I'm always that guy at the restaurant, asking for substitutions, dressing on the side, etc. Bento looks similar to SpoonRocket and Sprig at first but what makes it particularly unique is the customization options.
Congrats on the launch (at the LAUNCH Festival yesterday), @jasondemant. Is the customization aspect of Bento really enough to compete in this competitive market? I'm sure you have some tricks up your sleeve. 😄
@rrhoover Thanks Ryan! Huge fan of PH and really excited to finally have something to show! :)
While customization is definitely important, we think what will set us apart is our holistic approach to the entire experience. From an easy-to-use app, super fast delivery, being able to order exactly what you want, great value (only $12), gorgeous packaging, exciting experience opening your Bento and of course, delicious food. All of it is important and I don't think anyone has nailed the experience yet. We're going to try :).
I'm an investor and in love with this product and concept -- ordered it back to back last week and was blown away.
It's too cheap at $12 imo -- I think it should be $15 -- and be a meal and a half (leftovers!)
Worth a try!
@jason +1 $12 is a meal at some crappy fast food place. This doesn't exactly look like crappy fast food. Would absolutely favor having a portion size toggle for the leftover guy in me.
We're excited to be out of stealth mode after debuting at the LAUNCH Festival yesterday. If you're at the LAUNCH Festival today please come by our booth and grab some Bento lunch! Happy to answer questions about the product. Cheers!
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Just saw these guys at Launch, very cool idea. I think someone had tried this in Paris about 3 years ago but the market wasn't ready yet. I thought it was a great idea and I'm happy to see it back!
@ashmotamedi Do you remember the company name? I'd be interested in checking them out. Thanks for kudos!
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@jasondemant yeah let me check and see what it was called. I know the guy but don't think it exists any longer. They went on to start Feedly, so a pretty big pivot ;)
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I'm not in SF... based on the description and the fact that there are already on-demand food companies, I would have immediately thought the problem solved here was cuisine specific. That this works because it's targeting Asian food. And the question would be whether we will see a wave of cuisine specific food ordering apps... which makes some sense.
I can't tell from the comments thus far if that's what people like about it, or it's just a really well executed version of a food delivery concept?
@JeremyZ123 Our general thesis on the space is that companies will begin to differentiate based on food type...just like restaurants. So yes, I expect there will be cusine specific apps starting to pop-up more and more.
And to your last question -- hopefully both :).
I'm assuming you're thinking about going into different verticals or is your plan to expand to other cities first? I like the concept. Congrats @jasondemant!
@vivekmgeorge Thanks Vivek! The answer is both :). We'll start by expanding into additional cities. Long-term though we plan on expanding into additional ethnic foods as well. The system, processes & technology will work really well with other types of cuisines.
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