A Homewood Domino’s has turned toward a different way of delivering pizza.
Rather than only relying on vehicles, the Homewood location – and Domino’s franchises throughout the country – have utilized electronic bikes to deliver pizzas.
“E-bike delivery staff serves customers within a 1.5 mile radius of the store, a faster means of transportation for this distance compared to a vehicle,” according to Chad Vickers, a Domino’s Franchisee. Vickers oversees locations in Chicago Heights, Chicago and in Homewood, at 2141 183rd St.
The Homewood Domino’s started the effort in September in the middle of the pandemic, he said. His Homewood store is one of three in the metro region that has e-bike delivery. The bikes have an electric motor, to help with pedaling and can speed just under 20 mph.
“The couple of guys we had ride them said they loved them,” said Vickers, who’s been with Domino’s for seven years.
Since then, more delivery people have liked the e-bikes than anticipated, Vickers said, noting “we knew some people would take to it but a lot of people are really excited about riding them.”
“It’s a lot cooler than riding your regular bike at home,” he continued. “And we give them some safety equipment, we put them through some training and they’re ready to go.”
Vickers said Domino’s is always trying to find ways to work with new technology, which is what led to the e-bike delivery effort. But it also came as a way to expand the franchise’s applicant pool, he said.
Vickers said the Homewood location is hiring for individuals who are 18 or older and “willing to make the money.” They are also looking for “anybody motivated that wants to come in and work, be able to get a chance to pick up some hours and have flexible scheduling.”
Domino’s does on-the-spot interviews, phone interviews and takes online applications.
For more information visit pizza.dominos.com/illinois/homewood/2141-183rd-st/.