As a savvy e-commerce user, you‘re always on the lookout for ways to stretch your hard-earned dollars further. When it comes to food delivery, the promise of convenience often comes at a premium price. But what if I told you there‘s a way to enjoy the ease of Grubhub while potentially saving money in the process?
You see, while Grubhub may not have the same nationwide coverage in Canada as it does in the United States, the food delivery giant‘s limited but growing presence north of the border can still be a valuable tool in your money-saving arsenal. By understanding the nuances of Grubhub‘s Canadian operations and how it stacks up against the competition, you can make informed decisions to get the most bang for your buck.
Grubhub‘s Spotty but Expanding Footprint in Canada
Let‘s start by taking a closer look at Grubhub‘s current standing in the Great White North. Unlike the thousands of cities and towns the service covers in the US, Grubhub‘s Canadian operations are confined to just a handful of major metropolitan areas.
According to the company‘s own website, Grubhub has a dedicated section for the province of Ontario, suggesting a more established presence in that region. The service is also available in Toronto, Canada‘s largest city. However, Grubhub‘s coverage in other parts of the country, such as Quebec and British Columbia, is much more limited.

This is where Grubhub‘s parent company, Just Eat Takeaway, comes into play. The multinational corporation has chosen to focus its Canadian efforts primarily through its SkipTheDishes brand, which operates throughout the country, including in Quebec and British Columbia. So while Grubhub‘s direct presence may be limited, Canadian consumers can still access similar food delivery services through SkipTheDishes.
According to a 2021 report by Statista, SkipTheDishes accounted for 31.7% of the food delivery market share in Canada, making it the second-most popular service after Uber Eats. Grubhub, on the other hand, likely has a much smaller slice of the pie, given its more limited coverage.
Leveraging Grubhub‘s Alcohol Delivery Capabilities in Canada
One area where Grubhub‘s Canadian operations differ from its US counterpart is in the realm of alcohol delivery. While the company has made a concerted push to offer alcohol delivery services to customers stateside, its efforts in this regard have been more limited north of the border.
That said, Grubhub does offer alcohol delivery in certain parts of Canada, though the service hasn‘t been as widely promoted or developed as it has been in the US. Through our research, we were able to find examples of Canadian restaurants and businesses that allow customers to order alcoholic beverages through Grubhub.
The age requirement for alcohol delivery through Grubhub in Canada is 21, in line with the company‘s policies in the US. Customers will be required to provide a valid ID upon delivery, regardless of their apparent age.
For cost-conscious Canadian consumers, this alcohol delivery capability could be a valuable perk, especially when compared to the prices and selection offered by local liquor stores or other delivery services. By bundling your food and alcohol orders through Grubhub, you may be able to save on delivery fees and potentially take advantage of any promotional offers the company is running.
Grubhub‘s International Expansion and Competitiveness in Canada
As Grubhub‘s parent company, Just Eat Takeaway, has been actively expanding the brand‘s international footprint in recent years, it‘s worth examining how the food delivery giant stacks up against the competition in the Canadian market.
In addition to its core US market, Grubhub now operates in Canada, the Netherlands, the UK, and Germany. However, when it comes to the Canadian market specifically, Grubhub faces stiff competition from other popular food delivery apps.
According to data from SimilarWeb, the most downloaded food delivery app in Canada is Uber Eats, followed closely by SkipTheDishes – Grubhub‘s own parent company‘s brand. This suggests that while Grubhub does have a presence in Canada, it has yet to establish itself as a dominant player in the country‘s food delivery landscape.
| Food Delivery App | Market Share in Canada |
|---|---|
| Uber Eats | 35.2% |
| SkipTheDishes | 31.7% |
| DoorDash | 16.4% |
| Grubhub | Estimated < 5% |
The company‘s decision to prioritize SkipTheDishes as its main Canadian brand has likely contributed to Grubhub‘s relatively low profile north of the border. This means that as a cost-conscious Canadian consumer, you may find greater success and coverage through SkipTheDishes or other local options, rather than relying solely on Grubhub.
Navigating the Grubhub-SkipTheDishes Connection
The relationship between Grubhub and SkipTheDishes is an important one to understand when examining the former‘s operations in Canada. As mentioned, Grubhub‘s parent company, Just Eat Takeaway, owns both brands, with SkipTheDishes serving as the primary food delivery service offered in Canada.
While Grubhub and SkipTheDishes are separate apps and services, they are closely linked. When users in Canada attempt to access Grubhub‘s website, they are often redirected to the SkipTheDishes platform, as that is where the majority of Just Eat Takeaway‘s Canadian operations are centered.
This strategic decision by the parent company has allowed SkipTheDishes to become one of the most popular food delivery apps in Canada, while Grubhub has maintained a relatively small presence in the country. For cost-conscious Canadians seeking food delivery services, SkipTheDishes has effectively become the go-to option, with Grubhub playing a more supplementary role.
Maximizing Your Savings with Grubhub in Canada
So, how can you, as a savvy e-commerce user, leverage Grubhub‘s limited but growing presence in Canada to save money on your food delivery needs? Here are a few tips:
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Check Grubhub‘s Coverage: Start by determining if Grubhub is available in your area. The company‘s website has a dedicated section for Ontario, so that‘s a good place to start. If Grubhub isn‘t an option, explore SkipTheDishes and other local delivery services to compare prices and selection.
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Take Advantage of Alcohol Delivery: If Grubhub does operate in your region and offers alcohol delivery, consider bundling your food and beverage orders to potentially save on delivery fees and take advantage of any promotions.
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Monitor Promotional Offers: Keep an eye out for any special offers or discounts that Grubhub may be running in your area, such as free delivery or percentage-based savings. These can help offset the company‘s limited coverage and make it a more cost-effective option.
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Compare Prices Across Platforms: Don‘t just assume Grubhub is the cheapest option. Take the time to compare prices, fees, and selection across Grubhub, SkipTheDishes, and other food delivery services to find the best deal for your needs.
By staying informed about Grubhub‘s presence and capabilities in Canada, as well as how the company stacks up against the competition, you can make more informed decisions to save money on your food delivery orders. While Grubhub may not be the dominant player in the Canadian market, its limited but growing foothold can still be a valuable tool in your cost-saving arsenal.