Sheffield delivery app booms on demand from locked down residents

City Grab has rocketed in popularity since coronavirus restrictions were introduced and has been downloaded almost 5,000 times in the last few days.

Orders from home-bound shoppers have kept self-employed drivers busy at a time when trade has dropped off a cliff. Customers pay the taxi fare on top of the food bill.

And it is a boost for local food producers and stores who are flocking to the app as a new outlet for business.

City Grab, which is a rival to Deliveroo, includes convenience shops, restaurants, takeaways and food producers.

Paul Gosney, business development director at City Taxis, said the app had also been snapped up by 18 taxi firms in other cities and they were in talks with helping supermarkets whose home delivery services have been overwhelmed.

He added: “We’re able to help people who are self-isolating, the elderly, vulnerable and disabled people. The amount of positive feedback we’ve had has been remarkable, we’ve been humbled by the response.

“The drivers have really bought into it and its been a pleasure to support local businesses.”

Firms still allowed to operate and ‘live’ on the app include Proove Pizza, Ranmoor Friery, Proud Potato, Little Snack Bar, Our Cow Molly and Roses The Bakers.

Mr Gosney said four Singh’s Premier convenience stores had just signed on, The Vape Store was about to go live and there were 20 more companies in the queue.

City Taxis is the biggest cab company in Sheffield, with 1,500 drivers. Those working for City Grab are trained to carry out doorstep deliveries that met social distancing rules, he added.

Prove Pizza has donated several pizzas to to Sheffield Children’s Hospital, via City Grab, as a thank you to NHS medics, he added.

And Jameson’s Cafe and Tea Rooms on Abbeydale Road sent 20 ‘cream tea’ goodie bags, of jam, butter and scones, and four cakes.