Easyjet founder backs delivery business looking to rival Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats

EasyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou has backed a food delivery service being launched to challenge the supremacy of Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats.

Launching to coincide with the chancellor's Eat Out to Help Out scheme, Easyfood is currently accepting sign-ups and has partnered with Lineten Delivery to have riders ready to launch as soon as enough operators are on board.

Owner Jeewan Sagu said: "It's a direct challenge to the likes of Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat."

He continued: "Other brands charge as much as 35% commission to businesses selling food via their app, which has to be passed on to the customer. Our model reduces this fee to as little as £1.50 per transaction for takeaways, while restaurants can list their outlet on the app for free. This makes for a far more attractive proposition for pubs, bars and restaurants as well as customers who will only pay the price they see on the menu with no hidden charges."

As well as a delivery service the app will be free to use for operators looking to offer contactless ordering and payment services for dine-in customers. The app will include a ‘track and trace' function to help fulfil government requirements around Covid-19.

Around 200 businesses have registered to use the app, and the company is looking at a franchise model to expand globally, believing the flexible offering, which allows delivery to be used at selected times to supplement business models as required, will appeal to restaurateurs.

Easyfood, part of the Easy family of brands, has spent more than £1m developing the app, which can be downloaded on Apple and Android mobile devices.

Sir Stelios said: "The government's social distancing guidance makes many restaurant owners nervous about making it through this very difficult period. It's a great opportunity for those businesses that are being affected by the downturn to join Easyfood and transition to a delivery-based operation."