Room for a Pony manager cautiously optimistic about Uber Eats launch

ROOM for a Pony’s Drew Port is cautiously optimistic about new online food-ordering and delivery service Uber Eats launching in Hobart.

CAFE manager Drew Port is cautiously optimistic about new online food-ordering and delivery service Uber Eats launching in Hobart.

The service launched in the capital yesterday, with more than 30 of the city’s most popular eateries already partnering with the app.

Uber Eats involves customers ordering food online or on a smart phone app for a fixed fee of $6.95, with a driver coming to collect and deliver.

Uber also charges restaurants a 35 per cent commission.

Mr Port is the manager of North Hobart cafe bar Room for a Pony, which has signed up.

They will offer pizza and evening meals on the app.

MORE: UBER OUT-THERE EATERY ON THE HOBART MENU THIS WEEK

Mr Port conceded the commission was high and said the business would trial Uber Eats for six weeks before deciding whether to continue.

“It is a hefty price tag and we have had to pass on some of those costs to consumers otherwise it’s not viable,” he said.

He said they wanted to tap into new markets including outside Hobart and tourists.

“It seems to be successful in Melbourne and Sydney,” he said.

Uber Eats joins existing home delivery services in the capital including Menulog and Dial-A-Meal.

MORE: UBER PLANS FOOD DELIVERY SERVICE IN TASMANIA