Restaurants say they also offer training and
advancement opportunities that third parties
can’t match. Domino’s says around 90% of its
franchisees started out working in its stores, most
as delivery drivers. Some of its current drivers even
work full-time and are eligible for health benefits.
“There is a big push to not treat them as ‘just
drivers.’ They are team associates, and they can
work their way up within the cafe,” said Dan
Wegiel, Panera’s chief growth and strategy
officer. “Many of our drivers come from third-
party apps. They’re looking for something they
can’t find there.”
Zach Rothstein works between 32 and 40 hours a
week as a Domino’s delivery driver in Fayetteville,
North Carolina. He likes the stability and the
feeling of being part of a team with goals, like
ensuring good online reviews. He cuts pizzas and
preps boxes while he’s waiting for an order; at
closing time, he helps clean the store. On a good
day, Rothstein said he makes $14 to $17 per hour,
but usually he makes closer to $8.25.
Restaurant delivery jobs aren’t for everyone.
Ziah Goodrow drives for both GrubHub and
DoorDash in Woodinville, Washington. Flexible
hours are important to her because she likes to
travel to play the mobile game Ingress. She also
has health issues that cause leg pain if she stands
still for too long.
Goodrow says she typically earns $20 to $25
per hour with GrubHub but less than $15 per
hour with DoorDash. She notes that those are
before-tax rates. Because she’s an independent
contractor, GrubHub and DoorDash don’t
withhold taxes from her pay. She pays them once
a year in a lump sum instead.