and founder of S4D, to examine the fast-changing world of food delivery technology. Together, they explore the pressures and opportunities facing restaurants as the global delivery market continues to surge, from navigating first-party versus third-party logistics to leveraging data as a driver of growth and competitive edge.Benjamin shares how S4D was founded to give restaurants back control of the customer journey, and why seamless omnichannel experiences are critical to staying ahead. If you’re looking to understand where food delivery tech is headed, and how to position your business for what’s next, this episode is for you.In this episode, we discuss:Shifting from third-party to first-party deliveryOmnichannel delivery’s hidden challenges and real payoffsWhy the right tech partners unlock operational innovationAI in restaurants: early adoption, lasting impactWhy delivery markets aren’t the same everywhereProfitability vs. control: the delivery model trade-offLinks mentioned in this episode:S4DConnect with Benjamin Kool on LinkedInRestaurant & Takeaway Expo/ Hospitality Tech ExpoAttend Benjamin Kool’s Talk @ Restaurant & Takeaway Expo / Hospitality Tech Expo 2025Like 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

Gavin Smith from Pizza Pilgrims returns to the show to share how Pizza Pilgrims has navigated the ups and downs of the past year, from tackling rising costs and competitive pressures to the strategic move of appointing a dedicated delivery manager to drive growth on platforms like Deliveroo. The trio explore the challenges and opportunities in maintaining a great brand experience, both in-restaurant and through delivery, and get candid about topics like price parity, packaging innovations, and future trends like catering.In this episode, we discuss:Importance of clarity, communication, and win-win outcomes in deliveryHow Pizza Pilgrims drives delivery growth through dedicated leadershipLeveraging data, tech, and ad spend to enhance delivery performanceManaging delivery ratios and the impact on restaurant team welfarePackaging innovations to solve cold pizza issuesMaturing delivery market: competition, exclusivity, and future collaborationsLinks mentioned in this episode:Gavin Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hospitalitygav/ Pizza Pilgrims: https://www.pizzapilgrims.co.uk/ Adapting to Demands: Pizza Pilgrims' Approach to Delivery with Gavin Smith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWLniOoZv1A 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

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 marketplacesHow direct delivery gives restaurants more control over customer relationshipsDifferences between restaurant, grocery, and retail delivery operationsEvolving customer expectations around convenience, speed, and delivery timingThe impact of market consolidation on restaurant flexibility and choicesPartnerships and ecosystem collaboration as the future of food deliveryLinks mentioned in this episode:Cornelia Raportaru on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corneliaraportaru/Stuart: https://stuart.com/ 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.

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 brandsDeciding 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 deliveryLinks 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 marketConnecting independents with corporate catering demandEnsuring quality at scale for group ordersHelping local vendors reach corporate clientsPrioritising service, presentation, and vendor relationshipsLinks 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 profitabilityStrategies for optimising delivery operations and partnershipsChallenges faced by small independent restaurant operatorsExpansion plans and regional adaptations for CoqfighterRole of data in understanding customer behaviour and preferencesNavigating post-COVID changes in consumer dining habitsFuture of delivery: sustainability and building strong restaurant brandsLinks mentioned in this episode:Coqfighter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coqfighterukCoqfighter: 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 Saturation14. Perfecting Food Delivery Ecosystems with Matt Price, Uber EatsLike 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.

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 episodeMarugame UdonKeith Bird on LinkedInLike 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 modelsAt-home brand experiences with virtual and restaurant kitsChallenges of replicating restaurant experiences at homeDistinct cultural approaches to home delivery in different regionsThe importance of in-person dining experiences and hospitalityLinks mentioned in this episodeHawksmoorRockfishYard Sale PizzaBuns From HomeMy Supper Hero Meal KitsThe Delivery Prophets Podcast  #2 with Jamie BarberWill Beckett on LinkedInLike 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.

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 brandsThe risks that come with scaling a brandStarting Chicken and Blues in 2013 in with a tiny 8-seater setupHow Josh has been exclusive with Deliveroo for 8 yearsBalancing business growth with family lifeLinks mentioned in this episodeChicken & BluesFlamingo Cafe BarsJosh Simons on LinkedInLike 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

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-19How shared kitchen spaces enhance efficiency and growthHow Growth Kitchen's model resembles the franchising of virtual restaurant brandsThe role of AI and data science in food delivery optimisationImportance of brand authenticity for successful virtual restaurant brandsLinks mentioned in this episodeGrowth KitchenConnect with Máté Kun on LinkedInLike 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 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 deliveryLessons from delivery-friendly productsThe significance of getting the packaging rightTips for heat retention and quality consistencyWhat we can learn from the motor car industryLike 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

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 MentionedGavin Smith on LinkedInPizza PilgrimsLike 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 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 marketsHow cultural differences affect delivery times and customer behaviourthe economic and logistical challenges unique to Asiathe market dynamics post-COVID-19And the shift towards multi-industry servicesLike 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.

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 MentionedMaurice Abboudi on LinkedInLike 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

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 MentionedMark Price on LinkedInUber EatsLike 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.

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 LinkedInBurgerismLike 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.