Proof of Delivery for Catering Orders
Why catering orders need proof of delivery, and how Cowboy Chicken pairs its own drivers with Olo Dispatch for overflow using Cartwheel.
Catering orders carry more value and more risk than a standard delivery, so the handoff needs a record. In June 2024, Cowboy Chicken implemented Cartwheel’s Hybrid Delivery platform across its locations nationwide, including proof of delivery and image capture for catering orders.
Why catering needs proof of delivery
A catering order is usually scheduled in advance, priced well above a standard ticket, and delivered to an office, event space or reception desk. The person who placed the order is often not the person who receives it.
When a question comes up after the event, such as a missing tray, a late arrival or a disputed drop-off point, the restaurant needs evidence rather than recollection. A timestamped confirmation and a photo taken at handoff show what arrived, where it was left and when.
That record gives managers a factual basis for resolving customer questions, and it gives drivers a clear standard for completing every catering drop-off the same way.
How it works in Cartwheel
Drivers complete deliveries in the Cartwheel driver app. On catering orders, the app captures proof of delivery, including an image at the point of handoff.
The guest follows the order through real-time tracking, and managers work from Cartwheel’s dispatch tools. The proof of delivery stays with the order, so the delivery history is available whenever a question comes in.
In-house drivers first, Olo Dispatch for overflow
Cowboy Chicken keeps its self-delivery program and calls on national third-party fleets through Olo Dispatch during peak demand or overflow. Cartwheel connects to the brand’s Olo-powered online ordering, so every order flows into one dispatch workflow, whether an in-house driver or a third-party courier fulfills it.
This is the hybrid delivery model: the brand’s own drivers protect service quality and margin, and third-party capacity covers demand the fleet cannot absorb.
“We are thrilled to integrate Cartwheel’s Hybrid Delivery platform into our Olo-powered operations.”
Sean Kennedy, President and CEO, Cowboy Chicken
What catering operators should look for
- Proof of delivery with image capture, attached to each catering order
- Real-time tracking for the person who placed the order
- Third-party overflow that works inside the existing ordering platform
- One view of in-house and third-party deliveries for store managers
Frequently asked questions
What is proof of delivery for catering?
It is a record captured by the driver at handoff, typically a timestamp and a photo, that confirms where and when an order was delivered.
Does Cowboy Chicken use its own drivers?
Yes. Cowboy Chicken keeps its self-delivery program and uses national fleets through Olo Dispatch for peak demand and overflow.
Does Cartwheel integrate with Olo?
Yes. Cartwheel connects with Olo-powered online ordering, and orders can be fulfilled by in-house drivers or by third-party fleets through Olo Dispatch.
To see how proof of delivery and hybrid dispatch work for a catering program, book a demo with Cartwheel.