Leeds pizza restaurant receives 'orange plaque' as online delivery giant marks 20 years and 2 billion orders

The global food deliver company is marking two decades in business by bestowing orange plaques at some of its “takeaway OGs”, and Pizza House Company in Moortown is among the first.

The company has commissioned research by Development Economics in line with the milestone that shows that independent takeaway businesses in Leeds generate £215 million in annual Gross Value Added (GVA) for the economy and support 10,600 jobs. Compared to other UK cities, the Leeds takeaway sector generates the most jobs, alongside London, Glasgow and Manchester.

The orange plaque at Pizza House Company celebrates their longevity on the platform.

Mr Shamsi, Owner of Pizza House Company in Leeds, said: “Serving great food to our local community has always been at the heart of Pizza House Company, so reaching this milestone with Just Eat is an achievement we’re really proud of.

“Over the past two decades the way people order food has changed drastically, and being on the platform has helped us evolve with the industry while introducing our food to new customers.

“We’re grateful to Just Eat for helping us achieve this and are excited to celebrate together.”

The research commissioned by Just Eat also found that over half (56%) of people prioritise ordering from independent local takeaways, while over a quarter (26%) now order more from independent takeaways compared to two years ago.

A study of 100 UK adults in Leeds, conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Just Eat, found:

• Over half (56%) of respondents prioritise ordering from independent local takeaways, while over a quarter (26%) now order more from independent takeaways compared to two years ago.
• We’re willing to pay more and wait longer to support local takeaways: More than six in ten (63%) say they would be willing to pay slightly more or wait slightly longer for delivery to order from an independent takeaway, and more than four in ten (44%) are willing to pay up to 5-9 per cent extra to support locals.
• Independents are essential to the high street: More than half (54%) of respondents agree that independent takeaways play an important role in the character of their local high street, and 58% say high streets would be worse off without independent food businesses. One in six (60%) would be concerned if independent takeaways disappeared from their area.
• Locals celebrate with indies: Nearly half of respondents (48%) say they feel loyal to independent restaurants on their high streets, and one in four said that independent takeaways have been a part of celebrations with their families (40%).

Leigh Phillipson, commercial director at Just Eat, said: “Twenty years ago, Just Eat launched in the UK to help local restaurants reach more customers. I have seen first hand how much has changed in the last two decades. As our tastes have evolved and become more diverse, the takeaway sector has grown significantly, with independent restaurants continuing to be the beating heart of our platform and a force for good on high streets across the country.

“Across the UK, we now have over 100,000 choices available in the UK, and looking ahead, we expect even more choice on our platform and even more investment in world-beating technology that makes life easier for customers and partners. Whether it’s AI voice ordering or trials of delivery robots, Just Eat is ensuring that it continues to back Britain by boost UK high streets up and down the country.”