When Your Pizza Delivery Goes Missing, What’s Behind The Trend

With the cost of everything having gone up, and in some cases, it doesn't seem that it will ever go back down, are people turning to crimes of opportunity to stay fed? An August incident at a Minnesota pizzeria may be a hint and or a warning for users, both consumers and businesses, who utilize food delivery services.

The Times They Are A-Changin'

A quick online search in terms of how the job market is shows that right now, not many businesses are hiring, with costs on the rise thanks to inflation and tariffs. So those who are struggling financially are in a tough spot: stick with the job they currently have, which doesn't get them enough financially to make ends meet, or quit and hope for something better.

Some of those people who are trying to make ends meet may have entered into the gig economy. Working nights and weekends, either driving for Uber/Lyft or becoming a delivery driver, either directly for a restaurant or through a service like DoorDash or Uber Eats.

Uber Driver Takes Pizza For Themselves

Back in August, a Twin Cities pizzeria posted online about an Uber driver who decided, rather than deliver the pizza to the paying customer (do you know how expensive it is to order using these services, btw?), they decided to keep the pie for themselves.

Now I've heard about the horror stories of DoorDash/Uber Eats drivers not delivering the food based on the tip amount, or not wanting to deliver to a high-rise or large apartment complex before. But it's still shocking to me on some level that this incident that occurred in August isn't out of the realm of ordinary.

With Prices High For Everything, Will We See Less Delivery & More Home Dining?

As of July 2025, that seems to be the trend for consumers. According to Nourish Food Marketing, "nearly half (46%) of all respondents say they're cooking and eating at home more often, a shift that reflects both cost-saving motivations and a search for control amid uncertainty."

If that trend is going to continue, those who took the gig jobs delivering food will once again be 'forced' out to look for another PT job to offset what they need in a more expensive world.

Get our free mobile app

What Steps Can You Take To Protect Yourself From Food 'Delivery' Theft?

Unfortunately, there isn't a whole lot you can do at this point, outside of installing a video doorbell/monitor. Once the delivery isn't made, you can notify the restaurant and the delivery service, and another good option is to file a police report, as it might be part of a larger problem.