Local meal delivery from nearby kitchens

Offices, residents in a specific neighborhood, older adults and families who want a local alternative to large delivery apps.

You charge a delivery fee and add a markup on meals, or take a commission agreed with each kitchen. Bundled orders for offices raise the value of each trip.

• Driving and route planning
• Negotiating with suppliers
• Customer service
• Basic online ordering setup

• Check whether your city or county requires a business license or a food transport or food vendor permit
• Hot and cold food needs safe temperature control, so check health department rules and use insulated bags or coolers
• Personal auto insurance often does not cover delivery for pay, ask about commercial or delivery coverage
• Whether you buy and resell meals or only deliver them changes your sales tax obligations, check with your state
• Agreements with kitchens should cover who is responsible for food safety issues

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on your vehicle, insulated bags or coolers, insurance and online ordering setup. Your costs will vary with how many kitchens you partner with and how you take orders.

Check whether your city or county requires a business license or a food transport or food vendor permit. Check health department rules on hot and cold temperature control, and ask your insurer about commercial or delivery coverage, since personal auto policies often don't cover paid delivery.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $800 to $4,000, depending on your area, the kitchens you partner with and how many offices or households order. Plan on at least about 10 hours a week. Whether you resell meals or only deliver them changes your sales tax obligations.