Sunderland offshore worker is set to take on takeaway giant JustEat with new app

A new food delivery app exclusive to Wearside called Sunderland Eats is aiming to take on JustEat and give back to the local community.
By Ryan Smith
Published 27th Mar 2021, 07:00 BST

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The new app, which has been running since December last year, is aiming to help smaller businesses across Sunderland by offering a more competitive rate than takeaway giant JustEat.

Set up by 30-year-old Jonathan Jopling from Fulwell, Sunderland Eats has managed to gain traction on social media as over 40 local businesses such as takeaways, delis, and sweet shops sign up to the app.

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Jonathan has told the Echo about how the first few weeks have gone and how he is hoping the app will help smaller businesses across the city.

Jonathan Jopling (left) with Sunderland Eats business partners Philip Coombe (middle) and Michael Hodgson (right).Jonathan Jopling (left) with Sunderland Eats business partners Philip Coombe (middle) and Michael Hodgson (right).
Jonathan Jopling (left) with Sunderland Eats business partners Philip Coombe (middle) and Michael Hodgson (right).
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He said: “I was worried at first as we were going up against a company worth £14billion in JustEat but I couldn’t be happier with how it has gone.

"People are flocking to our social media pages as word is getting round and I’m pleased that businesses are putting their faith in us.

"If you’re a huge company like McDonald’s then JustEat is great but smaller businesses often struggle to afford their rates, especially due to the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the industry and hopefully we will be able to help them recover.

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"We’re able to save companies up to 50% on commission and it means that we now have some smaller local businesses which are exclusive to us.”

Jonathan moved to Sunderland from Peterlee around 12 years ago and and has worked in the offshore industry for a decade.

The businessman has also pledged to give back to important causes in his local community.

He added: “With us offering lower commissions, it means that we can help businesses but we have also pledged to help other causes within the city.

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"We give a percentage of the commission that we make back to charities such as Sunderland Foodbank.

"I do work away from home a lot but my family still live in Sunderland and I want to offer something rewarding for my local area.”

You can find out more on Sunderland Eats by visiting their Facebook page or Instagram.

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Related topics:SunderlandWearside