Watch out, delivery folks, you’re about to face stiff competition. And it comes from an unlikely source.
Groupon had a rough time in 2015. Its stock price plummeted and falling revenues spurred layoffs throughout the company, nationally and internationally. Fortunately for the online coupon company, this year is going better — Chinese behemoth Alibaba bought a stake in the business, driving up share prices, and Groupon is continuing to expand — into different ventures.
At the end of last summer, Groupon bought Baltimore-based company OrderUp for $69 million, and the online order and delivery service is now available in Richmond.
More than 40 local restaurants are participating. Once you download the OrderUp app, you’ll have a choice, starting today, between food from Coriander, Red Eye Cookie Company, Strawberry Street Cafe and Weezie’s Kitchen, among others, plus chains such as Chipotle, Noodles & Company, Subway and Which Wich, plus a few more. Here’s the complete list.
“Richmond is a city with a thriving restaurant scene, and many of the amazing local eateries on our platform haven’t offered delivery until now,” said Chris Jeffery, chief executive officer and co-founder of OrderUp in a press release.
OrderUp’s delivery areas include downtown and in Jackson Ward, the Fan, the Museum District, Carytown, the near West End and the Willow Lawn area.