On-AMZN: Although the Amazon restaurant and delivery business launched (at least in Seattle) in December, 2014, Reuters reports Amazon is adding employees to this business, an indication of agressive ramp of this business in combination with Amazon Now. A customer, using Amazon Now, could order dinner, drinks (wine or beer) and a DVD (well, they would likely stream the movie), and have it all delivered for a nominal fee within the hour. Geekwire also reports that Amazon has been testing letting Amazon Now drivers deliver hot meals also. One job description adds “Following the product debut in our launch market, Amazon Restaurants will rapidly expand across the US, offering Amazon customers increased restaurant delivery selection and convenience.”
Reuters: Amazon hiring staff for new restaurant division in Seattle, New York
by Mari Saito
Amazon.com Inc is adding staff for a new division dedicated to restaurants in Seattle and New York, with indications the unit is trying to rapidly expand a meal delivery service, according to posts on LinkedIn and the company’s jobs site.
There are at least 15 job openings for a division called “Amazon Restaurants,” based in Seattle and New York, according to a Reuters search on LinkedIn and Amazon’s own jobs site.
Technology-focused blog GeekWire reported last week that Amazon began quietly testing its own meal delivery service in Seattle using drivers for Prime Now, the company’s one- and two-hour delivery program.
Ride-hailing app Uber [UBER.UL] has rolled out its own food delivery service UberEats, while startups like Postmates use a network of couriers to deliver food and home essentials.