UberEats officially launches in Ottawa

A new food delivery service has arrived in Ottawa.

Uber has launched its new UberEats application as of 10 a.m.  Wednesday.

This makes Ottawa the second Canadian city to offer the service.

Bowie Cheung is with UberEATS  and he says this is expanding what restaurants where people  can place an order. These restaurants offer “higher end” food.” “We think this represents an amazing selection and goes well beyond what people have traditionally been able to get through delivery,” he says.

Users would need to download the UberEATS app, which would offer full menus from restaurants using the service in the capital region.

Mixes of Ottawa’s high-end bistros, neighbourhood favourites and specialty shops have expressed interest in joining UberEats. The list includes places like Ace Mercado, Luxe Bistro, EVOO Greek Kitchen, Kettleman’s Bagel Co., Art Is In Bakery, El Camino, Datsun, Sens House, Lowertown Brewery, The Hitonburg Public House and Slice & Co. Pizza.

UberEATS selling point is that Uber drivers are already on the road and can move food quickly.

“One of the differences between UberEATS and some of the other platforms that are out there, once the meal is ready at a restaurant  a car is there waiting for them, and that’s because of the power of the Uber delivery network. It’s just so vast.”

But delivery companies such as Skipthedishes.com and Just-Eat already offer delivery services in Ottawa. They say this new service is cutting out customers who still want a wide variety of food from traditional restaurants. “We have a great variety, we have the largest partner market share in the city as well we have great value for our customers, no mark ups, and more affordable prices,” says Just-Eat representative Jessica Stephens. She says Just-Eat still lets customers pay cash at the door- something UberEATS doesn’t.

Uber driver Justin says he never considered delivering food, but since he is already on the road giving people rides, this new option is expanding his ability to stay busy all day.  “I’ve never considered it before, but with Uber I am happy to do it. What’s appealing with UberEATS you’ll be able to order from places that usually don’t deliver.

Art-is-in Bakery is one restaurant in Ottawa, they have never offered delivery before to customers. “We looked at the numbers with UberEAT and it was such a great success in Toronto and I think that Ottawa is ready for that,” says Emma Desjardins.

UberEATS says during the launch there will not be a delivery charge but in the coming weeks, one will be implemented.