Sponsored By

As gas prices surge, Waitr throws a fuel line to its drivers

On-demand platform issues GasCard, giving drivers 5% off prices at major stations

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

March 23, 2022

1 Min Read
Waitr Gas Prices Drivers Better.jpg
Waitr Inc. issues discounted GasCard to its drivers.Waitr Inc.

Waitr Inc., the on-demand food ordering and delivery platform, has announced new initiatives to support its delivery drivers as gasoline prices continue to surge across the nation.

Lafayette, La.-based Waitr said Wednesday that it has implemented a new GasCard program, giving drivers 5% off on gas from all major gas stations. The GasCard is embedded within the driver app, allowing drivers to receive the discount immediately after purchasing a card.

“Drivers are an important part of our business and the record-high gas prices are directly impacting them,” said Carl Grimstad, Waitr’s CEO and chairman, in a statement. “We have implemented this GasCard program as a way to help combat this issue.”

Recent surveys have found consumers are noticing the gas price increases and figuring that into how they make pocketbook decisions, including restaurant purchase

Waitr said that in addition to the GasCard, it is adjusting driver pay as another way to help its fleet.

Chris Barnes, director of driver experience and delivery logistics, said Waitr customers are also helping in their own way.

“We have heard from some drivers that they’ve seen an uptick in tips,” Barnes said. “Our loyal customers know fuel costs are affecting their pay, and many are responding.:

In 2018, Landry’s owner Tilman Fertitta’s Landcadia Holdings Inc. of Houston agreed to acquire Waitr Inc. for $308 million.

In January, Waitr announced its intention to acquire cannabis dispensary compliance POS company, Cova

As of Dec. 31, Waitr and its other delivery services operated in about 1,000 U.S. cities.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless

About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

Subscribe to Our Newsletters
Get the latest breaking news in the industry, analysis, research, recipes, consumer trends, the latest products and more.

You May Also Like