Consumers seem to be the only winners in the war to tackle the economics of meal delivery at present. They can order just about anything online and receive it where they want it. The consumer loves the convenience of prepared food delivered when they want it. However, the margins are currently razor thin for grocers and restaurants to make it work. According to a Wall Street Journal article, restaurant margins are 15%-19% for dine in guests while grocers margins range 1%-3%. Now add in new added costs for the delivery, and those same restaurants and grocers are upside down for their product. (I would argue that perceived value takes a hit too after that restaurant product sloshes around a bit in a box - eek!)
The meal delivery has been trending for some time. It appears that Grubhub, Uber Eats, DoorDash and Postmates all have a share, in descending order. This should be interesting.