Uber is buying ezCater for a whopping $2.3 billion, expanding its menu of services beyond just food delivery. ezCater, a leading U.S. platform for catering and workplace meals, has been bootstrapped for seven years before finally hitting the market. The deal is part of Uber’s strategy to grow its food delivery business, following its $15 billion acquisition of Delivery Hero and partnerships with drone delivery firms like Zipline and Flytrex.

Uber’s CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, sees catering as a lucrative market for restaurants. 'Catering is a big business, and can be a huge revenue stream for restaurants,' he said. 'With Uber’s reach, we can bring that experience to millions more customers and help restaurants win more of these valuable orders.' This acquisition is just the latest in Uber’s push to diversify its offerings and compete in the growing food delivery industry.

ezCater’s success can be attributed to its ability to connect businesses with large meal orders to caterers. The company has generated over $2.5 billion in gross bookings over the last 12 months, making it a valuable asset for Uber to integrate into its expanding services. With this move, Uber is positioning itself as a one-stop-shop for all your meal-related needs, from office lunches to corporate events.

The acquisition of ezCater is also a sign of the changing landscape of the food industry. As technology continues to evolve, companies like Uber are looking to integrate more services into their platforms, offering a seamless experience for consumers. The future of food delivery may not just be about getting your dinner but also about catering to corporate events and offices.