Taking a bite out of food delivery services in CHS

#DYK that Charleston has three food delivery services? Order on the Way (formerly Quickfoxes) hit the streets first, followed by Uber Eats + Grubhub– which both started pounding the pavement within the last year. These food delivery drivers give hungry locals the leisure of ordering eats from home, school, work, hotels, + even area parks.

If you’ve never used a food delivery service before, you are missing out. Because what’s worse than being hungry? Being hungry + wet. So, say goodbye to venturing out in the rain on your lunch break, wishing your mom could bring you soup when you’re sick, + craving pizza after a glass (or two) of vino. It’s time to say hello to instant foodie gratification.

Here’s how it works:

- Local (interested) restaurants partner with the food delivery companies– So keep in mind that you won’t see every restaurant in the city.
- Place your order with the restaurant.
- The food delivery company picks up your food + delivers it to your door.

With three different services, it’s important to know which one is going to best help you cure your cravings.

Order on the Way

Areas Served: Downtown, West Ashley, + Mount Pleasant
Price: Delivery fees range from $4.99- $9.75 (depending on location)

Perks:
📍27 participating restaurants downtown
⏰ Delivery within an hour
👥 Large orders + catering delivery options available

Cons:
📍Limited service locations

Uber Eats

Areas Served: Most neighborhoods in the Greater Charleston Area
Price: The “booking fee,” a.k.a. the delivery fee, varies based on how busy the area is, the availability of drivers, + the availability of the restaurant. However, you will always be able to see the fees before you book. (This is very similar to Uber surge pricing).

Perks:
📱Track your order + delivery progress using their app. You will even have access to the name + photo of your delivery partner.
📍Over 50 participating restaurants downtown
🔎 You can search by category such as: BBQ, Bar Food, Seafood, Coffee + Tea, Sushi, Sandwiches, + Breakfast
⏰ Schedule your order or have it delivered ASAP. The app will even suggest restaurants that have a delivery time of under 30 minutes.

Cons:
📱You have to set up an account before you can use their app.
💸 Delivery + booking fees can add up quickly, depending on how busy the area is at the time of ordering.

Grubhub

Areas Served: Mostly downtown– with limited service in surrounding neighborhoods
Price: Free

Perks:
💳 No delivery free (they charge restaurants small fees with every order so Grubhub is technically ~free~ for your to use as a customer). Still– make sure you tip your driver.
🔎 You can sort your search by rating, price, + delivery time.
🚗 You have the option to order through the app + pick up your order yourself.

Cons:
💸 $10 minimum purchase required.
📍Grubhub just came to Charleston in April 2018, so there are only a limited number of participating restaurants– however, the list is continuously growing.

Tipping recommendation: Tipping is not required to use these services. However, tipping your delivery person goes hand-in-hand with tipping your server at a restaurant. Many drivers/bikers/scooter delivery persons rely on tips as part of their income.

Grubhub recommends tipping 20% of the order total or $5– whichever is more. Uber Eats allows you to tip your delivery partner directly through the app + add a rating/review.

Right now, it looks like Uber Eats has the most delivery options overall for the Greater Charleston Area. However– in Grubhub’s defense– the food delivery service still needs a chance to make their mark on the Lowcountry.

Do you utilize food delivery services? What perks, or downsides, have you found? Let us know by emailing hello@thechstoday.com.

– Justine