Do Restaurants Give Additional Food to Delivery Drivers: DoorDash, GrubHub, and Beyond

As a delivery driver for over three years, the topic of additional food provided by restaurants has come up a few times. While some restaurants do offer these treats, it varies widely and is not a common practice. This article explores whether restaurants often give extra food to delivery drivers using popular platforms such as DoorDash and GrubHub.

Unique Experiences with Extra Food

Have you ever received extra food at a restaurant when using delivery services like DoorDash and GrubHub? Some unique experiences can offer insights into the practices of serving delivery drivers. For instance, a McDonald's manager once gave me a bag of apple pies and cinnamon rolls at closing time. She explained that she would be throwing the fresh-baked goods in the trash otherwise. Similarly, a local steakhouse offered me a drink when I was waiting for my order. Even fast-food chains like Wendy's have extended a frosty occasionally.

However, it's important to note that these instances are not the norm. While some restaurants do offer extra food or drinks, it should not be expected.

No Consistent Practice

From my experience, restaurants do not consistently offer additional food to delivery drivers. While some restaurants may occasionally offer a drink, it is rare to receive extra food items. Offering edamame or a mistake Frappuccino is an example of how unpredictable these rewards can be.

During my time as a delivery driver, I have interacted with various restaurants, none of which have provided me with additional food. However, there are some that do offer free drinks, often as a gesture to encourage drivers not to leave if the delivery is taking a long time.

Smart Business Strategy

Providing free items, particularly drinks, can be a smart business strategy for restaurants. By doing so, they can reduce the likelihood of drivers canceling their orders. Offering water or soda is a common practice, as it helps drivers stay hydrated during long shifts. However, offering edamame or a mistake Frappuccino is less common and more spontaneous.

For instance, a popular method is to offer customers free drinks to ensure that delivery drivers stick around and don't cancel their orders. This strategy can be particularly effective for businesses that are struggling with high cancellation rates.

Conclusion

While some restaurants do offer additional food to delivery drivers, it is not a widespread practice. The experiences I shared are unique and cannot be generalized. Delivery drivers may occasionally receive extra food or drinks, but it is not a common expectation.

Still, offering a drink or occasionally providing complimentary food can be a smart move for restaurants, as it can enhance customer satisfaction and reduce order cancellations. As the delivery industry continues to grow, these strategies may become more common, but for now, they remain the exception rather than the rule.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do all restaurants offer extra food to delivery drivers?
No, not all restaurants offer extra food to delivery drivers. These instances are rare and often spontaneous. Do common delivery services like DoorDash and GrubHub influence restaurant practices?
Delivery services like DoorDash and GrubHub don't influence restaurant practices directly, but they create an environment where offering drinks or small food items can be beneficial. How can restaurants improve their relationship with delivery drivers?
Restaurants can improve their relationship with delivery drivers by offering free drinks, keeping drivers informed about their order status, and providing pleasant interactions.

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