It’s the great pizza-delivery debate: to app or not to app?
The industry that pioneered delivery food is divided on whether to make its pies available through apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats in addition to their own delivery services. As pizza chains look to maintain growth after the pandemic, some are working with the apps to reach new customers or add delivery capacity, while others say the services cut too far into their margins.
Papa John’s International Inc. has struck deals with the major delivery apps to promote its restaurants online and use their drivers at times. Chief Executive Rob Lynch said his chain is advertising to reach consumers who got a taste for delivery during the health crisis, including those searching for pizza on DoorDash and other delivery apps.
“It’s profitable or we wouldn’t be doing it,” Mr. Lynch said of sales through delivery apps.
Domino’s Pizza Inc. refuses to work with delivery apps, saying their fees dilute restaurant profits and distance chains from their customers.