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Everyone's favorite driver app Uber is getting serious about its meal delivery service and is expanding its UberEats program. The company has been testing the service — which allows users to order delivery from a pre-set menu of one or two options directly from the Uber app — in Los Angeles (under the name UberFresh) and in Barcelona. Now, according to Uber's blog, the company is expanding the service to New York City and Chicago.
UberEats promises to bring users "curated" meals from popular local restaurants. There will be a couple options per day — but there is no guarantee of a vegetarian choice — and the menu will change daily. Purchasing a meal through UberEats is a very similar process to ordering an Uber car, but instead of meeting your ride at the curb, you meet your lunch. A representative for the company tells Eater that meals will arrive in ten minutes or less and that UberEats has its own dedicated drivers.
As for the cost, lunch and dinner options will fall between $9 to $15. The Uber spokesperson notes that the meals come with a flat $3 delivery fee — $4 in New York City — "regardless of the number of meals you order." There is also no need to tip.
The program — which launches today — will kick its first week off in NYC with options like an "exclusive sandwich" from American Cut, a lobster roll from Barchetta, and a kale caesar salad from Sweetgreen. In Chicago, there are choices like a short rib torta and salad from Xoco, a burger from DMK Burger bar, and a market salad from Freshii. In Los Angeles — where there are also dinner options — menu options include a classic turkey sandwich from Stella Barra, a gyro plate from California Pita, and chicken vermicelli from Phorage. While the delivery area in NYC and Chicago are currently limited, there are plans to expand them soon.
Uber is slated to face stiff competition in the delivery space, especially in New York City. Maple — the delivery start-up with backing from chef David Chang — launches today and plans to bring customers "restaurant quality meals" at a similar price point to Uber. Plus, Arcade — a new delivery app — is also partnering with popular NYC restaurants. Like Uber, Arcade plans to offer diners just one dish per day from a menu that will change daily. Check out a video about UberEats below:
