Uber and Olive Garden Partner for Nationwide Delivery, Lyft Tackles EV Range Anxiety, and Alto Pharmacy Expands Same-Day Services

Exciting news in the food delivery space: Darden Restaurants, Inc. and Uber Technologies, Inc. have announced an exclusive multi-year delivery partnership, kicking off with Olive Garden in late 2024. This collaboration will allow Olive Garden customers to order delivery directly from the restaurant's website and app, with Uber Direct managing the logistics through its national network. Initially launching at select Olive Garden locations in late 2024, the partnership is expected to expand nationwide by May 2025. Olive Garden will retain control of customer data and insights, while Uber Direct ensures seamless deliveries.

Shifting gears to the world of rideshare, Lyft has teamed up with Smartcar to address range anxiety for electric vehicle (EV) drivers. By integrating Smartcar's API into its rideshare system, Lyft has rolled out the "Rides in Range" feature. This innovative solution matches EV drivers with ride requests that fit their current battery capacity, reducing concerns about running out of power and boosting driver confidence. This partnership promises to elevate the EV experience for Lyft drivers and passengers alike.

In the healthcare sector, Alto Pharmacy continues to make waves with its recent expansion of same-day courier delivery for fertility medications. Now available in Philadelphia, San Antonio, and Colorado Springs, Alto is the only national pharmacy offering this service in these regions. Fertility patients can place orders as late as 3:30 pm or 4:00 pm local time for same-day delivery, with the added assurance of real-time tracking and specialized packaging to preserve the integrity of sensitive medications.

Turning to innovations in campus dining, Grubhub has unveiled a new tech-focused ordering solution that integrates with meal plans at over 360 college campuses, serving approximately 4.5 million students. This app allows students to use dining dollars, access robot delivery, and opt for reusable containers, all while cutting down wait times. Rob DelaCruz, Grubhub's VP and GM of Campus Business, emphasized that the app is more than just a mobile ordering tool—it streamlines dining operations and offers students a flexible, convenient experience.

On the leadership front, Goldbelly has announced the appointment of Christina Grdovic as Chief Partnership Officer. Grdovic, who brings a wealth of experience in building strategic business partnerships, will focus on expanding Goldbelly's brand collaborations and driving growth in the culinary and e-commerce sectors. Her previous roles at Wonder and Food & Wine demonstrate her ability to forge impactful partnerships, making her a key asset in Goldbelly's continued growth.

In the gig economy, Cachet and Taskrabbit have joined forces to launch a tailor-made insurance package for gig workers across Europe. This partnership provides financial security for Taskrabbit’s “taskers,” with coverage that adapts to their flexible work schedules. Currently available in six European countries, this insurance package is designed to enhance the work experience for independent contractors by offering the protection they need while maintaining their autonomy.

Finally, in logistics, Kuehne+Nagel has opened a €350 million adidas distribution center in Mantova, Northern Italy—its largest investment to date. This state-of-the-art facility focuses on growth, digitalization, and sustainability, creating over 700 jobs. Equipped with 700 robots and cutting-edge automation technologies, the hub can process up to 500,000 shipments per day, servicing 19 countries across Southern and Eastern Europe and boosting both e-commerce and retail operations.