In the last five years, revenue from deliveries jumped 20 percent, and the overall number of deliveries increased 10 percent, according to the NPD Group.
Legacy Restaurants CEO and Greater Houston Restaurant Association President Jonathan Horowitz said Houston-area restaurants food delivery has grown dramatically over the past five years and has become a huge part of restaurant planning, design and menus.
More eateries have specific take-out or delivery areas as to not interfere with those who dine in.
With roughly 12,000 restaurants in the greater Houston area, easily thousands are partaking in delivering food. He said this is changing sales revenue.
“Now, 15 to 20 percent of their revenue is coming from takeout. And, so that used to may be five to seven percent. That impact has been pretty dramatic for a lot of different operators,” said Horowitz.
Horowitz said technology and the younger generation have impacted restaurants delivering food. They want more convenience.
“That’s translating now into the restaurant business, where restaurants are having to upgrade their technology and think about getting apps or delivery services,” said Horowitz.
In a current labor shortage, restauranteurs are looking to hire more labor to manage phones or computers. Meanwhile, kiosks and tablets at the tables are replacing some wait staff.