While there’s a bit more to the story than what’s on the face of it, the idea that the New York Times is starting a service to deliver food to readers doesn’t look like the best sign for the health of the newspaper industry.
No, you can’t call up The Grey Lady and ask them to send over some hot wings. The Times is partnering with online meal store Chef’d on an interactive recipe site and app which will allow readers to browse and order recipes from NYT Cooking. Chef’d will handle the ingredient delivery, which will arrive at your doorstep within 48 hours. The two companies will split the bill, so to speak.
Readers get two options for the service, which will launch this summer. One allows you to order meal kits designed around NYT Cooking recipes while the other is a subscription service that lets you select specific meals and timeframe.
As for how much all of this will cost, that remains to be seen. But the NYT must be seeing a lot of success with it’s already-running wine club so the next logical step would be food. Ultimately, it’s the kind of move that a newspaper has to make in order to remain viable and profitable. Still, it makes you wonder what road we’re heading down.
The line between news organization and retailer is getting a bit blurry. Maybe it already was.
[NY Times]
