The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the restaurant industry in Houston, forcing many establishments to adapt their business models. As dining rooms closed and social distancing measures were implemented, local eateries shifted their focus to takeout and delivery options to continue serving customers.
Houston’s diverse culinary scene offers numerous food delivery choices for residents looking to support local businesses while staying safe at home. From traditional American fare to international cuisines, the city’s restaurants have expanded their reach through various delivery platforms and in-house services. This article explores nine local food delivery options available to Houstonians during the pandemic.
1) Uber Eats
Uber Eats offers a convenient food delivery service in Houston. The platform connects customers with a wide variety of local restaurants.
Users can easily browse menus, place orders, and track deliveries through the Uber Eats app or website. The service covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
Uber Eats provides contactless delivery options, which is particularly useful during the COVID-19 pandemic. Customers can support local Houston eateries while staying safe at home.
The platform features ratings and reviews to help users make informed choices. Delivery times and fees are clearly displayed before ordering.
Uber Eats serves many areas of Houston, with availability depending on the customer’s specific location. The service aims to connect diners with both popular chains and unique local establishments.
Website: ubereats.com
Phone: Download the app for customer support
2) DoorDash
DoorDash is a popular food delivery service operating in Houston. The platform connects customers with a wide variety of local restaurants and eateries.
DoorDash offers contactless delivery options, which have become especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Customers can order meals from their favorite local spots without leaving home.
The service provides access to over 80 top-rated restaurants in the Houston area. Options include Chinese cuisine, fast food, breakfast items, pizza, and sushi.
DoorDash has implemented features to support local businesses during challenging times. These include Storefront, which allows restaurants to create their own online stores without commission fees, and Self-Delivery for partners to list on the platform.
For budget-conscious diners, DoorDash offers a filter to find affordable options marked with a single dollar sign. New users can enjoy no delivery fee on their first order.
DoorDash, Inc.
303 2nd Street, South Tower
San Francisco, CA 94107
www.doordash.com
3) Grubhub
Grubhub is a popular food delivery service operating in Houston during the COVID-19 pandemic. The platform connects customers with a wide variety of local restaurants, offering convenient ordering and delivery options.
Grubhub+ members enjoy additional benefits, including unlimited free delivery on eligible orders. For $9.99 per month, subscribers can save on delivery fees and receive 10% cashback on their purchases.
The service has implemented contactless delivery options to ensure safety during the pandemic. Customers can request their orders be left at the door, minimizing person-to-person contact.
Grubhub has also introduced a “Donate the Change” program in partnership with No Kid Hungry. This initiative allows customers to round up their order totals and donate the difference to help feed children in need.
Local restaurants in Houston can partner with Grubhub to expand their reach and offer delivery services to customers staying at home. This collaboration helps support local businesses during challenging times.
Grubhub, Inc.
Website: www.grubhub.com
Customer Service: 1-877-585-1085
4) Postmates
Postmates offers a versatile food delivery service in Houston during the COVID-19 pandemic. The platform provides access to a wide range of restaurants, from local favorites to popular chains.
Customers can order meals, groceries, and even alcohol through the Postmates app or website. The service covers various areas of Houston, including Greater Heights, West Oaks, and Downtown.
Postmates caters to different dietary preferences, featuring vegetarian and vegan options from restaurants like Local Foods and Maharaja Bhog. Fast food enthusiasts can also find choices such as Becks Prime and Wings of Houston.
The company introduced contact-free deliveries to enhance safety during the pandemic. This option allows customers to specify how they want to receive their orders, minimizing direct contact with delivery personnel.
Postmates offers a subscription service called Postmates Unlimited, which provides free delivery on eligible orders. New users can take advantage of a seven-day free trial to test the service.
Contact: www.postmates.com
5) Favor Delivery
Favor Delivery emerged as a popular option for Houston residents during COVID-19. This Texas-based company offers on-demand delivery from a wide range of local restaurants and stores.
Favor’s user-friendly app allows customers to browse menus, place orders, and track deliveries in real-time. The service expanded its offerings to include groceries and everyday essentials during the pandemic.
Favor distinguishes itself with its personal touch. Each order is assigned to a “Runner” who communicates directly with customers, ensuring accurate and timely deliveries.
The company implemented contactless delivery options to prioritize safety during COVID-19. Customers can choose to have orders left at their doorstep, minimizing person-to-person contact.
Favor Delivery: 512-351-3824, www.favordelivery.com
6) Waitr
Waitr emerged as a valuable food delivery option in Houston during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company implemented several initiatives to support local communities and restaurants affected by the crisis.
Waitr expanded its delivery services to include a wider range of items beyond prepared meals. This allowed customers to order groceries, household essentials, and other necessities through the platform.
To assist struggling restaurants, Waitr reduced its commission fees and offered marketing support. The company also introduced no-contact delivery options to ensure the safety of both customers and delivery drivers.
Waitr’s commitment to local communities extended to partnering with food banks. The company began delivering donated food items to help those facing food insecurity during the pandemic.
By adapting its services and supporting local businesses, Waitr played a crucial role in Houston’s food delivery landscape during COVID-19.
Waitr Holdings Inc.
Website: waitrapp.com
Phone: 1-800-661-9036
7) Chowbus
Chowbus offers a unique food delivery service focused exclusively on Asian cuisine in Houston. Launched in the city in May 2020, it arrived at an opportune time during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The platform specializes in connecting customers with authentic Asian restaurants, particularly those found in Houston’s Chinatown area. Chowbus distinguishes itself by allowing users to order from multiple restaurants in a single transaction.
This feature enables customers to combine dishes from different eateries, such as ordering a main course from one restaurant and bubble tea from another. The service aims to provide Houstonians with easier access to a diverse range of Asian culinary options.
Chowbus was founded by Linxin Wen, who moved from Shanghai to the United States in 2013. The company has expanded its services to several cities across the country, with Houston being one of its newer markets.
Website: www.chowbus.com
8) H-E-B Delivery
H-E-B offers convenient grocery delivery options for Houston residents. Customers can have their groceries delivered to their doorstep in as little as four hours.
The popular Texas-based supermarket chain partners with third-party services like Shipt and Instacart to provide same-day delivery in Houston and other major Texas cities.
H-E-B also introduced Express Delivery through its subsidiary, Favor. This service promises delivery in 45 minutes or less for up to 15 items.
For senior shoppers aged 60 and older, H-E-B provides a dedicated delivery service available daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
These delivery options allow Houston residents to access H-E-B’s fresh food and quality products without leaving their homes, a particularly valuable service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Contact: www.heb.com
Address: Multiple locations throughout Houston
Phone: Varies by location
9) Instacart
Instacart offers a convenient grocery delivery service for Houston residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. This platform allows users to order from various local stores, including ALDI, Costco, and CVS.
Instacart provides a contactless delivery option, allowing customers to have their groceries left at their doorstep. This feature helps minimize person-to-person interaction during the pandemic.
The service charges delivery fees starting at $3.99. Instacart also offers an Express membership for $9.99 per month, which includes free delivery on orders over $35 and other perks.
Customers can access Instacart through their website or mobile app. The platform offers a user-friendly interface for browsing products, creating shopping lists, and scheduling deliveries.
Instacart has implemented additional health and safety measures to protect both customers and shoppers during the COVID-19 outbreak. These include providing shoppers with protective equipment and offering sick pay for those affected by the virus.
Website: www.instacart.com
Impact of COVID-19 on Local Food Delivery
The pandemic significantly altered the food delivery landscape in Houston. Local restaurants and delivery services adapted quickly to meet changing consumer needs and safety requirements.
Increased Demand
Food delivery transactions in the U.S. grew rapidly in 2020 as stay-at-home orders took effect. Many Houston residents turned to online ordering and delivery to enjoy meals from their favorite local restaurants while minimizing exposure risks.
Local delivery services saw a surge in new customers. Some reported up to 85% growth compared to pre-pandemic levels. This spike in demand allowed many Houston restaurants to stay operational despite dining room closures.
Delivery apps became essential tools for connecting customers with local eateries. The convenience and safety of contactless delivery appealed to consumers wary of dining out during uncertain times.
Safety Protocols
Food delivery services implemented strict safety measures to protect customers and drivers. Contactless delivery became the norm, with drivers leaving orders at doorsteps to minimize person-to-person interactions.
Many Houston restaurants enhanced their packaging for delivery orders. Tamper-evident seals and extra wrapping provided assurance that food remained untouched during transit.
Delivery drivers began using personal protective equipment like masks and gloves. Some services provided hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes to their couriers.
Regular temperature checks for restaurant staff and delivery personnel became standard practice. These protocols helped build consumer confidence in the safety of local food delivery options.
Technology Enhancements in Food Delivery
Food delivery services have rapidly adopted new technologies to improve safety, efficiency, and user experience. These innovations have transformed how customers order and receive meals during the pandemic.
Contactless Delivery
Contactless delivery has become a standard feature for many Houston food delivery services. Customers can now request their orders be left at their doorstep, eliminating direct contact with delivery drivers.
Many apps have implemented real-time tracking systems, allowing customers to monitor their order’s progress from preparation to arrival. This feature reduces uncertainty and wait times.
Some services have introduced tamper-evident packaging and safety seals. These measures ensure food integrity and give customers peace of mind about their meals’ handling.
App Innovations
Food delivery apps have undergone significant improvements to enhance user experience. Many now offer personalized recommendations based on past orders and preferences, making it easier for customers to discover new dishes.
Advanced search filters allow users to sort options by dietary requirements, cuisine types, and delivery times. This streamlines the ordering process and helps customers find suitable meals quickly.
Some apps have integrated augmented reality features, enabling users to view virtual previews of dishes before ordering. This technology helps customers make more informed choices about their meals.
Integration with voice assistants has made ordering even more convenient. Users can now place orders through smart speakers, simplifying the process for those with limited mobility or busy schedules.