BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — It's by WNYers for WNYers. During a time when so many restaurants are focusing on takeout, two Buffalo businessmen launched an app designed to keep money in the hands of business owners.
“It’s revolutionary. I think it’s going to be a tool that everyone will want to use going forward,” said Jimmy Butera, Owner of Butera's Craft Beer and Craft Pizza in Hamburg.
It’s a web app called Appetit made by two local guys in the restaurant industry.
"We saw a definite need. We saw that our friends in this industry were suffering and we couldn’t just stand by and watch," said Bob Heil, Partner, Appetit and President of SLA Solutions.
Heil and Steve Ambrose came together to make a zero commission takeout app, designed to get rid of unnecessary fees keep money in the hands of restaurant owners.
The pair say that zero commission is what separates them from other delivery services out there like Door Dash and Grubhub, services Butera says haven't worked for him.
"It's hard to break even. If you’re using Doordash or Grub Hub, the majority of that money is going out of our area," said Butera.
Heil says the app can save WNY business owners money during these difficult times.
"That can mean thousands—I mean thousands of dollars a month that they can keep in their operating budget, rather than paying it out to some national firm,” said Heil.
It costs a business $99/month to use. Right now, they have 52 local restaurants on board, including:
- Tappo
- Colter Bay
- Thin Man Brewery
- Butera’s
- Allentown Pizza
- Cantina Loco
- Deep South Taco
- Falley Allen
- Fat Bob's Smokehouse
- Sato
"What they’re doing is absolutely amazing for the community. I can comfortably send my food down in a car to North Buffalo or Orchard Park and know that it’s going to get there," said Butera, who now offers delivery through Appetit.
It’s not just restaurants—they work with grocery stores, liquor stores, bakeries and more. And they’re looking for delivery drivers and businesses to join them.
"Help us help the restaurants locally, if you’re thinking about doing takeout, we ask, maybe consider placing an order through us," said Steve Ambrose, Partner, Appetit and President of Yum Media.
You can use the online app by clicking here. Or get your business involved by clicking here.
“We’re gonna keep the money within the community and do what Buffalo does best and that’s support each other," said Heil.
The duo is in talks with Rochester, Syracuse and Jamestown about expanding their venture, but keeping the local flavor with each iteration.
You can call 716-512-5018 for more information.
