Take the Fear Out of Takeout with the Carter-Hoffmann PUC

The foodservice landscape is shifting beneath our feet. According to Technomic’s 2025 Annual Outlook report*, we’re witnessing a significant trend: delivery is taking a back seat as consumers carefully weigh convenience against rising costs. The data reveals an 11-point negative difference between consumers who expect to increase versus decrease their use of third-party delivery in the coming months. Meanwhile, carryout, curbside pickup, and particularly drive-thru options are gaining momentum.

Why this shift? It’s simple economics. Delivery fees, service charges, and tips have pushed the convenience of doorstep delivery into luxury territory for many budget-conscious diners. Yet these same customers still crave restaurant-quality food without the full dine-in experience.

Are your takeout operations ready to capitalize on this evolving consumer behavior?

The Pickup Challenge

Even as delivery declines, operators face three critical challenges with their pickup operations:

First, food quality and temperature maintenance remain paramount. With consumers having countless takeout options, storing food in ideal conditions before pickup can mean the difference between repeat visits and dwindling sales.

Second, efficiency matters more than ever. In an era of streamlined menus and value-conscious consumers, the pickup process must be quick, seamless, and error-free.

Finally, today’s diners expect a contactless, tech-enabled experience. Standing in line at a counter exchanging paper money feels increasingly outdated in our digital-first world.

[Learn More: Visit our takeout and delivery resource page.]

Carter-Hoffmann PUC: The Future of Pickup is Here

Enter the Carter-Hoffmann PUC (Pick-Up Cabinet), an innovative solution that addresses these challenges head-on while perfectly aligning with the industry’s shift from delivery to pickup. Think of the PUC as your restaurant’s 24/7 pickup concierge but without the labor costs. This connected cabinet system transforms the takeout experience through smart design and thoughtful technology.

Quality Preservation Meets Convenience

The PUC offers both heated and ambient configurations, allowing for menu versatility without compromising quality. Individual compartments create safe storage environments tailored to your specific menu items, preserving temperatures and textures until the moment of pickup.

Unlike traditional pickup shelves where food quality deteriorates by the minute, the PUC’s precision temperature control ensures your carefully crafted dishes remain as delicious during pickup as they were when plated in your kitchen.

Contactless Efficiency

The contactless pickup process couldn’t be simpler. Customers order and pay through your existing online platforms, receive a unique code, and use it to retrieve their order directly from the secure cabinet. No staff interaction is required.

This streamlined process meets consumer expectations for digital convenience. It frees your team to focus on food preparation rather than order handoffs, addressing the labor challenges that continue to impact the industry.

Beyond Technology: Building Trust

What truly sets the PUC apart is how it builds customer confidence. The antimicrobial surfaces and secure, individual compartments demonstrate your commitment to food safety and quality. Orders remain untouched from the kitchen to the customer, eliminating concerns about contamination or mix-ups.

The Business Case: Why PUC Makes Sense Now

As 2025 approaches, operators face continued pressure to deliver value while maintaining profitability. The Carter-Hoffmann PUC addresses this challenge by:

• • Reducing labor requirements for order handoffs
  • Minimizing errors and food waste through organized storage
  • Creating new pickup opportunities even outside traditional operating hours
  • Building customer loyalty through consistent quality and convenience

For operators looking to adapt to the delivery-to-pickup shift highlighted in Technomic’s forecast, the PUC represents not just a technology upgrade but a strategic business advantage.

The Future is Pickup

The data is clear: delivery is taking a back seat as consumers seek more economical ways to enjoy restaurant-quality food. Smart operators are already pivoting to enhance their pickup operations with technology that preserves quality, streamlines processes, and meets evolving consumer expectations.

The Carter-Hoffmann PUC exemplifies Middleby’s commitment to innovative solutions that address real-world operator challenges. By transforming pickup from an afterthought to a premium experience, this technology doesn’t just solve today’s problems – it positions your operation for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Ready to learn how the PUC can transform your pickup operations? Contact your Middleby representative today for a demonstration at the Middleby Innovation Kitchens.

Sources:

* Technomic