12th START-EAT-UP Edition, in Porto: Delivery in the Restaurant Business

12th Edition of START-EAT-UP | Delivery in the Restaurant Business

When delivery ceases to be a trend and becomes a strategy.

The 12th edition of START-EAT-UP once again brought together decision-makers, operators, brands, and specialists to discuss one of the most critical topics in today's restaurant industry: delivery as a strategic business tool.

Held at the Saw eSports Arena, this meeting once again affirmed START-EAT-UP as an essential gathering point for those looking to transform knowledge into action, integrating technology, data, and operations with a practical business vision.

In a dynamic and collaborative environment, the afternoon was dedicated to exploring the main challenges and opportunities of delivery, from management and logistics efficiency to its role in the sustainable growth of the restaurant sector.

 

 

A program designed for the present and the future

The session began at 2:30 PM with check-in and networking, immediately creating an environment conducive to the exchange of ideas among industry professionals.

At 3:05 PM, the opening was led by DIG-IN and Storesace, who welcomed participants and framed the central theme of the event: how to transform data, technology, and operations into a competitive advantage in delivery.

 

Panel 1 | Data as the basis for strategic management

The first panel of the afternoon addressed one of the fundamental pillars of modern delivery:
"The Use of Data and Strategic Management in the Delivery Business".

The conversation brought together Thamel, theRest Delivery Consulting, moderated by ADECI Group, and focused on the role of data in decision-making, optimizing operations, and building more efficient and profitable business models.

It became clear that in an increasingly competitive market, those who know how to read, interpret, and act on data are always one step ahead.

(from left to right: Tiago Henriques, Thamel; Andria Fonseca, ADECI Group; Federico di Paola, theRest Delivery Consulting)

 

Panel 2 | 2020–2030: learning from the past to prepare for the future

In the second panel, DIG-IN brought together Uber Eats, Glovo, and O Gerente  for an open and strategic conversation on the theme: "2020–2030: A Retrospective for the Future".

This moment provided a clear analysis of the evolution of delivery over the last decade, past mistakes and lessons learned, and, above all, the trends that will shape the coming years, from more efficient operational models to the relationship between brands, platforms, and consumers.

(from left to right: Luís Azeredo, DIG-IN; Francisco Meneses, Uber Eats; Adrian Mayans, Glovo; Sérgio Araújo, O Gerente)

 

 

Panel 3 | The big details: management and logistics

The final part of the program was dedicated to the details that make a difference in day-to-day operations:
"The Big Details: Management and Logistics".

The panel brought together Camada Francesinhas and Catcher, moderated by Storesace, and highlighted the importance of operational efficiency, well-structured logistics, and intelligent use of technology to scale delivery without compromising quality, margins, or customer experience.

Once again, it became evident that the success of delivery is built on the details.

 

(from left to right: Fábio Teixeira, Storesace; Nuno Pontes, Camada Francesinha; Jorge Castejón, Catcher)

 

What these talks reinforced

This edition of START-EAT-UP delivered clear messages for the sector:

  • Delivery is now a central pillar of restaurant strategy;
  • Data and technology are essential for smarter decisions;
  • Efficient management and logistics are critical success factors;
  • The future is built with collaboration between operators, brands, and technology;
  • Communities like START-EAT-UP accelerate the transformation of the sector.

Networking that generates value

The event concluded with a moment of networking and check-out, reinforcing what START-EAT-UP has proven edition after edition: true value lies in conversations, sharing real challenges, and creating connections that transform into opportunities.

It was also a moment to mark an important milestone: 12 editions of START-EAT-UP. More than just a number, these 12 editions reflect the consistency, relevance, and impact that this movement has generated in the restaurant sector. Throughout this journey, START-EAT-UP has established itself as a true meeting point for those who seek not only to follow market evolution but also to actively contribute to it.

This continuous cycle of monthly events has fostered a culture of open sharing, where real experiences, on-the-ground challenges, and practical solutions are discussed without filters, creating value for both organizers and recurring participants. It is precisely this constant exchange of knowledge that has strengthened the community, accelerated innovation, and raised the level of maturity of the sector.

 

 

START-EAT-UP continues

With each edition, START-EAT-UP solidifies its position as an essential meeting point for those who believe that the future of the restaurant industry is built on innovation, sharing, and applied knowledge.

New topics, new challenges, new editions. Always with the same purpose:
to empower the restaurant sector for the future.

The future is already on the table.
And we want to continue this journey with you.

See you at the next edition.

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