Today In Food: Delivery Heats Up With Investments, Menu Innovation And Robots

Today in restaurant and grocery news: Robotic grocery deliveries are coming to Dallas, and Freshly woos more eaters with a new plant-based menu. Plus, American Express creates a pop-up restaurant.

Delivery Hero Buys Stake In Rival Deliveroo

Germany-based online delivery service Delivery Hero now owns a 5.1 percent stake in British rival Deliveroo, driving its share price to its highest level since the company went public last spring. Shares reached 360 pence ($5) after the announcement on Monday (Aug. 9), the highest since they were priced at 390 pence ($5.41) for the initial public offering (IPO) in March.

Tortoise, Vroom Delivery To Launch Robotic Grocery Delivery In Dallas

The eCommerce provider Vroom Delivery and last-mile logistics automation company Tortoise announced on Monday (Aug 9) that the two companies are debuting robotic grocery delivery in Dallas, Texas, in partnership with the Urban Value Corner Store.

Competing With Third-Party Delivery Services, Freshly Launches Plant-Based Line

The meal subscription service just debuted a fully plant-based line of meals. CEO Mike Wystrach spoke with PYMNTS about the company’s push to grow its audience, expand to more dayparts and stand out against consumers’ ever-growing range of food delivery options.

Amex Announces Restaurant Pop-Up, Joining Pillars Of Connected Economy

As businesses seek to extend their relationships with consumers beyond any one product or service, many are creating dining experiences to immerse consumers more deeply in their brands. Now, American Express joins the fray with a pop-up outdoor diner created in partnership with Resy, offering an exclusive dining experience for Gold Card holders.