To help counteract the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the restaurant industry, Uber Eats has launched Eat Local, an effort to direct some $20 million to independent restaurants that are part of the rideshare app's food delivery network. LISC will direct $4.5 million of Eat Local funds to financially struggling restaurant owners who are members of the Uber Eats platform in the communities where we work.
Uber Eats Launches Eat Local: A Renewed Commitment to US Local Merchants
- Commits $20 Million in efforts to support independent US restaurants through waived fees, demand-generation, and grants for those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Package includes $4.5 Million in grant support to merchants impacted by COVID-19
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER) today announced its Eat Local campaign, renewed efforts to support independent restaurant owners and operators in 2021 as the industry continues to face COVID-related challenges.
“We’re here for restaurants at Uber Eats—as we have been since the start of the health crisis,” said Stephane Ficaja, head of Uber Eats and Delivery for the US & Canada. “Today we’re committing $20 million through various initiatives at a critical time, renewing promises we’ve made on pricing, and will remain focused on our partners’ success in the months ahead.”
Details of the support package include :
- $4.5 million in microgrants to be administered by LISC, pledged to support restaurants active on Uber’s platforms in any U.S. city with financial challenges related to the pandemic
- Waived and reduced fees for restaurants who use Uber Eats services: 0% for Pickup, 0% for processing orders directly on their own websites, and $0 to receive daily payouts to help increase reliable daily cash flow through July 2021.
- Reduced delivery fees for consumers on all Uber Eats orders from independent U.S. restaurants, and dedicated marketing campaigns—both in-app and via email—to promote delivery from local restaurants
- Uber matching to all consumer contributions to restaurants made using the Restaurant Contribution feature in Uber Eats
Additional benefits include extensions of previously announced programs for restaurants to receive daily payouts, rather than the company’s standard weekly payout, and restaurant fee reductions on all Pickup orders and orders processed through its Online Ordering service on independent restaurant websites.
“The U.S. Black Chambers (USBC) applauds Uber’s commitment to small business owners who rely on its platform to reach customers, particularly as restaurants navigate a challenging winter,” said Ron Busby, President of USBC. "Black-owned restaurants have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, and we are delighted that our members will benefit from the $4.5 million grant program and continued waived fees."
“Restaurants continue to face unprecedented challenges this winter. Uber’s support underscores the importance of the entire restaurant and foodservice industry working together as one to advance our recovery efforts,” said Tom Bené, President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association. “These microgrants will help independent restaurants stay open and continue serving their customers and their communities.”
Details of the Eats Local Support Effort can be found at eatlocaleffort.com.
About Uber Eats
Uber Eats is an on-demand food delivery app and website that helps bring millions of people around the world the food they want, at the tap of a button. With over 500,000 restaurants in more than 6,000 cities around the world. Uber Eats offers millions of dishes while maintaining an average delivery time under 30 minutes.