Convenience matter when it comes to food or restaurant-related activities. This is why options such as carryout and delivery are now essential. While both concepts involve getting food to the customer, key differences set them apart.
Carryout is a service that allows you to order food from a restaurant online and pick it up when it is ready. If you choose to eat such food outside the restaurant, it is considered a carryout or takeaway.
On the other hand, delivery is when you place a food order from anywhere, and it is delivered to your home or the address attached. It is an option that does not need you to visit a restaurant physically.
In this guide, you will learn the similarities and differences between carryout and delivery; restaurants offer services and apps that can help you.
Similarities between Carryout and Delivery
Both options allow you to eat wherever you want. You can choose to eat the food at home, work, or any private space. Carryout and delivery are also convenient ways to order food.
This means you do not have to wait for such food to be prepared. All you need to do is either go pick it up or wait for it to be delivered.
Differences between Carryout and Delivery
1. Method of delivery
The major difference between carryout and delivery is how the food is delivered to the customer. Carryout requires the customer to pick up their order from the restaurant. On the other hand, delivery involves a delivery person bringing the food to the customer.
2. Cost
Delivery is usually a bit more expensive than carryout. This is because it incurs additional fees such as fuel costs, driver expenses, delivery charges, and service charges. Your choice of restaurant determines exactly what you end up paying for. Carryout orders, on the other hand, are usually placed at a nearby restaurant.
3. Turnaround
Carryout orders are usually processed quickly such that customers can pick up their food within 15 to 30 minutes after placing the order. This may not be the case for delivery. Delivery sometimes takes up to 30 minutes to an hour depending on the distance between the restaurant and the customer’s address.
4. Service hour
Carryout is generally more popular during the day. It is ideal for people at work who wish to grab a quick meal during lunch break or pick up their meal on their way home. On the other hand, delivery is common during the evening and weekends when people prefer to stay at home and enjoy meals with their family or loved ones.
| Carryout | Delivery |
| Requires you to pick up your order | Your food will be delivered to your doorstep |
| Incurs little to no additional costs | May incur extra fees such as service charges and fuel cost |
| Can be completed within 15-30 minutes | The whole process may take up to 30 minutes to 1 hour. |
| Popular during the day or work hours | Experiences a high demand in the evening hours |
Restaurants that Offer Carryout and Delivery Services
Most restaurants now offer both carryout and delivery services. Here are some of the popular ones:
1. Domino’s Pizza
Domino’s is a renowned pizza restaurant that offers delivery and carryout service at different locations. You can order online or visit the outlet closest to you to pick up your pizza.
2. Panera Bread
Panera Bread is a restaurant specializing in freshly baked bread, salads, soups, and sandwiches. You can order online via their website or mobile app, accept delivery, or opt for curbside pick-up.
3. Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle is another popular restaurant renowned for its burritos, tacos, salad, and bowls. You can order and pay for your food online and pick it up or await delivery.
Popular Food Delivery Apps
The list of restaurants that offer both carryout and delivery is very lengthy. For easier access, you can download third-party software and apps such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and EatStreet.This software work in conjunction with many restaurants in different locations. Just place an order and have it delivered to you.
FAQs
What is the difference between carryout and takeout?
Takeout orders may feature special packaging that tells everyone that the food will not be eaten at the restaurant.
On the other hand, carryout meals are usually ready-to-eat food you can pick up and start eating in your car because it features light packaging.
What are the most popular food delivery services?
Some of the most popular food delivery you might want to check out are Grubhub, Uber Eats, DoorDash, Seamless, and EatStreet.
What is the most profitable dish in a restaurant?
Soups, especially those made from leftover vegetables or trimmings, are regarded as the most profitable dish in restaurants. This is because they minimize waste.
Conclusion
When a restaurant offers amazing features such as delivery, carryout, or curbside pickup services, it makes it convenient for customers to enjoy quality meals. The primary difference between carryout and delivery service is primarily the mode of delivery.
For carryout, you have to pick up the meal at the restuarant. On the other hand, delivery does not require you to visit the restaurant. The food will be brought to your location (most times, at an additional cost).
I hope you found this guide helpful. If you did, you should also find out if it is okay to tip curbside grocery pickup shoppers.
Thanks for reading.
