Seamless (company)

Seamless is an online food ordering service that allows users to order food for delivery and takeout from restaurants through their web site or suite of mobile apps.

History

Seamless was launched in 1999 by Jason Finger and Paul Appelbaum as SeamlessWeb, providing companies with a web-based system for ordering food from restaurants and caterers. Initially, the service was available only in New York City and London. In 2005, SeamlessWeb was acquired by Aramark and later spun off into a separate entity in 2011.

In 2013, Seamless merged with GrubHub, creating a combined company covering over 25,000 restaurants in 500 cities. Despite the merger, the two brands continued to operate separately until 2014, when they began to integrate their systems.

Services

Seamless allows users to order food for delivery or takeout from restaurants. Users can browse menus, read reviews, and order from their chosen restaurant directly through the Seamless website or mobile app. The service also offers exclusive deals and discounts to its users.

Business Model

Seamless operates on a commission-based business model, taking a percentage of each order placed through its platform. The company also charges restaurants a fee to be listed on their platform.

Criticism and Controversy

Seamless, along with other online food delivery services, has faced criticism for its impact on the restaurant industry. Critics argue that the commission fees charged by these platforms are too high and can hurt small, independent restaurants.

See Also

• GrubHub
• Online food ordering
• Food delivery