Christchurch startup GIMME is taking on the big shots of the online food ordering world. Co-founder Abhay Pratap delivers the low-down.
Big changes are in the works for this local online ordering and delivery business. With a new name, redesigned app, and a thirst for expansion, GIMME is ready to take on the world, and the big kids of online delivery.
The business gained fame during lockdown under its original name – Give Me Bread – delivering takeaways, groceries and drinks to the hungry homebound as well as flowers, gifts and even prescriptions. Now it’s had a full rebrand and GIMME is ready to be a permanent fixture on the delivery scene.
Abhay and his partner Chandni Jain started Give Me Bread in 2017, an app that let people order delivery from all their favourite Christchurch restaurants and gift stores, at a time when that was a very new idea.
Their big breakthrough came in 2019 when the business got a license to deliver liquor. This would come in handy for the people of Christchurch in 2020. “During lockdown, we were the only company delivering alcohol on demand,” Abhay says. “A lot of people signed up in those months.”
This was followed up with an agreement with Canterbury District Health Board to deliver prescription medication from pharmacies to people’s homes.
Since then, the locally owned and operated app has rebranded as GIMME and spread to Dunedin, offering delivery from over 300 restaurants, cafés, breweries, florists, liquor, grocery and gift stores across the two cities. Abhay says he plans to expand it to other cities too. He says the business is committed to charging a lower commission than similar apps, so more money goes into the pockets of the local businesses filling orders. GIMME also looks after its drivers – the app doesn’t charge them any commission, and has an incentive programme for driver rewards.
In 2021, Christchurch businessman and restaurateur Gaurav Soni came on as the company’s co-owner and managing director, and Abhay says his expertise will help take GIMME to the next level.
Some of the classic Christchurch restaurants featured on GIMME include Grater Goods, BASE Woodfired Pizza, Coriander’s, Ceylon Kitchen, Burgers & Beers, The Dish and Pedro’s House of Lamb.
“It’s great that restaurants and diners are supporting the local option when ordering online,” Abhay says. “We’re really stoked that people are choosing GIMME.”