Food delivery by bike?

[Michelle]

Does anyone know of any businesses/restaurants/food services that deliver their goods by bicycle?

Thanks!

[joe]

That's a great question, Michelle. I'm going to do some research into that, because while I've heard of businesses doing business by bike, I'm not sure which ones do.

Anyone have any tips about this?

[joe]

I just checked the 2007 Bicycle Friendly Bicycle Awards page, and the Small Business winner, ChocoSol Traders does deliveries by bike:

ChocoSol is a leading example of the many ways in which a bicycle can be used to promote and sustain a business. All deliveries and errands are made by bike. Bicycles and bike trailers are used for attending markets and other events, and all employees bike on a regular basis. The business has also custom-built two bicycle-powered machines that are used in the production of their products.

[Michelle]

Thanks Joe! This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for. If anyone else knows of any other businesses, let me know!

[Joe LaFortune]

This is a timely thread. I have been mulling over the feasibility of offering to deliver food and other consumer products by bicycle to various retailers/restaurants, etc., but have been worried there wasn't a market for it. I have a delivery bike and want to purchase a few more cargo bikes if the service seems viable. What does everyone think? Would you order from a place that maybe would have to charge for delivery, knowing that the deliveries are being made by bicycle? Do you think there is a general hunger---pardon the pun---for such a service both by consumers and commercial enterprises? I'd love to start the business, but don't know if it would be profitable.

[Dennis]

There is/was a seasonal program delivering meals by bicycle to travel challenged seniors/others. I believe it may be operated by St. Christopher & deliver in the Parkdale area. I don't think it is the only program of that kind but it is the only one I've recently heard about in Toronto.

As for commercial ventures the only one that I know of right now is Fresh Wood Grill in Kensington which offers bicycle food delivery to the surrounding area. The area indicated on the menu is a good size, from the lake north to Dupont, from Yonge west to Ossington. Locations on Roncesvalles and further west in Long Branch Village mean this could potentially lead to food delivery deep into the west if demand or promotional advantage were had. http://www.freshwoodgrill.com

Some, most courier firms will pick up your lunch for you but you should expect an additional charge for handling if your lunch is awkward or includes drinks.

I worked as a bicycle food delivery person down south part time & mostly just for fun though it paid an average of $225 a night 7pm-3am on Friday & Saturday, the only nights I worked that job. If the density and demand are there it is perfectly plausible.

[joe]

Dennis, thanks so much for reminding me of the St. Christopher's "Meals on Two Wheels" program.

Here's the page about volunteer opportunities for that program.