Goldbelly, founded in 2012 by Joe Ariel, Trevor Stow, and Vanessa Torrivilla, is an online marketplace that specializes in connecting customers with regional and artisanal food from across the United States. The company’s primary objective is to make America’s best and most iconic regional food accessible to people nationwide. Goldbelly achieves this by partnering with some of the country’s most renowned food establishments and artisans, offering their unique food products for delivery to customers regardless of their location.

Joe Ariel, the company’s CEO, was inspired to start Goldbelly after moving from the South to New York City, where he found it difficult to satisfy his cravings for regional Southern cuisine. The idea behind the platform is to bridge the gap between food lovers and regional food providers, giving people the opportunity to experience and savor iconic dishes from various regions without having to travel.

Products

The company has since grown significantly, expanding its catalog to include a wide array of food products such as pizza, barbecue, bagels, desserts, and other specialty items. These products are sourced from over 700 food partners, ranging from local bakeries and pizzerias to Michelin-starred restaurants. Some of Goldbelly’s notable food partners include Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Texas-based Salt Lick BBQ, and Momofuku Milk Bar, among others.

Goldbelly’s business model is centered around curating and promoting food products from its partner establishments. The company takes care of packaging, shipping, and customer service, allowing food partners to focus on their core operations. Customers can order items individually or subscribe to Goldbelly’s monthly subscription service, which offers a curated selection of dishes from different regions.

Funding Rounds

Throughout its history, Goldbelly has attracted significant funding from venture capital firms and angel investors. The company’s seed funding round took place in 2013, raising $3 million from investors such as Y Combinator, 500 Startups, and Dave McClure. In 2014, Goldbelly raised an additional $10 million in a Series A funding round led by Intel Capital and included participation from existing investors. In 2018, the company secured $20 million in a Series B funding round, which was led by Enlightened Hospitality Investments and featured participation from existing investors. This funding round aimed to help Goldbelly expand its product offerings, improve its technology, and continue growing its customer base.

Goldbelly has not made any acquisitions to date, nor has it gone public. As a privately-held company, Goldbelly’s financial information and valuations remain undisclosed. However, given its successful funding rounds and growing popularity, the company’s prospects appear promising.

Partnerships

In terms of partnerships, Goldbelly has focused on collaborating with renowned food establishments and artisans across the United States. These partnerships have played a critical role in the company’s success, enabling it to provide customers with access to a diverse and high-quality selection of regional food. Some of the company’s most notable partnerships include collaborations with Shake Shack, Magnolia Bakery, and Prince Street Pizza.

The company has also forged partnerships with famous chefs and personalities in the culinary world. In 2020, Goldbelly announced a partnership with celebrity chef Daniel Boulud, who joined the platform to offer a selection of his signature dishes for delivery nationwide. This collaboration marked the first time that the Michelin-starred chef’s cuisine was made available to customers outside of his restaurants.

Awards and Recognitions

Goldbelly’s innovative approach to food delivery has garnered the company numerous awards and recognitions. In 2014, the company was named one of the “50 Best Websites” by Time magazine, which lauded Goldbelly for its ability to provide customers with access to food from across the nation. In 2018, Goldbelly was featured on CNBC’s “Upstart 100” list, which highlights the most promising start-ups disrupting various industries. The platform’s unique value proposition and success in connecting customers with iconic regional food providers earned it a spot on this prestigious list.

Moreover, Goldbelly has been featured in numerous publications, including Forbes, The New York Times, and Eater, among others. These features have praised the company’s innovative approach to food delivery and its commitment to making regional and artisanal food accessible to a wider audience.

Goldbelly’s impact extends beyond just providing customers with access to diverse food options. The company’s business model has also proven to be beneficial for its food partners, particularly small and independent establishments. By offering their products on Goldbelly, these businesses can expand their reach, tap into new markets, and increase their overall revenue. This has been especially crucial during challenging economic times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when many small businesses faced significant disruptions in their operations.

To further support its food partners, Goldbelly has also launched initiatives such as the “Goldbelly Restaurant Stimulus Plan” in response to the pandemic. This initiative aimed to provide financial relief to struggling food establishments by waiving commission fees for new partners, offering marketing support, and driving customer orders through the platform. The company’s efforts to assist its food partners during this period were well-received, showcasing Goldbelly’s commitment to the success and well-being of its partner establishments.

Overall, Goldbelly has successfully carved out a niche within the food delivery market, distinguishing itself through its focus on regional and artisanal food. Its innovative approach to food delivery has enabled the company to partner with renowned food establishments and artisans, attract significant funding, and garner various accolades and recognitions. As the platform continues to grow and evolve, Goldbelly remains committed to its core mission of connecting people with America’s best and most iconic regional food, no matter where they are.