The Impact of the Pandemic on American Dining CultureBefore
the pandemic, U.S. food and drink sales reached $773 billion in 2019, with
households spending an average of $3,500 annually on dining out. The lockdown
in March 2020 halted in-person dining, forcing restaurants to pivot to takeout
and delivery to survive. This shift wasn’t just a temporary fix; it reshaped
consumer preferences. Many Americans grew accustomed to the convenience of
delivery, and platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub saw explosive
growth. By 2025, while in-person dining has largely resumed, delivery remains a
significant part of the restaurant industry, with 60% of adults ordering
takeout or delivery at least once a week, according to a 2023 National
Restaurant Association report.The pandemic also accelerated the adoption of
technology in restaurants, from online ordering systems to contactless
payments, making delivery more seamless. However, delivery comes with added
costs—service fees, delivery charges, and tips can inflate a $20 meal to $30 or
more. Below are strategies to save money on your next restaurant delivery
order, tailored to the current landscape.How to Save Money on Your Next
Restaurant Delivery Order
Compare Delivery Platforms for the Best Deals
Why it works: Different platforms (DoorDash, Uber Eats,
Grubhub, Postmates) charge varying service and delivery fees. Some restaurants
offer exclusive discounts on specific platforms.
How to do it: Use apps like Delivery Dude or check multiple
platforms before ordering to compare total costs, including fees and discounts.
For example, a 2024 Forbes article notes that DoorDash might have lower fees
for certain restaurants, while Uber Eats offers free delivery on select orders
for Eats Pass subscribers.
Tip: Look for platform-specific promotions, like $5 off your
first order or free delivery for new users.
Subscribe to Delivery Membership Programs
Why it works: Subscription services like DoorDash’s DashPass
($9.99/month) or Uber Eats’ Eats Pass ($9.99/month) waive delivery fees on
eligible orders, often saving $3–$5 per order.
How to do it: If you order delivery more than twice a month,
the subscription cost is often offset by savings. Check if your credit card
offers free memberships (e.g., some Amex cards include a complimentary
DashPass).
Tip: Cancel subscriptions during months you plan to order
less to avoid unnecessary costs.
Look for Restaurant-Specific Promotions
Why it works: Many restaurants offer deals directly through
their websites or apps, bypassing third-party platform fees. For example,
chains like Chipotle or Domino’s often have loyalty programs with free items or
discounts.
How to do it: Visit the restaurant’s website or social media
pages for promo codes. Posts on X frequently highlight restaurant-specific
deals, like “buy one, get one free” offers or percentage discounts.
Tip: Follow your favorite restaurants on X or Instagram for
real-time deal alerts.
Order During Off-Peak Hours
Why it works: Some platforms and restaurants offer discounts
during less busy times to boost sales, and delivery fees may be lower when
demand is reduced.
How to do it: Schedule orders for mid-afternoon or late
evening, avoiding peak lunch (12–2 PM) and dinner (6–8 PM) hours. A 2024 CNET
guide suggests that platforms like Grubhub sometimes lower fees during off-peak
times.
Tip: Pre-schedule orders to lock in discounts and avoid
surge pricing.
Opt for Pickup Instead of Delivery
Why it works: Pickup eliminates delivery and service fees,
which can account for 20–30% of your order total. Many restaurants also offer
curbside pickup for convenience.
How to do it: Check if the restaurant has a pickup option on
its website or app. Some even provide pickup-exclusive discounts to encourage
foot traffic.
Tip: Combine pickup with loyalty rewards for extra savings.
Use Cashback and Rewards Programs
Why it works: Cashback apps like Rakuten or credit cards
with dining rewards (e.g., Chase Sapphire Preferred offers 3x points on dining)
reduce your effective cost.
How to do it: Link your card to a cashback app or use a
rewards credit card for delivery orders. Check for Amex or Visa offers that
provide statement credits for specific restaurants.
Tip: Stack cashback with restaurant discounts for maximum
savings.
Order in Bulk or Share Meals
Why it works: Delivery fees are often fixed, so larger
orders spread the cost across more items, reducing the per-item expense.
How to do it: Order family-sized meals or share with
roommates to minimize fees. For example, a $10 delivery fee stings less on a
$50 order than a $15 one.
Tip: Check for “meal deals” or combos designed for multiple
people, which often include free sides or drinks.
Avoid Small Orders
Why it works: Many platforms charge a small order fee (e.g.,
$2–$5) if your order is below a minimum, typically $10–$15.
How to do it: Add a low-cost item like a drink or side to
meet the minimum and avoid the fee. Alternatively, order from restaurants with
lower minimums.
Tip: Plan orders to meet minimums without overbuying by
checking the menu in advance.
Check for Free Delivery Promotions
Why it works: Restaurants and platforms frequently offer
free delivery to attract customers, especially for new or local businesses.
How to do it: Look for banners on delivery apps or
restaurant websites advertising free delivery. X posts often highlight
limited-time free delivery codes.
Tip: Search “free delivery [restaurant name]” on X or Google
before ordering to find current promotions.
Tip Strategically
Why it works: While tipping is important to support drivers,
some platforms allow you to adjust tips post-delivery based on service quality.
How to do it: Set a reasonable tip (15–20% is standard) but
review it after delivery. Avoid over-tipping upfront to keep costs predictable.
Tip: If you’re on a tight budget, consider pickup to
eliminate the need for a driver tip.
The New Culinary Landscape in 2025The pandemic permanently
altered dining habits. Delivery and takeout now account for 30% of restaurant
revenue, up from 15% pre-2020, per a 2024 Statista report. Consumers value
convenience, but rising costs—driven by inflation and platform fees—have made
saving money a priority. Restaurants have responded by offering more
delivery-specific menus, loyalty programs, and direct ordering options to cut
out third-party fees. Meanwhile, technology like AI-driven order recommendations
and dynamic pricing (adjusting fees based on demand) is shaping how consumers
interact with delivery services.Cultural shifts also play a role. Many
Americans now view delivery as a treat or necessity rather than a luxury,
especially for busy professionals or families. However, concerns about fees and
environmental impact (e.g., packaging waste) are pushing some toward pickup or
cooking at home. Balancing convenience with cost is key in this new landscape.
START HERE: https://track.deriv.com/_GWDDsYz3meRZl7VyVw174GNd7ZgqdRLk/1/