With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Uber Testing Lunch Delivery In Santa Monica
You can get Tender Greens delivered (Photo by Eric Norris via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)
()
As predicted last year, Uber is branching out into businesses other than on-demand black cars and ride-sharing, and the first concepts are UberFresh, a lunch-delivery service currently being tested in Santa Monica, and Uber Corner Store, which TechCrunch reported was in testing in the D.C. area.
UberFresh launched today for a two-week test, with a rotating selection of $12 meals available from places like Tender Greens and Bay Cities, promising "Hungry to happy in under 10 minutes." Under 10 minutes! Yes, it would seem that Uber is trying to harness the power of the logistics network they've already built in order to provide really speedy delivery of pre-made lunches.
The Corner Store concept sounds pretty similar to Pink Dot, and the short-lived, legendary, Kozmo.com, with drivers providing quick delivery of about 100 staple items from toothpaste to condoms to bags of Doritos. (See the full inventory list here.)
And, just like Kozmo once upon a time, there are free cookies involved. UberFresh is not only delivering those $12 lunches faster than any delivery service known to man, they''ll bring you a free cookie with every one. What was that we were saying about all these Web 3.0 food-delivery services being possibly doomed?
Support for LAist comes from
The company also recently tested on-demand, short-haul moving with UberMovers in Nashville and Atlanta over one weekend. And earlier this summer Uber tested out a courier service in New York City called UberRush.
So, yes, Uber may end up ruling our lives in a few years, making just about everything way too easy to get via a few swipes on a touch screen. It remains to be seen what other concepts may be lying in wait for testing here on the company's home turf, besides, you know, kittens and tamales.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Tens of thousands of workers across Southern California walk out over pay and staffing issues. -
People in and around recent burn scars should be alert to the risk of debris flows. Typical October weather will be back later this week. -
Jet Propulsion Laboratory leadership says the cuts amount to 11% of the workforce. -
The rock legend joins LAist for a lookback on his career — and the next chapter of his music. -
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain. -
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember.
Best of LAist