McDonald's Pilots Deliveries via Own App in Partnership With Uber

By Adam Clark

McDonald's Corp. is piloting an option which will allow customers to order food for delivery from within its own app, in a partnership with Uber Technologies Inc.

The companies said Friday that customers in the U.K. would be able to choose a delivery option from within the My McDonald's app, which will be fulfilled by couriers working through Uber's platform.

"We're excited to be the first McDonald's market to pilot this new offering with Uber. Offering McDelivery via the My McDonald's app will provide customers with a convenient, fast and personalised experience, making it even easier to enjoy their favourites whenever and however they choose," said Paul Pomroy, chief executive of McDonald's UK and Ireland.

The deal underlines efforts by restaurant chains to keep customers attached to their own brands rather than turning over control to food-delivery apps such as Uber's Eats, DoorDash Inc. and Grubhub Inc, which have been criticized for charging hefty commissions. Uber and McDonald's didn't disclose the commission arrangements or other financial details of the deal.

The food-delivery apps have said they are supporting smaller restaurants by reduced commissions and are offering support for chains to operate their own delivery apps. Last month, KFC Australia launched a delivery service through its own app in partnership with DoorDash.

"We are excited about continuing to innovate in the Uber - McDonald's partnership, which will harness the best of Uber technology to help power the McDonald's app in the UK. We know that the needs of restaurants and merchants are evolving more quickly than ever, and we are committed to providing world-class solutions to our partners around the world," said Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty, Uber's global head of delivery.

Write to Adam Clark at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 30, 2021 11:51 ET (15:51 GMT)

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