The Delivery Prophets
The Delivery Prophets is a podcast exploring the forces reshaping food and grocery delivery. Episodes cover how technology is changing delivery logistics, shifting consumer demands and preferences, the rise of dark kitchens, and the opportunities created by virtual brands. Through insights, interviews and analysis, it looks at the sector from the perspectives of delivery companies, technology businesses, restaurant operators and investors. The show is aimed at anyone who wants to stay ahead of the delivery curve.
Episodes
39. Why Deliveroo Started With One Hungry Guy in London with Will Shu, co-founder of Deliveroo
What if the entire delivery revolution came down to one person who just wanted a decent meal brought to his door? That is essentially what happened. Will Shu, co-founder of Deliveroo, unpacks how delivery really began, why logistics is "shockingly complex," what the three sides of a delivery marketplace actually demand, and where drones, AI and dynamic pricing are taking the industry next.In this
38. AI Ordering Revolution – Why Restaurants Are Ditching Delivery Apps
What happens when ChatGPT becomes your food ordering platform? The answer might transform how restaurants connect with customers forever.In this week's minisode, Peter catches up with Bites founder Bala Subramaniam on their breakthrough as the first AI native food marketplace integrated into ChatGPT. Discover how restaurants are bypassing traditional delivery apps to offer conversational ordering
37. Delivery as a Skill: Lessons From Fat Pizza’s Growth
Sunny Chhina is the CEO and co-founder of The Fat Pizza, a rapidly expanding franchise operation opening one store per week across the UK. Starting in his family's Perfect Pizza business at age 12, Sunny has built a tech-forward delivery empire that combines traditional hospitality values with cutting-edge AI and automation. As chairman of the Pizza and Pasta Association, he shares insights on sca
36. Slerp and the Future of Direct Restaurant Delivery with JP Then
In this episode of Delivery Prophets: Tech Smart, JP Then, founder of Slerp, joins us to reveal how restaurants are quietly taking back control – one direct order at a time. From inventing the sourdough doughnut at Crosstown to building tech that lets even small operators access delivery networks once reserved for the giants, JP shows how ‘unbundling’ from the marketplaces is reshaping the game fo
35. Decentralised Ordering: Partnering with POS to Disrupt the Delivery Ecosystem with Bala Subramaniam
In our second episode of Delivery Prophets: Tech Smart, we’re joined by Bala Subramaniam is the Founder of Bites, the AI-first restaurant marketplace built for POS providers and restaurants to reach diners directly across AI search.Drawing on his experience at Instacart and Amazon, Bala exposes how aggregator apps took control during the chaos of COVID, driving up costs for both restaurants and fa
34. The Real Cost of Convenience: Sustainability and Technology with Jeremy Hibbert-Garibaldi
Jeremy Hibbert-Garibaldi is the founder and CEO of Collectiv Food, a company focused on decarbonisation and automating supply chains for restaurants. Together, we explore the meaning of “value” in delivery – whether through the convenience offered to consumers or the efficiency streamlined for restaurants – and the profound differences between food delivery platforms and wholesale distributors.In
33. Feeding London’s Workplaces: The Rise of &Dine with Charles Brafman
In this minisode of The Delivery Prophets, Peter Backman chats with Charles Brafman, founder of &Dine – the fast-growing marketplace redefining how London’s businesses eat. From office lunches to high-end events, &Dine is connecting companies with independent food vendors, giving street-food chefs and small operators a powerful new route to scale.Charles lifts the lid on what makes the UK
32. How S4D is Driving Restaurant Success: Omnichannel Strategies, AI and Customer Experience
Welcome to the first ever Delivery Prophets: Tech Smart, brought to you by TheDelivery.World in partnership with S4D.In this conversation, host Peter Backman sits down with Benjamin Kool, CEO and founder of S4D, to examine the fast-changing world of food delivery technology. Together, they explore the pressures and opportunities facing restaurants as the global delivery market continues to surge,
31. Maturing Delivery Markets – How Pizza Pilgrims Embraces Delivery Market Changes with Gavin Smith
Gavin Smith from Pizza Pilgrims returns to the show to share how Pizza Pilgrims has navigated the ups and downs of the past year, from tackling rising costs and competitive pressures to the strategic move of appointing a dedicated delivery manager to drive growth on platforms like Deliveroo. The trio explore the challenges and opportunities in maintaining a great brand experience, both in-restaura
30. Scaling Delivery Ops: Balancing Tech, Brand, and Market Readiness with Dan Warne
What happens when scaling fast becomes more of a risk than an opportunity? And what do VCs really expect when they back the next big thing in delivery? In this week’s minisode, Dan Warne, founder of Sessions, takes us inside the high-stakes world of delivery startups fueled by venture capital. Dan unpacks why rapid growth isn’t always the answer, and how obsession with scale, spurred by easy fundi
29. Partnerships, Customer Data, and Restaurant Success with Cornelia Raportaru
Peter Backman and Tim Alderson speak with Cornelia Raportaru, CEO of Stuart, the logistics company powering deliveries for some of the biggest names in restaurants, grocery, and retail. From the growing importance of direct customer relationships to who really owns the data, and why that matters, they explore the deeper shifts shaping the future of food delivery. You’ll hear real insight into whit
28. Expanding Your Restaurant Brand: Launching in New Markets with Paul Hopper
Host Peter Backman is joined by co-host Tim Alderson and hospitality entrepreneur Paul Hopper, founder of HOP Vietnamese. They dive into the latest news, including DoorDash’s potential acquisition of Deliveroo, and what these shifts mean for restaurants and operators.Paul shares his journey, from brand expansion and running dark kitchens to using data for decision-making. He also opens up about th
27. The Delivery-Only Model That Saved Pizza Pilgrims with Gavin Smith
When COVID lockdowns forced Pizza Pilgrims to shut their doors overnight, the team made a bold decision: no layoffs, no cutting corners, just creativity.In this week’s minisode, Gavin Smith from Pizza Pilgrims shares the inspiring story of how a forgotten side project, Pizza in the Post, became a lifeline for the business and a source of connection for thousands stuck at home. From chest freezers
26. How &Dine Is Changing Office Catering with Charles Brafman
Charles Brafman is the co-founder of &Dine, a corporate catering platform born in lockdown and now powering connections between London’s businesses and its most passionate independent food vendors. We explore what it really takes to scale a delivery platform today, the evolving business models reshaping the industry, and why staying close to both customer and vendor needs is non-negotiable.In
25. How to Make Uber Eats Work for Your Restaurant with Matt Price
Welcome to our first minisode from the Delivery Prophets, where we hand-pick a 5-minute actionable clip from our favourite interviews. This week, Matt Price from Uber Eats discusses how delivery helps restaurants reach new customers and increase orders. But success isn’t just about signing up – it’s about strategy. From menu optimisation to pricing and operations, we explore what it takes to make
24. Creating a Delivery-First Business Model with Deacon Rose
In this episode of Delivery Prophets, we chat with Deacon Rose, co-founder of Coqfighter. We trace Coqfighter’s journey from a pub residency to nationwide expansion through strategic delivery partnerships. Deacon shares insights on brand building, working with Growth Kitchen, and the challenges of scaling a restaurant business. We also discuss new market players like DoorDash and their impact on c
23. Reflections on One Year of Food Delivery Insights
In this special New Year edition, we're diving deep into the key insights we've gathered over the past year from interviewing various industry experts. From local strategies with Mark Murphy in Manchester to technological innovations discussed with Uber's Matt Price, and the evolving landscape of ghost kitchens, we explore the dynamic world of food delivery. We'll share top learnings, reflect on t
22. From Domino's to Deliveroo: Exploring Delivery Innovation with Keith Bird, CEO of Marugame Udon Europe
With extensive experience with brands such as Gourmet Burger Kitchen, West Cornwall Pasty Co. and Krispy Kreme, Keith Bird shares his invaluable insights on how consumer demands are reshaping the industry. We’ll explore how apps have revolutionized restaurant operations and customer trust, the influence of cultural acceptance on diverse culinary offerings, and the significant rise of aggregators l
21. Navigating Delivery Challenges in High-End Restaurants with Will Beckett, Co-Founder and CEO of Hawksmoor
Hawksmoor CEO and co-founder Will Beckett joins The Delivery Prophets to unpack the complexities of the food delivery industry. We’ll dive into the pros and cons of employing in-house delivery drivers versus using third-party aggregators, highlighting examples like Yard Sale Pizza and Buns From Home.Will discusses how innovative at-home dining experiences from Rockfish and My Supper Hero Meal Kits
20. Exclusive Partnerships and Brand Integrity with Josh Simons, Owner of Chicken & Blues Restaurants
Josh Simons, the visionary behind Chicken & Blues Restaurants and Flamingo Cafe Bars, dives into integrating delivery services with the hospitality industry, through exclusive partnerships and technological advancements. We explore what happens when expanding into new markets while maintaining brand integrity, and some of Josh’s personal reflections from his father's business.In this episode,
19. Expanding Reach and Transforming Underserved Areas with Máté Kun, CEO of Growth Kitchen
Máté Kun, CEO of Growth Kitchen, is on the show to discuss the rise and fall of ghost kitchens and why his company’s innovative shared kitchen model is revolutionising food delivery. Máté shares insights on using data, AI, and franchising to expand popular restaurant brands into underserved areas without new physical locations. We’ll delve into industry lessons, collaboration for growth, and the f
18. The importance of getting right what's inside the delivery package
In today's special episode, co-hosts Peter Backman and Jon Borzacchiello dive deep into the intricacies of food delivery, exploring how the experience, packaging, and even the type of food play vital roles in ensuring customer satisfaction. We'll discuss the challenges faced by traditional restaurants versus delivery-focused businesses, the importance of packaging in maintaining food quality, and
17. Adapting to Consumer Demands: Pizza Pilgrims’ Approach to Delivery with Gavin Smith
As the Managing Director at Pizza Pilgrims, Gavin Smith has built an impressive career in operations, working for previous brands such as Wahaca, Browns Restaurants and Mitchells & Butlers.In this episode, Gavin shares his expertise on negotiation tactics, maintaining food quality, and the critical role of customer feedback. We'll also discuss how COVID-19 has accelerated the importance of del
16. Asia – How Density and Super Apps Transform Food Delivery Trends
Welcome to our debut episode of Delivery Prophets: Across Borders, where your hosts JJ and Peter Backman dive deep into the evolving world of food delivery – one region at a time. In today's episode, we zoom into Asia and explore the critical role of delivery riders, compare delivery trends across Asia and Europe, and discuss the impact of super apps like Grab and Gojek on the industry.In this epi
15. Increasing Order Sizes and Corporate Focus in Delivery with Maurice Abboudi
Maurice Abboudi is an experienced board member, operator, investor and advisor to the hospitality and leisure sector. He was the board advisor to Just Eat 2016 -2019 and previously Director of Business Development at Domino’s Pizza Group. He is also an advisor to several restaurant groups including ASK/Zizzi, Wagamama, Tortilla, Chipotle, Smith & Wollensky, and Vice-chair of the British Takeaw
14. Perfecting Food Delivery Ecosystems with Matt Price, Uber Eats
Our guest today is Matt Price, General Manager of Uber Eats, where we dive deep into the evolving world of food delivery. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has permanently shifted consumer habits towards home delivery, and we'll explore how this trend is here to stay across all demographics. From leveraging data to enhance restaurant growth and consumer experience to the pivotal role of technolo
13. Suburban Delivery Demand and Niche Market Saturation with Mark Murphy, Burgerism
Mark Murphy is the co-founder and CEO of Burgerism, which is set to become the number one delivery burger brand across the UK. Launched in April 2018, from a dark kitchen in Manchester, they sold exclusively through the delivery marketplaces. They have now become a cult burger brand across the region. In 2023, The Times' listed Burgerism #7 on Britain's Best Burgers, while we also ranked as the mo
12. Enhancing Customer Experience in Delivery: Edin Basic's Key Metrics for Success
Edin Basic is an entrepreneur with extensive experience in the restaurant industry and joins the show to discuss the evolution of delivery business models. He founded Firezza (sold to Pizza Express) and is co-founder of We Amplify, a new hub pooling our experience as seasoned entrepreneurs.Edin provides a deep dive into the impact of aggregators on delivery quality, the challenges operators face,
11. Personalised Orders, Data Aggregators and Lifestyle Branding with Shereen Ritchie, Buns From Home
As the Chief Operating Officer of Buns From Home, Shereen Ritchie is a board-level leader who believes that business success involves balancing operational and commercial considerations with human ones. Shereen shares insights on the evolution of food delivery, the importance of customer experience, and the challenges and opportunities inherent in the delivery business. The conversation covers top
10. The Seasonal Review Special: Delving into Delivery Diversification
As we reflect on this year’s episodes of the Deliver Prophets Podcast, co-hosts Peter Backman and Jon Borzacchiello listen through the conversations of the nine insightful guests and the theme of improving delivery and its relevance in the business landscape. Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities in the delivery space, from communication with customers to profitability strate
9. Tipping, Transparency, and Technology with James Brown, BrewDog Bars and TiPJAR
James Brown is the co-founder of TiPJAR and CEO of BrewDog Bars. The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of restaurant technology, consumer preferences in delivery, and the challenges and decisions around dark kitchens. Tune in to learn more about transparency in delivery fee models, the intersection of delivery and hospitality, and the significance of tipping in the industry. The
8. From Fresh Kitchen to Delivery – Balancing Brand Identity and Operational Realities
Our guest today is Neil Sebba, Managing Director at Tossed, a UK fast food chain providing healthy food, fresh-made to order. He is a resilient and adaptable individual who successfully navigated the challenges brought by the COVID-19 lockdown, and maintained the same underlying product in his work.We delve into the importance of EHO scores and how they influence consumer decisions when it comes t
7. Optimising Delivery-Centric Models
Andrew Maxwell is an experienced restaurateur who has witnessed the evolution of the food delivery industry firsthand. He is the o-owner of Boojum, a casual Mexican burrito bar in Ireland with award-winning food. Andrew joins the show to talk about the need for a better approach to delivery. Tune in as we explore the role of accurate communication between servers and kitchens, the futur
6. The Future of Collaborative Partnerships and Scaling Hospitality Brands
Former Managing Director of Deliveroo, Dan Warne is the CEO and Founder of Sessions, the platform for founder-led food brands to develop and scale. Our discussion unravels the new opportunities for independent restaurant brands, how data is revolutionising the consumer experience, and the complexities of grocery delivery. In the final segment of our chat, Dan provides an insightful perspective on
5. Delivery Drivers, Software Entrepreneurship and Holistic Management
Chris Baggott is the co-founder and CEO of ClusterTruck, a successful software startup in the delivery sector. Chris shares how his problem-solving nature led him to the delivery industry and the success he's had in the software and restaurant business. Tune in as we unpack the delivery drivers' role in profitability, ghost Kitchens and efficiency, and the driver-centric food delivery model.Links
4. The Need for Innovation and Providing Delivery Experiences
Founder of Lean Kitchen Network, Faraz Nagree, joins the show to explore how he is on a mission to create the world's largest sustainable kitchen network and deliver remarkable food experiences. They licence food brands to kitchen operators with under-utilised kitchens in order to help them improve customer experience and kitchen profitability.The conversation delves into the power of food and its
3. Understanding Customers and Their Changing Demands
Tim Vasilakis is the founder and CEO of The Athenian, the multi-award winning Greek street food restaurant chain. Born in Athens, Tim grew up immersed in Greek cuisine and learned to fish during summers on the Aegean island of Chios. After studying in Edinburgh, Tim began his culinary career when he moved to London and fell in love with street food.Tune in as we explore delivery’s evolution into p
2. Delivering Restaurant-Quality Meals and Experiences At Home
Today’s guest is Jamie Barber, a British restaurateur, founder and CEO of Hush restaurant in London, the Hache Burgers chain and the Cabana Brasilian Barbecue group. He joins the show to unpack his latest venture – My Supper Hero – a finish-at-home meal kit start-up launched to the public in October 2021 with Myleene Klass.Tune in to this episode as we unpack the market for restaurant meals served
1. Dark Kitchens: A Revolution In The Restaurant Delivery Industry
Get ready to revolutionize your foodservice delivery game with today's guest, Eccie Newton, the co-founder of Karma Kitchen! The traditional restaurant model can be tough to manage, but Eccie has found a solution in Dark Kitchens. These kitchens provide all the infrastructure you need to run a successful delivery operation, without the costly overhead of a traditional restaurant.But that's not all
