Welcome Back to Found
This week, we’re joined by Chris Webb from ChowNow. In this episode, Chris shares the story of how ChowNow started as a way for him and his friends to easily order from smaller local restaurants, but eight years later, when COVID hit, it became known as a restaurant-friendly alternative to some of the larger players in the space.
From Humble Beginnings
ChowNow was founded by Chris Webb, who had a simple yet innovative idea – to create an app that would make it easy for people to order food from local restaurants. This concept may seem straightforward now, but at the time, it was a novel approach that disrupted the traditional food delivery market.
The Birth of ChowNow
According to Chris, the idea for ChowNow came about when he and his friends were trying to find a way to easily order food from their favorite local restaurants. They realized that there was no simple solution available in the market, so they decided to create one themselves. This personal experience turned out to be the catalyst for the founding of ChowNow.
A Restaurant-Friendly Alternative
When COVID hit, ChowNow’s fortunes changed dramatically. The company began ranking organically in the app store and saw a significant boost in users and customers. This was largely due to its restaurant-friendly approach, which set it apart from some of the larger players in the market.
The ‘Fast and Steady’ Approach
Chris Webb is known for his "fast and steady" approach to building a lasting company. He believes that this approach allows companies to avoid the pitfalls of rapid growth and focus on sustainable development. In an interview with Darrell and Jordan, Chris shares insights into how this approach has helped ChowNow build a strong foundation.
Balancing App Promotion and Restaurant Promotion
One of the key challenges faced by food delivery apps is balancing the promotion of their own app with the promotion of their customers (in this case, the restaurants). Chris discusses how ChowNow addresses this issue and ensures that its app remains focused on serving the needs of local restaurants.
Lessons Learned from Leeman
Before founding ChowNow, Chris worked at Leeman during its infamous bankruptcy. This experience taught him a valuable lesson – never to get too far ahead of his skis as a founder, lest he repeat the mistakes made by Leeman’s leadership team. He shares how this experience has shaped his approach to building a successful company.
Silicon Valley vs. New York and LA
Chris discusses the differences he has observed between Silicon Valley investors and those in New York and LA. While Silicon Valley is known for its high-growth mentality, Chris prefers to get funding outside of the Valley, where he finds more support for sustainable growth strategies.
The Beauty of Companies that Have to Change to Last
Chris Webb believes that companies that have to change to last are often the most successful ones. He shares how this philosophy has helped ChowNow adapt and evolve over time, ensuring its continued relevance in a rapidly changing market.
Starting Anew Every Day
As a founder, Chris is always looking for ways to improve and innovate. He shares his perspective on starting anew every day, which he believes is essential for building a lasting company that remains relevant in the ever-changing tech landscape.
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About the Author
Maggie Stamets is a Podcast Producer for TechCrunch based in Denver, Colorado. Previously, she worked as the Brand and Content Manager for BUILT BY GIRLS, where she developed an interest in tech and a passion for creating equitable and welcoming professional tech spaces. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a minor in English from Hofstra University in New York.
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