The Delivery Prophets

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 this episode, we discuss: Links mentioned in this episode: Jeremy Hibbert-Garibaldi on LinkedIn Collectiv Food Like the show? We’d be hugely grateful if you could help us spread the word by taking 1 minute to leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice. Full instructions at https://www.thedelivery.world/ratingsandreviews

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 catering market so different from the US, how indie food brands can thrive in the B2B space, and why the next big opportunity might just be corporate dining. Tune into the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3C7MbCYxHm1ap5JI8jMzic

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, from navigating first-party versus third-party logistics to leveraging data as a driver of growth and competitive edge. Benjamin shares how S4D was founded to give restaurants back control of the customer journey, and why seamless omnichannel experiences are critical to staying ahead. If you’re looking to understand where food delivery tech is headed, and how to position your business for what’s next, this episode is for you. In this episode, we discuss: Links mentioned in this episode: S4D Connect with Benjamin Kool on LinkedIn Restaurant & Takeaway Expo/ Hospitality Tech Expo Attend Benjamin Kool’s Talk @ Restaurant & Takeaway Expo / Hospitality Tech Expo 2025 Like the show? We’d be hugely grateful if you could help us spread the word by taking 1 minute to leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice. Full instructions at https://www.thedelivery.world/ratingsandreviews

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-restaurant and through delivery, and get candid about topics like price parity, packaging innovations, and future trends like catering. In this episode, we discuss: Links mentioned in this episode: Gavin Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hospitalitygav/ Pizza Pilgrims: https://www.pizzapilgrims.co.uk/ Adapting to Demands: Pizza Pilgrims' Approach to Delivery with Gavin Smith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWLniOoZv1A Like the show? We’d be hugely grateful if you could help us spread the word by taking 1 minute to leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice. Full instructions at https://www.thedelivery.world/ratingsandreviews

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 funding, can outpace what consumers actually want. Tune into the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2N8IqufZnDfD8oAoXfxWXW?si=Z8aFSo4aR5-0peJFesu7LQ

Peter Backman and Tim Alderson speak with Cornelai 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 white-label delivery, cross-market challenges in places like the UK, France, and Poland, and the strategies businesses need to stay profitable, agile, and close to their customers. In this episode, we discuss: Links mentioned in this episode: Cornelai Raportaru on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corneliaraportaru/ Stuart: https://stuart.com/ Like the show? We’d be hugely grateful if you could help us spread the word by taking 1 minute to leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice. Full instructions at https://www.thedelivery.world/ratingsandreviews.

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 the challenges of launching Hop Vietnamese in cities like Manchester and the importance of building a strong local presence. In this episode, we discuss: Links mentioned in this episode: HOP Vietnamese: https://www.hopvietnamese.com/ Paul Hopper on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-hopper-b72a777a/ Like the show? We’d be hugely grateful if you could help us spread the word by taking 1 minute to leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice. Full instructions at https://www.thedelivery.world/ratingsandreviews

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 to 15,000 orders a week, the pivot was powered by passion, community, and a startup spirit that never quit. Tune into the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UZns06aUMp61f9HWjowN4?si=b59e88f36ce14434

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 this episode, we discuss: Links mentioned in this episode: &Dine: https://www.anddine.co.uk/ &Dine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anddinecooking Charles Brafman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-brafman-86921861/ Like the show? We’d be hugely grateful if you could help us spread the word by taking 1 minute to leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice. Full instructions at https://www.thedelivery.world/ratingsandreviews

Welcome to our first minisode from the Delivery Prophets, where we hand-pick a 5-minute actionable clip from our favourite interviews. This week, Mark 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 delivery truly profitable. Tune into the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UZns06aUMp61f9HWjowN4?si=b59e88f36ce14434

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 commission structures. In this episode, we discuss: Links mentioned in this episode: Coqfighter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coqfighteruk Coqfighter: https://www.coqfighter.com/ Growth Kitchen: https://growthkitchen.co/ Like the show? We’d be hugely grateful if you could help us spread the word by taking 1 minute to leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice. Full instructions at https://www.thedelivery.world/ratingsandreviews.

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 the transformative trends, and consider what's next for 2025. In this episode, we discuss: Links mentioned in this episode: 13. Mark Murphy Burgerism: Suburban Delivery Demand & Niche Market Saturation 14. Perfecting Food Delivery Ecosystems with Matt Price, Uber Eats Like the show? We’d be hugely grateful if you could help us spread the word by taking 1 minute to leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice. Full instructions at https://www.thedelivery.world/ratingsandreviews.

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 like Uber Eats and Deliveroo. In this episode, we discuss: Links mentioned in this episode Marugame Udon Keith Bird on LinkedIn Like the show? We’d be hugely grateful if you could help us spread the word by taking 1 minute to leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice. Full instructions at https://www.thedelivery.world/ratingsandreviews

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 are reshaping customer expectations. We'll also explore the irreplaceable essence of in-restaurant dining and the unique challenges brands like Hawksmoor face in maintaining their premium experiences through delivery. In this episode, we discuss: Links mentioned in this episode Hawksmoor Rockfish Yard Sale Pizza Buns From Home My Supper Hero Meal Kits The Delivery Prophets Podcast #2 with Jamie Barber Will Beckett on LinkedIn Like the show? We’d be hugely grateful if you could help us spread the word by taking 1 minute to leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice. Full instructions at https://www.thedelivery.world/ratingsandreviews.

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, we discuss: Links mentioned in this episode Chicken & Blues Flamingo Cafe Bars Josh Simons on LinkedIn Like the show? We’d be hugely grateful if you could help us spread the word by taking 1 minute to leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice. Full instructions at https://www.thedelivery.world/ratingsandreviews

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 future of affordable, high-quality food delivery. In this episode, we discuss: Links mentioned in this episode Growth Kitchen Connect with Máté Kun on LinkedIn Like the show? We’d be hugely grateful if you could help us spread the word by taking 1 minute to leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice. Full instructions at https://www.thedelivery.world/ratingsandreviews

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 the evolving trends in the delivery market. In this episode, we discuss: Like the show? We’d be hugely grateful if you could help us spread the word by taking 1 minute to leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice. Full instructions at https://www.thedelivery.world/ratingsandreviews

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 delivery, the impact of delivery on traditional restaurant operations, and innovative strategies to meet consumer demands. Links Mentioned Gavin Smith on LinkedIn Pizza Pilgrims Like the show? We’d be hugely grateful if you could help us spread the word by taking 1 minute to leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice. Full instructions at https://www.thedelivery.world/ratingsandreviews

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 episode, we discuss: Like the show? We’d be hugely grateful if you could help us spread the word by taking 1 minute to leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice. Full instructions at https://www.thedelivery.world/ratingsandreviews.

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 Takeaway Campaign. We dive into the challenges of growing restaurant delivery services, from increasing order sizes to targeting corporate orders. Maurice shares his journey from starting a pizza delivery business to working with major players like Domino’s and Just Eat. We also explore the evolution of last-mile delivery, the role of third-party companies, and the critical issue of managing peak times and customer data. Links Mentioned Maurice Abboudi on LinkedIn Like the show? We’d be hugely grateful if you could help us spread the word by taking 1 minute to leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice. Full instructions at https://www.thedelivery.world/ratingsandreviews