Delete All Food Delivery Apps During Pandemic, Says Bethesda Chef

BETHESDA, MD — A Bethesda chef is urging customers to stop ordering food from third-party delivery apps during the coronavirus pandemic.

Ashish Alfred, owner of Duck Duck Goose and George's Chophouse, posted a video to social media this month, asking followers to delete any apps that take commission on deliveries. Instead, he wants people to order food directly from restaurants.

"Delete every food delivery app that you have on your phone — whether it's UberEats, Postmates, Grubhub, whatever it is — because they're killing restaurants," Alfred said. "Every time you call UberEats or Postmates, or whoever it is, they're hitting the restaurants that are already hurting for 30 percent."

Alfred said he's asked food delivery companies to lower or defer their commissions, but they rejected those suggestions.

In a statement to multiple news outlets, an Uber spokesperson said the company supports helping the hospitality industry, but regulating commissions "would cause us to radically alter the way we do business, set a far-reaching precedent in a highly competitive market, and could ultimately hurt those that we're trying to help the most: customers, small businesses and delivery people."

Because third-party apps make commission off deliveries, Alfred wants customers to order food directly from restaurants instead.

"Guys, this is a huge way that you can help restaurants out right now," he said. "The tips go directly to the restaurant. All of the money goes directly to the restaurant.