Little Caesars is reversing its long-standing stance as a take-out only operation with a partnership with DoorDash.
While the pizza brand can be found on Grubhub and Postmates, Little Caesars has never officially offered delivery. But now, delivery is available directly through the Little Caesars app and website with orders "powered" by DoorDash, meaning the delivery company supplies the tech and delivery couriers.
Prices on the app and website are the same as traditional pick-up orders, according to Little Caesars.
"We've seen such expensive and complex pricing throughout the pizza industry, and we think it's crazy!" said David Scrivano, president and CEO for Little Caesars, in a statement. "Some chains require a minimum purchase to get their deals, or the discount pricing is only available on carry-out orders. We're excited to bring much-needed affordability to delivered pizza.”
The brand is bucking with other big-brand pizza chains by getting into business with third-party delivery. Domino's, for example, has vowed to continue to do delivery itselves even as companies like DoorDash and Grubhub rise in popularity. ("We have significant questions about the viability of their business model," Domino's CEO Rich Allison said in July when discussing third-party delivery.)
The arrangement between DoorDash and Little Caesars is the type of partnership that many large restaurant brands have embraced. These so-called white label delivery service, which allow customers to order directly from a brand's site and often include data sharing, allow brands to maintain some control over their digital identity. Applebee's and Chipotle have both entered into similar deals with DoorDash.
"We've always admired the exceptional business Little Caesars has built over the past 60 years, and it's an honor to become their exclusive delivery partner and launch their journey in delivery," said Christopher Payne, COO at DoorDash, in a statement.
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