Acquisition, growth, and expansion

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, East Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Prince Albert, Grande Prairie, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Mississauga, Etobicoke, 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]

In 2017, the company expanded its business model into new offerings other than food, starting with alcohol delivery in select markets.^[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 acquire the aforementioned Grubhub (who also acquired SkipTheDishes' American operations before their acquisition).^[16] In July 2020, in line with Just Eat's other markets, SkipTheDishes adopted Takeaway.com's logo and orange colour scheme, though keeping the SkipTheDishes brand name.^[17]

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]

Marketing

In October 2018, SkipTheDishes ran a series of ads featuring actor Jon Hamm as an "honourary Canadian."^[19] He remains a fixture in their marketing campaign as of January 2021.^[20]

Since 2019, SkipTheDishes has run a series of French-language ads, notably in Quebec, featuring comedian Patrick Groulx.^[21][22] His ads since October 2020 and early 2021 have focused on promoting "les Récompenses SKIP" or Skip's loyalty points program.^[23][24][25]

In February 2020, SkipTheDishes entered into a multiyear marketing relationship with the Toronto Defiant, an esports team in the Overwatch League.^[26]

In summer 2021, ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games, SkipTheDishes was named the "Official Food Delivery App" of the Canadian Olympic Committee.^[27]