How One $3 Delivery Grew Into a Business Reshaping How Restaurants Deliver

Aaron Hoffman shares how a college side hustle turned into DeliverThat, a national platform helping restaurants take control of delivery and grow catering with confidence. From a viral tweet and bike deliveries on campus to serving major brands through smarter logistics, he explains why restaurants should own the guest relationship. This episode explores first-party delivery, the value of catering, the new Toast integration, and how technology can create simplicity instead of friction. Origin Stories Still Matter – Aaron Hoffman did not start with funding, a polished product, or a logistics background. He started with a simple problem, a viral tweet, and the willingness to act fast. From bike deliveries on a college campus to a national platform, the DeliverThat story is a reminder that great businesses often begin by solving one real problem better than anyone else. Restaurants Should Own the Relationship – Hoffman believes too many operators gave away delivery in exchange for convenience. When orders flow through third parties, restaurants risk losing margin, customer data, and control of the guest experience. DeliverThat helps brands build a smarter first-party strategy so delivery becomes a growth channel instead of a dependency. Connected Tech Wins – Technology works best when it removes friction, not when it adds more complexity. DeliverThat’s new Toast integration gives operators a simpler way to manage delivery inside tools they already use. The strongest restaurant tech stacks are not about having more systems. They are about making the right systems work together. Episode Links Aaron Hoffman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronhoffman02/ DeliverThat Online: https://www.ideliverthat.com/ DeliverThat Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deliverthatco/ DeliverThat YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DeliverThat John Zinno LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-zinno/ Go to the National Restaurant Show 2026: https://nationalrestaurantshow.com Use our promo code SHAWN26 for $26 off registration! Disclaimer: Promotional offer is valid through 5/8/2026. Offer is redeemable through online registration and is only valid for operators. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotion and does not apply to current 2026 Show registrants. Non-exhibiting suppliers are subject to a higher badge rate. #2026RestaurantShow Where to find Cali BBQ MediaVisit our WebsiteFollow Restaurant Technology SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on LinkedInLearn About our Media Services