Anybody here have experience with home delivery meal services?

[PeterB]

... I'm thinking specifically of Christmas dinner, I kinda really missed Thanksgiving dinner, I would have liked the traditional turkey and trimmings.

I could also potentially do local ordering / pickup / delivery, if it's available, but all of these things are pretty expensive I know, and I wouldn't want to spend a ton of money only to discover that they skimp on either the quantity or quality.

[davemchine]

At least one of our local grocery stores provides entire holiday meals for a reasonable price. Might want to check your local stores.

[Sarcany]

I checked the websites for some of the finer local restaurants for Thanksgiving dinner this year. A few had optional delivery, but I missed the deadlines for placing an order with them. Ended up picking it up "curbside."

They had the routine down. They texted me to confirm pickup time and provide a phone number to call when I arrived. I lined up my car along with a dozen other vehicles and called. They asked what kind of car I was driving, requested that I wear a mask (already was), and within a couple of minutes I had my meal and was away.

I ordered from an upscale restaurant and had a very nice meal. If you trust the restaurant to set a good table, trust them to put together a good spread for takeout.

[PeterB]

davemchine wrote:
At least one of our local grocery stores provides entire holiday meals for a reasonable price. Might want to check your local stores.

I looked for those, but not seeing a whole lot, at least not that would deliver...

[graylocks]

davemchine wrote:
At least one of our local grocery stores provides entire holiday meals for a reasonable price. Might want to check your local stores.

i agree. if you're talking about the meal kit companies I rotate around them regularly depending upon who offers a deal for me to reactivate my account. currently with Home Chef. but in terms of a holiday dinner some are offering a complete dinner but for a large family gathering. some offer side dishes which is how i achieved a sausage stuffing for Thanksgiving.

btw, some of them have promotions where i can give away a free delivery box. usually that three dinners for two people. let me know if you'd like to try the having meal kit delivery and the next time i have a chance i'll send it your way. i'm pretty sure i'll have some next time i'm on Blue Apron but that probably won't be until February or March.

[Markintosh]

And if your not talking about meal kit services, but are talking about a delivered restaurant meal...

Please consider not using app based delivery, instead working with the restaurant for delivery. While many restaurants are forced to enroll in app programs for delivery just to stay competitive, it's not a win for them. They have to give a significant percentage to the delivery service to sell a meal. I've heard as much as 20-30% from local restaurant owners.

Calling them directly and letting them arrange their own delivery, even if by an Uber, can save them significant costs.

[mspace]

Markintosh wrote:
And if your not talking about meal kit services, but are talking about a delivered restaurant meal...

Please consider not using app based delivery, instead working with the restaurant for delivery. While many restaurants are forced to enroll in app programs for delivery just to stay competitive, it's not a win for them. They have to give a significant percentage to the delivery service to sell a meal. I've heard as much as 20-30% from local restaurant owners.

Calling them directly and letting them arrange their own delivery, even if by an Uber, can save them significant costs.

This!

[DinerDave]

mspace wrote:
[quote=Markintosh]
And if your not talking about meal kit services, but are talking about a delivered restaurant meal...

Please consider not using app based delivery, instead working with the restaurant for delivery. While many restaurants are forced to enroll in app programs for delivery just to stay competitive, it's not a win for them. They have to give a significant percentage to the delivery service to sell a meal. I've heard as much as 20-30% from local restaurant owners.

Calling them directly and letting them arrange their own delivery, even if by an Uber, can save them significant costs.

This!
Yes another vote for doing this

Dave

[NewtonMP2100]

....what they said above......they give up 30-50% to the delivery apps....

[rgG]

If available, I think curbside pick up would be the way to go.
We do that with a restaurant we like and it works out well