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SkipTheDishes
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SkipTheDishes, branded as Skip, is a Canadian online food delivery service headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba and a division of Dutch-based Just Eat Takeaway.com.[3] Users can order food from restaurants online using its iOS or Android app or through a web browser. Users also can provide feedback by reviewing restaurants after receiving an order. Skip was founded in 2012 in Saskatoon, and purchased by UK-based Just Eat in 2016, later becoming Just Eat Takeaway.com after a merger in 2020, in which Skip adopted Takeaway.com orange branding and logo.

Key Information

History

[edit]

SkipTheDishes was founded in 2012 by brothers Josh and Chris Simair, with the idea of creating a more efficient online food ordering and delivery network. Josh had previously worked as an investment banker in London and recognized the opportunity to improve the food delivery process. The company was initially launched in Saskatoon and later moved to Winnipeg, where the head office was established.[4]

The co-founders bootstrapped the company and secured seed capital from angel investors, followed by additional funding from private investors and four venture capital firms. Three more co-founders, including another brother and two university friends, joined between 2012 and 2014 to help grow the business.[5] When Skip was acquired four years later by the United Kingdom-based Just Eat, co-founders Chris Simair and Andrew Chau left.[6]

Acquisition and growth

[edit]

As the company scaled between 2013 and 2016, the co-founders launched SkipTheDishes in many Canadian cities, initially focusing on mid-market cities, including Burnaby, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Prince Albert, Grande Prairie, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Mississauga, Toronto, Kitchener/Waterloo, and Ottawa; as well as US cities, including Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Buffalo, Omaha, and St. Louis.[7]

In December 2016, SkipTheDishes was acquired by Just Eat for $200 million. SkipTheDishes remained a subsidiary and separate brand from Just Eat, with its headquarters remaining in Winnipeg.[8] As of September 2018, Just Eat Canada redirects to SkipTheDishes.[9]

Over the course of 2017, SkipTheDishes was recognised for its growth on a number of occasions.[10] The company's founder was chosen as one of Canada's Top 40 Under 40.[11] Just Eat's CEO, Peter Plumb, reported significant increases in the company's Q3-2017 revenue, due to "strong growth in order numbers and the inclusion of SkipTheDishes business."[12]

To diversify its business, in 2017, SkipTheDishes announced that it was experimenting with alcohol delivery in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with plans to expand nationwide.[13]

In March 2019, SkipTheDishes pulled out of the United States market. Their business and drivers were transferred to Grubhub.[14] In early 2020, Just Eat merged with Netherlands-based competitor Takeaway.com, forming Just Eat Takeaway,[15] shortly thereafter announcing a deal to its American competitor Grubhub (who previously acquired SkipTheDishes' American operations).[16] In July 2020, in line with Just Eat's other markets, SkipTheDishes adopted Takeaway.com's branding and orange colour scheme, though keeping the SkipTheDishes name.[17]

Expansion and rebranding

[edit]

In late 2021, SkipTheDishes began testing a new offering called Skip Express Lane, a service that delivers household goods and groceries directly to customers. The service is located in Winnipeg and in London, Ontario.[18]

In 2024, SkipTheDishes' CEO, Paul Burns, announced on LinkedIn the layoff of 800 employees, including 700 Canada-based employees at Just Eat Takeaway.com, SkipTheDishes' parent company, during restructuring efforts.[19] In October 2024, SkipTheDishes announced it was shortening its name to Skip, during a brand re-fresh to reflect on its expanded offerings beyond food delivery, including groceries, convenience items, and retail goods.[20]

Marketing

[edit]

In October 2018, SkipTheDishes ran ads featuring actor Jon Hamm, presenting him with the moniker of "honorary Canadian."[21] In 2024, Hamm returned to star in a new ad campaign to help Skip update its messaging and showcase its expanded offerings.[22]

Since 2019, SkipTheDishes has run a series of French-language ads, notably in Quebec, featuring comedian Patrick Groulx.[23][24] His ads since October 2020 and early 2021 have focused on promoting "les Récompenses SKIP" or Skip's loyalty points program.[25][26][27]

In February 2020, SkipTheDishes entered into a multiyear marketing relationship with the Toronto Defiant, an esports team in the Overwatch League.[28]

In summer 2021, ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games, SkipTheDishes was named the "Official Food Delivery App" of the Canadian Olympic Committee.[29]

Criticism

[edit]

Like many companies involved in the sharing economy, SkipTheDishes has received criticism for its business practices.[30] In March 2017, the company received negative publicity for its responses to a job candidate's question about compensation and benefits. As a follow-up to the incident, Emily Norgang of the Canadian Labour Congress stated that "the most innovative aspect isn't the technology itself, but actually the expansion of this exploitative business model."[31] As of October 2021, SkipTheDishes has the lowest rating of F from the Better Business Bureau due to volume of unresolved complaints.[32]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

SkipTheDishes

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
SkipTheDishes is a Canadian and delivery platform that operates as a digital marketplace connecting customers with local restaurants and independent couriers via its and website. Founded in 2012 in , , by brothers Josh Simair and Chris Simair, the company established its headquarters in , , and rapidly expanded across . In December 2016, SkipTheDishes was acquired by the British firm plc for $110 million, subsequently integrating into after a 2020 merger, which facilitated further technological and operational scaling. The service has achieved notable growth, including recognition for explosive revenue increases and processing over 100 million deliveries annually by the early 2020s, positioning it as a leading player in Canada's food delivery market alongside competitors like and . Despite its success, SkipTheDishes has encountered criticisms related to courier compensation practices and service reliability, as well as operational challenges such as workforce reductions announced in 2024 affecting hundreds of Canadian employees.

History

Founding and Early Growth (2012–2016)

SkipTheDishes was founded in 2012 in , , by entrepreneurs including brothers Josh Simair and Chris Simair, Jeff Adamson, Andrew Chau, and Daniel Simair, who sought to create an efficient online platform connecting customers with local restaurants for ordering and delivery via independent couriers. The service began as a simple website listing participating restaurants in , allowing users to place orders online for delivery, addressing a gap in efficient options in smaller Canadian markets at the time. From its launch, the company experienced rapid organic growth, expanding to additional cities and achieving approximately 20% monthly increases in operations by building partnerships with local restaurants and drivers. By , SkipTheDishes had won the I3 Idea competition, recognizing its innovative approach to logistics, which helped fuel further . The platform's model emphasized direct restaurant integrations and real-time tracking, differentiating it from phone-based ordering prevalent in early . Through , SkipTheDishes scaled to operations in 20 cities across , amassing 350,000 active customers and processing 1.6 million orders in the 10 months ending October 2016, with over 2,900 partnered restaurants. This growth was driven by word-of-mouth adoption, targeted local marketing, and iterative improvements to its app and , though it faced over a provincial government subsidy for Saskatoon expansion that year. By late 2016, the company's valuation reflected its dominance in non-metro markets, setting the stage for international interest.

Acquisition by Just Eat and Expansion (2016–2020)

In December 2016, plc, a UK-based online company, acquired SkipTheDishes for an initial consideration of CAD$110 million. The transaction included CAD$100 million in cash payable upon closing and CAD$10 million in Just Eat ordinary shares issued in , subject to performance conditions. SkipTheDishes operated as a wholly owned while retaining its independent brand and management structure, allowing Just Eat to leverage its Canadian market expertise without immediate integration. Post-acquisition, SkipTheDishes prioritized scaling its footprint across , capitalizing on 's technological resources and capital to expand restaurant partnerships and delivery coverage in underserved regions. The company reported strong order growth, with projecting continued expansion driven by increasing urban demand for on-demand . By 2017, SkipTheDishes had solidified its position as a leading player in the Canadian market, benefiting from enhanced platform capabilities and marketing support from its parent. In 2019, SkipTheDishes discontinued its limited U.S. operations, including ventures under the SkipTheKitchen brand in select cities like Buffalo, to refocus on core Canadian markets and partnered with for cross-border referrals. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated growth in 2020, with orders doubling year-over-year in the third quarter, reflecting heightened reliance on delivery services amid lockdowns. This period marked SkipTheDishes' transition toward greater operational maturity under , setting the stage for further global synergies ahead of the 2020 merger with Takeaway.com.

Merger with Takeaway.com and Ongoing Developments (2020–Present)

In January 2020, Just Eat, the parent company of SkipTheDishes following its 2016 acquisition, agreed to an all-share merger with Dutch-based Takeaway.com valued at €6.9 billion, forming Just Eat Takeaway.com as a global online food delivery entity. The deal, approved by 80.4% of Just Eat shareholders on January 10, 2020, integrated SkipTheDishes into the enlarged group's operations, leveraging its strong Canadian market position alongside Takeaway.com's European assets. The merger received regulatory clearance from the UK's Competition and Markets Authority on April 23, 2020, enabling completion amid rising demand from COVID-19 lockdowns that boosted food delivery volumes globally. Post-merger, pursued further consolidation, announcing in June 2020 a combination with U.S.-based to expand North American presence, with SkipTheDishes cited as a key profitable asset in the group's portfolio outside . SkipTheDishes benefited from synergies in technology and logistics but faced internal challenges, including three CEO transitions in 2023 amid competitive pressures from rivals like and . By 2024, post-pandemic normalization led to workforce reductions, with and SkipTheDishes announcing layoffs of approximately 800 Canadian employees in August—100 directly from SkipTheDishes and 700 from supporting operations—to streamline costs and drive sustainable growth. In February 2025, Group, a Dutch investment firm, announced its acquisition of for $6.2 billion, positioning SkipTheDishes under new ownership while maintaining its operational focus in . As of October 2025, the deal advanced toward completion, with set to delist from the on November 17, 2025, operating thereafter as a subsidiary. This shift reflects broader industry consolidation amid maturing markets, where SkipTheDishes continues to hold significant share in despite economic headwinds.

Business Model and Operations

Revenue Streams and Platform Mechanics

SkipTheDishes operates as a three-sided connecting customers, restaurants, and independent delivery couriers through its and website. Customers browse participating ' menus, select items, customize orders, and complete payments—typically via , debit, or digital wallets—while opting for delivery or pickup. Upon order placement, the platform notifies the restaurant via an integrated system, which prepares the food and signals readiness; an then matches the order to a nearby available based on factors including proximity, estimated delivery time, and historical performance to minimize wait times, often targeting under 30 minutes for delivery. The platform's core revenue derives from commissions charged to restaurants, calculated as a of the order subtotal before taxes and tips, typically ranging from 20% to 30% depending on the partnership agreement, order volume, and location. These commissions cover platform facilitation, marketing exposure, and order processing, with higher rates often applied to delivery orders versus pickups. For instance, delivery commissions fund courier dispatching, while pickup fees are lower, sometimes around 11-15%, reflecting reduced logistical involvement. Additional income streams include customer-facing fees such as delivery charges—varying by distance and , often $2 to $5—and service fees, which can constitute up to 10% of the order value with minimums of $2 and caps at $4, covering operational costs like payment processing and . Restaurants may also pay for promotional features, including sponsored menu placements or slots within the app to boost visibility and order volume. As part of , SkipTheDishes benefits from synergies in these models, though specific breakdowns for the Canadian operations remain aggregated in parent company reports without isolated disclosure.

Driver and Restaurant Partnerships

SkipTheDishes classifies its drivers as self-employed independent contractors who operate through a to accept and complete food deliveries on a flexible basis. To join, individuals must be at least 18 years old, provide a valid government-issued photo ID, own a compatible ( or Android) with an active data plan, possess a such as a or covered by valid , maintain a for payments, and submit proof of entitlement to work in , such as a or . The application process involves online submission of documents followed by a mandatory performed by a third-party service like Sterling, which verifies criminal history and other eligibility factors. No prior experience is required, and couriers submit weekly availability schedules via the app to align with demand in their designated zones. Compensation for drivers occurs on a per-delivery basis, where earnings are determined by app-offered amounts influenced by factors including distance, estimated time, and market conditions, supplemented by tips which drivers retain in full. Payments are deposited directly into drivers' bank accounts on a weekly schedule, with an option for instant payouts via for a $1.99 per transaction. While official structures emphasize flexibility and , driver reports from 2025 indicate variable hourly earnings often ranging from $11 to $13 after expenses in certain markets, sometimes falling below provincial minimum wages due to and algorithm-driven pay adjustments. Drivers must supply their own insulated delivery bags meeting standards and handle vehicle maintenance, as the model shifts operational costs to contractors. Restaurants establish partnerships with SkipTheDishes by completing an online form, prompting platform representatives to initiate contact within 1-2 business days for customized that includes hardware setup like ordering tablets and verification of banking details. The core fee structure features a per delivery borne by the restaurant, distinct from customer-paid delivery fees which partners set independently, with assurances of no hidden charges. In practice, SkipTheDishes levies a commission typically ranging from 20% to 30% of the order subtotal, varying by location, order volume, and negotiated agreements to reflect partnership scale and performance. Additional services, such as point-of-sale (POS) integrations through middleware partners, enable seamless order syncing and reduce manual processing errors. These partnerships provide restaurants with exposure to SkipTheDishes' network of over 5.3 million active Canadian users across more than 190 service zones, facilitating average delivery times of 30 minutes and tools for self-serve promotions within the Skip Marketplace. Options like SkipGo allow branded, white-label delivery to preserve customer relationships and programs outside the platform. While the model expands reach without upfront infrastructure investment, high commissions have drawn criticism from restaurant operators for eroding margins, particularly amid rising operational costs, though SkipTheDishes positions fixed delivery pricing as a transparent alternative to variable fees.

Expansion and Market Position

Canadian Market Dominance

SkipTheDishes, founded in , , in 2012, has established itself as the leading platform in through early market entry and extensive nationwide coverage. By 2025, it operates in over 450 cities and towns across the country, partnering with approximately 47,000 restaurants and enabling delivery from more than 50,000 retailers. This broad reach surpasses many competitors, particularly in suburban and rural areas where urban-focused rivals like and have less penetration, allowing SkipTheDishes to capture a significant portion of non-metro orders. Survey data underscores its user base dominance: 55% of reported using SkipTheDishes for , positioning it as the most popular app in the sector. In comparison, accounted for 54% usage and 49% in recent polls of past-year activity, but SkipTheDishes benefits from its homegrown status and loyalty among Canadian consumers preferring local brands. The platform's expansions, such as adding 13 cities in , , , and in July 2024, further solidified its infrastructure lead. Within the Canadian online food delivery market, valued at approximately USD 18.99 billion in 2024 and projected to grow to USD 28.64 billion by 2030, SkipTheDishes leverages its scale for competitive advantages in partnerships and order volume. Sensor Tower analysis of Q1 2025 performance ranks it among the top three apps alongside and , with SkipTheDishes maintaining edge in overall bookings due to its entrenched network effects. This position reflects not just quantitative metrics but also qualitative factors like localized marketing and faster adaptation to regional preferences, such as higher orders in provinces like .

Integration with Global Parent Operations

Following its acquisition by plc in October 2016 for C$110 million, SkipTheDishes integrated into the parent's global operations, initially focusing on complementary expansion in with minimal geographical overlap. This allowed SkipTheDishes to leverage Just Eat's established marketplace infrastructure for order processing and restaurant onboarding, while maintaining its independent branding and local focus. The 2020 merger of with Takeaway.com to form deepened operational synergies, positioning SkipTheDishes as the flagship Canadian entity within a portfolio spanning 17 countries and connecting consumers to over 362,000 partners. Integration efforts emphasized shared technological resources, such as 's JET Connect platform for point-of-sale (POS) system compatibility, enabling seamless order transmission from proprietary hardware or direct POS feeds across subsidiaries. In , SkipTheDishes aligned with —acquired by in June 2021—under a unified segment structure, fostering cross-border efficiencies in delivery logistics and data analytics to capitalize on network effects and scale. Leadership integration advanced in March 2023 when SkipTheDishes CEO Andrew Migdal, a U.S. national, was appointed to head Just Eat Takeaway.com's North America operations, overseeing both Canadian and U.S. assets to streamline decision-making and resource allocation. Cost-saving synergies drove restructurings, including an August 2024 layoff of approximately 800 Canadian employees across SkipTheDishes and related units, aimed at enhancing profitability amid competitive pressures. These measures aligned with parent-level goals of operational efficiency, as outlined in investor updates emphasizing global product synergies and reduced overhead. In October 2025, completed its €4.1 billion acquisition of , declaring the offer unconditional after securing 90.13% shareholder acceptance and regulatory approvals, including from the . This shift to ownership, an investment firm with stakes in tech platforms, is expected to inject capital for further technological upgrades and market expansions, though SkipTheDishes continues operating autonomously under the established framework, with delisting from set for November 17, 2025.

Marketing and Public Engagement

Branding Strategies and Campaigns

SkipTheDishes has employed branding strategies centered on portraying the service as an enabler of and entitlement to effortless living, particularly resonating with Canadian consumers through humor and cultural relatability. The core messaging revolves around "skipping" mundane tasks like or errands, evolving to encompass broader delivery options beyond , such as groceries and retail items. This approach positions the platform as a solution rather than merely a app, emphasizing speed, variety, and affordability in materials. In October 2024, underwent a rebranding, shortening its name to "Skip" to reflect expanded non-food delivery services, accompanied by a campaign featuring actor as an "honorary Canadian" who humorously endorses the brand's promise to "feed your entitlement." The "Feed Your Entitlement" series, which debuted earlier and returned in this iteration, uses self-deprecating ads across TV, digital, and to highlight ' understated demands for convenience, building on prior successful executions that won awards for creative effectiveness. This campaign built consumer familiarity by associating the brand with celebrity endorsement and relatable scenarios of avoiding household chores. A subsequent national campaign launched on October 8, 2025, featured Canadian comedian to champion local culture while promoting Skip's diverse offerings, including food, groceries, and essentials, under the tagline encouraging users to "Skip it" for everyday needs. Distributed across television, digital platforms, and , it reinforced the brand's commitment to Canadian roots and broad utility amid economic pressures. Complementing traditional ads, Skip has leveraged digital channels like for interactive, native content creation, partnering with creators to demonstrate platform benefits and drive user acquisition through engaging, trend-aligned videos. To address concerns, Skip introduced the "Inflation Cookbook" initiative, a tracking grocery price drops to guide cost-conscious shoppers toward deals via SkipExpressLane, subtly promoting affordable delivery without overt sales pitches. This data-driven campaign garnered significant media impressions, over 400 million, by aligning with real-time economic challenges and positioning the brand as a helpful in volatile markets.

Sponsorships and Community Initiatives

SkipTheDishes has engaged in several high-profile sponsorships, particularly in Canadian sports and cultural events, to enhance brand visibility and align with national interests. In January 2021, the company became the NHL's official app in , marking the first such sponsorship by a food delivery brand with the league, and secured partnerships with six Canadian NHL teams including the , , , , and . This included prominent branding, such as "Skip" logos on helmets during the 2025 season as part of ongoing team partnerships. The firm extended its sports affiliations to Olympic and hockey events. In July 2021, SkipTheDishes signed a multi-year deal as the official food delivery app of the Canadian Olympic Committee and , with initial activations focused on supporting athletes' families during the 2020 Games (delayed to 2021). It also partnered with as the official food delivery provider for international tournaments. In February 2025, SkipTheDishes became the exclusive delivery app partner for the , emphasizing support for Canadian music. Community initiatives have centered on food insecurity and pandemic relief, often through collaborations with established charities. SkipTheDishes has partnered annually with Food Banks Canada on the "Give and Take Out" winter charity campaign, launched in multiple years including 2022, 2023, and 2024, where it donates $1 per app order on Giving Tuesday and aims to fund items like 2,000 "Give Boxes" containing essential food and hygiene products for vulnerable families. In April 2020, amid COVID-19 impacts, the company committed over $15 million in direct rebates and marketing support to its restaurant partners to aid recovery. Broader efforts include partnerships with charitable organizations to strengthen local communities and initiatives to reduce food waste and carbon emissions, as outlined in its responsible business framework.

Achievements and Economic Impact

Growth Milestones and Innovations

SkipTheDishes was founded in 2012 in , , beginning operations with partnerships from just five local restaurants. The platform rapidly scaled its network, expanding to 20 cities in its initial years through a focus on hyper-local delivery matching customers with nearby eateries. By , this growth attracted international attention, culminating in the company's acquisition by UK-based on December 15 for $110 million, which provided capital for nationwide infrastructure while preserving SkipTheDishes as an independent brand. Post-acquisition, SkipTheDishes accelerated expansion, achieving 264% year-over-year growth in 2017 and earning recognition as one of Deloitte's Technology Fast 50 companies. By 2018, it was awarded Technology Company of the Year for its platform innovations supporting this surge. Marking its tenth anniversary in , the service had grown to encompass 47,000 restaurant and retail partners across , reflecting sustained demand for on-demand delivery. In 2024, SkipTheDishes further extended its footprint by launching services in over a dozen new cities in , , , and , enhancing accessibility in underserved areas. As of 2025, the platform operates in more than 450 cities and towns, partnering with over 50,000 retailers. Key innovations have centered on technology to optimize payments, operations, and user retention. In 2019, integration with Stripe's machine-learning capabilities increased payment network acceptance by 6% and cut costs by 30%, reducing friction in transactions for customers and merchants. Adoption of tools enabled 50% faster restaurant onboarding and unified data views across sales, service, and analytics, supporting scalable growth without proportional increases in administrative overhead. In February 2024, SkipTheDishes rolled out a redesigned for couriers, incorporating streamlined navigation and efficiency features to minimize delivery times and boost driver productivity. Later that year, on November 4, the company introduced Skip+, a subscription-based membership program providing zero delivery fees, accelerated rewards points accumulation, lowered service charges, and access to VIP experiences, aiming to foster loyalty amid competitive pressures in .

Job Creation and Industry Contributions

SkipTheDishes employs approximately 2,500 staff members, with operations centered in its Canadian headquarters in , , and additional offices in , . This workforce supports platform development, , and partnerships, contributing to in Canada's and sectors. The company's growth from a 2012 startup to a market leader generated demand for skilled roles in , , and operations, particularly in , where it established a significant local presence as a success story. As a platform, SkipTheDishes facilitates flexible delivery work for independent s across , enabling individuals to earn income through on-demand orders without traditional structures. While exact courier numbers are not publicly detailed, the service's scale—processing millions of orders annually—supports part-time and supplemental opportunities in urban and suburban areas, aligning with broader trends in Canada's online market, valued at over $2.4 billion in 2020. This model has expanded access to delivery jobs, particularly during peak demand periods like the , when the platform committed $15 million to restaurant support initiatives that indirectly sustained food service . In the industry, SkipTheDishes has driven innovation by integrating partnerships with efficient , enabling smaller eateries to compete via online ordering and expand reach without proprietary delivery fleets. Its rapid growth—exceeding 10,000% from 2013 to 2016—demonstrated scalable tech-enabled models that influenced competitors and boosted sector efficiency. However, recent challenges include an August 2024 restructuring that eliminated 100 Canadian staff positions, reflecting adjustments to post-pandemic market dynamics and competition. Overall, the platform's contributions emphasize gig flexibility over permanent hires, with economic impacts tied to facilitating growth rather than direct job guarantees.

Controversies and Criticisms

Gig Economy Labor Practices

SkipTheDishes classifies its delivery couriers as independent contractors rather than employees, a common practice in the that affords workers scheduling flexibility but excludes them from statutory entitlements such as guarantees, pay, benefits, and contributions. This classification requires couriers to supply their own vehicles or bicycles, bear maintenance and fuel costs, and assume liability for delivery-related risks without company reimbursement. The model aligns with platform business incentives to minimize fixed labor costs amid variable demand, though it has drawn scrutiny for potentially undercompensating workers relative to expenses and opportunity costs. A proposed class-action lawsuit filed in Manitoba Court of Queen's Bench on July 31, 2018, by former courier David Mark MacDonald alleged that SkipTheDishes misclassified drivers as contractors to evade obligations under provincial employment standards, including payment below minimum wage after expenses and denial of termination notice. The suit sought certification for all Canadian couriers, arguing that company controls—such as mandatory app usage, assigned routes, and performance metrics—indicated an employer-employee relationship under common law tests for control and economic dependence. SkipTheDishes contested the claims, asserting couriers' autonomy in choosing shifts and methods justified contractor status; a Manitoba judge certified the action in 2020, but appeals delayed progress. On August 29, 2024, the Supreme Court of Canada denied leave to appeal, allowing the case to proceed in Manitoba courts. Courier earnings vary by location, order volume, and tips, with estimates for 2025 placing annual income at $42,000 to $70,000 before expenses, often netting below provincial minimums after vehicle wear and gas. Drivers have reported insufficient pay to cover operational costs, with no mandated minimum per delivery or mileage reimbursement, exacerbating vulnerabilities during low-demand periods or adverse weather. Deactivation policies permit unilateral account suspension for alleged policy violations or inactivity, lacking formal processes until recent regulatory interventions; for instance, SkipTheDishes terms allow revocation of access at discretion, contributing to complaints of arbitrary terminations without recourse. Provincial reforms have introduced partial protections without altering contractor status. Ontario's Digital Platform Workers' Rights Act, effective July 1, 2025, mandates written reasons for deactivations, prohibits tip deductions, and requires pay transparency for platforms like SkipTheDishes. British Columbia's regulations, implemented September 3, 2024, establish a $20.88 hourly minimum for engaged time (excluding wait periods) and vehicle compensation at $0.41 per kilometer, applying to food delivery workers. Federal consultations since 2023 have explored broader safeguards, but no nationwide reclassification has occurred, preserving the contractor model's prevalence despite ongoing litigation. SkipTheDishes has not publicly altered its classification in response to these developments, maintaining that the structure supports mutual benefits for flexible work. In a proposed class-action lawsuit filed by Slater Vecchio LLP, SkipTheDishes faces allegations of engaging in by concealing service and delivery fees until late in the checkout process, thereby misrepresenting the total cost to consumers and contravening aspects of Canada's that prohibit deceptive marketing practices. This action highlights ongoing concerns in the sector, where mandatory add-on fees have drawn similar scrutiny to competitors like , which faced a federal lawsuit from the in June 2025 for comparable misleading promotions. On the privacy front, SkipTheDishes Restaurant Services Inc. notified the Office of the Information and Privacy of a breach under the Personal Information Protection Act, as outlined in breach notification decision P2020-ND-102. The incident involved potential unauthorized access to , leading to regulatory assessment for risks of significant harm, though specific details on the scope or resolution remain limited in . No fines or enforcement actions from the were reported in connection with this event. SkipTheDishes' 2016 acquisition by underwent standard merger reviews but did not attract notable antitrust challenges from the , unlike subsequent consolidations in the sector that prompted broader inquiries into market concentration. The company has not been subject to direct fines from federal regulators akin to those imposed on peers for violations, reflecting a relatively lower profile in formal enforcement compared to operational peers amid rising oversight.

Company Responses and Reforms

In response to class-action lawsuits filed since 2018 alleging that SkipTheDishes misclassified couriers as independent contractors—thereby denying them minimum wage, overtime, vacation pay, and other employee entitlements—the company has defended its model by asserting that drivers maintain control over their schedules and operations, consistent with contractor status. To counter collective claims, SkipTheDishes amended its courier agreements in July 2018 to include a mandatory arbitration clause and class-action waiver, requiring individual disputes to be resolved privately in British Columbia rather than through courts. However, Manitoba courts ruled this clause unconscionable and unenforceable in 2022 and affirmed on appeal in 2024, citing its one-sided nature, high costs to drivers, and barriers to access justice in the gig economy context. Amid ongoing litigation, including a proposed advancing in courts as of September 2024, SkipTheDishes has not publicly announced settlements or broad policy overhauls reclassifying workers, with cases paused at times pending rulings on similar disputes. The company has also contested union certification drives, such as in , where a dismissed its 2025 bid as premature, allowing representation to proceed for approximately 500 couriers. In compliance with provincial regulations rather than proactive reforms, SkipTheDishes adapted to British Columbia's gig worker rules effective September 3, 2024, which mandate a $20.88 hourly minimum for "engaged time" (from acceptance to completion of assignments), tip protections, and WorkSafeBC coverage, though drivers reported implementation challenges like adjusted algorithms potentially reducing order volume. Similarly, Ontario's Digital Platform Workers' Rights Act, effective July 1, 2025, requires SkipTheDishes to provide pay transparency, written deactivation reasons, and minimum wage adherence ($17.20 per hour as of that date, excluding tips and vehicle costs), with platforms obligated to report worker earnings to the Canada Revenue Agency starting January 2026. These changes stem from government mandates amid criticisms of exploitative practices, not company-led initiatives.

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  42. https://www.skipthedishes.com/newsroom/skip-expands-its-delivery-network-to-even-more-cities-bringing-greater-convenience-to-more-canadians-across-the-country/
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  44. https://sensortower.com/blog/2025-q1-ca-leading-3-Food-Delivery-Services-brands
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  57. https://strategyonline.ca/2024/10/21/skipthedishes-jon-hamm/
  58. https://www.skipthedishes.com/newsroom/skip-launches-new-brand-campaign-with-homegrown-talent-seth-rogen/
  59. https://ads.tiktok.com/business/en/inspiration/skip-the-dishes-tiktok-creative-exchange
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  62. https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/skipthedishes-recent-nhl-sponsorship-deal-widens-ice-hockey-presence-in-canada/
  63. https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2025/06/17/edmonton-oilers-helmets-skip-skipthedishes-sponsorship/84251753007/
  64. https://mediaincanada.com/2021/07/22/skipthedishes-signs-olympic-sponsorship/
  65. https://olympic.ca/press/skipthedishes-named-the-official-food-delivery-app-of-the-canadian-olympic-committee-ahead-of-the-tokyo-2020-olympic-games/
  66. https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/news/2020-partners-skipthedishes-joins-as-partner
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  68. https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/food-banks-canada-and-skipthedishes-join-forces-for-their-fourth-annual-winter-charity-campaign-give-and-take-out--877070291.html
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