The Rise of Online Only Restaurants

Has the COVID-19 pandemic pushed us beyond the healthy limits of convenience? On the surface it’s hard to argue with getting food faster and safer. But there is more to our wellbeing than just placating a growling stomach as quickly as possible.  

Since the industrial revolution in America our food culture has been shaped by various technological advancements, each one unlocking a new level of convenience. From drive-ins to TV dinners, every innovation has given us access to tastier and less expensive food faster than ever; but what are we really paying for all these happy meals?

The obvious conclusion is that faster, more convenient food is almost never as good for us. The less obvious but now ubiquitous concern is the price our environment is paying. The not-so-obvious insight is the impact our fast-food culture is having on our social lives.

For many of us the relationship between socializing and our wellbeing was made painfully obvious during the first round of self-isolation in early 2020. A simple meal with friends quickly changed from a regular occurrence to a coveted experience. When we have these clear lines drawn it’s easy to see how we take seemingly little things like coffee with friends for granted. The real danger to our wellbeing is that we tend not to notice these potentially harmful changes when they are slowly integrated into our life through the evolution of our culture. 

In the “old days” we were brought together over food, news, and events. Although it seems far off now, there was a time before smartphones and door-to-door delivery where people spent more time taking care of their basic need to eat. In these seemingly ancient times, communities were tied closer together. You got your news by word of mouth at the salon or barber shop, you attended live community events, and you ate together as a family every day at 6pm.

We all know life wasn’t perfect, but I think all of us also feel that it was more connected. It is ironic that in our ever-connected world with social media and on-demand everything, we feel a void. It is human nature to be connected with others. While it is nice to be able to do close to nothing and have most of your basic needs met… we need to remember that a core need is connection.

We should acknowledge how amazing it is that on relatively short notice, even small businesses with limited resources have made it possible for us to get our favorite meals in the midst of a global pandemic. For example the local favorite Ambler Pizza, in a town with a population of only about 6,500, implemented a contactless pizza delivery program and was able to get hot pizza pies out to its residents. Businesses like this are certainly made quarantine just a little bit more manageable everyone.    

As with just about everything in our lives, balance is key. We should appreciate the fact that quarantine wasn’t nearly as difficult as it could have been, thanks to local businesses adapting quickly. However, with these new conveniences come a new responsibility for all of us. Just like eating fast food in moderation, we also need to be aware of our need for socializing and make a conscious effort to balance out at-home convenience eating, with time with friends and family.