Episode 128 How Chris Heffernan Automated Catering Growth Without Knocking on a Single Door

Frederick Dudek (Freddy D) Copyright 2025 Prosperous Ventures, LLC

Chris Heffernan, founder of Dlivrd, turned a crushed local delivery business into a thriving 172-location operation by harnessing automation and smart integrations.

He reveals how pivoting to large catering orders and embedding directly into restaurant tech stacks removed friction, cut costs, and fueled explosive growth.

From buying base code for $1,000 to creating a fully integrated driver ecosystem, Chris shows exactly how to scale without adding payroll — and why empowering gig workers is key to making it work today.

Guest Quote Spotlight:

“Empowering the workers and giving them access creates them as a fan… they’re the most crucial piece to the whole thing.” — Chris Heffernan

S.U.P.E.R.F.A.N.S. Pillar Focus

Pillar: A – Automate | Reclaim Time with Smart Systems

Automation isn’t about replacing people — it’s about freeing them to focus on higher-value work. Chris built Delivered to run through tech integrations, meaning restaurants never have to manually arrange drivers and his team never has to chase orders. By embedding into POS systems and aggregators, his company eliminated endless manual sales calls and door knocks, while ensuring every step of the driver’s journey happens inside one controlled system. This episode shows how automation can create consistent quality, save hours of admin, and allow you to grow in multiple markets without growing payroll.

One Action. One Stakeholder. One Superfan Closer. (Pillar: A)

Insight: The fastest way to scale is to remove repetitive, low-value tasks from your plate and your team’s.

Action (Do This Within 24 Hours): Identify one recurring process in your business (e.g., order routing, client onboarding, scheduling) and research a tool or integration that could automate it end-to-end.

Result: You reclaim hours each week, reduce errors, and create a smoother, more consistent customer experience.

Freddy D’s Take

What impressed me most about Chris’s story is how he used automation to unlock capacity without losing the human connection. The tech runs the logistics — but his drivers, partners, and clients still feel valued. That’s the sweet spot: let machines handle the repetitive stuff so people can shine where it matters most. My advice? Don’t wait until you’re drowning in busywork. Build automation into your operations now, and you’ll grow faster, serve better, and enjoy the ride a whole lot more.

In Today’s Episode, You’ll Discover

• How to pivot under pressure and turn market loss into a profitable niche.
• The automation playbook that scaled Delivered to 172 markets.
• Why gig workers are your frontline brand ambassadors — and how to keep them loyal.
• Smart tech integrations that cut sales time and open nationwide opportunities.
• Creative driver engagement programs that build retention and enthusiasm.
• Real-world proof of tripling a restaurant’s catering business through delivery support.

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Takeaways:

• Chris Heffernan's entrepreneurial journey kicked off in 2011 after seeing a delivery sign on a cheesesteak shop, sparking his passion for the food delivery business.
• Dlivrd's unique approach focuses on catering logistics, using AI for route optimization and prioritizing human connections wherever needed.
• The company's growth strategy involved leveraging technology and integrating with existing restaurant systems to enhance delivery capabilities across multiple markets.
• Heffernan emphasizes the importance of creating super fans out of drivers, recognizing them as essential to the success of the delivery service and overall customer experience.
• In a post-Covid world, the demand for workplace catering has surged, with Delivered stepping up to meet that need and enhance employee satisfaction.
• Building relationships with drivers and restaurants alike has been pivotal for Delivered, which enables them to manage orders efficiently while maintaining high service quality.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Delivered
• DoorDash
• UberEats
• GrubHub
• Boston Market
• Qdoba
• Cozy
• Sweet Lucy's Barbecue
• Food Cab

Connect with Chris Heffernan

• Website: dlivrd.io
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/theHef
• Instagram/TikTok/YouTube/Facebook: @theHef215

Additional Resources for Listeners

For more insights and a curated list of recommended AI & software tools to help you grow your business, visit FrederickDudek.com.

If you’re ready to connect, collaborate, and accelerate your growth with other driven business owners, join the Superfans Growth Hub™ community at superfansgrowth.community/join-now.

And if you haven’t yet read my bestselling book Creating Business Superfans, now’s the time. This is your ultimate playbook for transforming customers, employees, and business allies into loyal brand champions who fuel referrals, amplify revenue, and drive sustainable growth. Available wherever books are sold — start your journey today and unlock the proven strategies inside.

Mentioned in this episode:

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