Facebook launches food delivery service in the US

Facebook has launched a new food ordering & delivery service in the US making it easier for users to order meals from nearby restaurants and service providers without leaving the social network.

"People already go to Facebook to figure out what to eat by reading about nearby restaurants, and seeing what their friends say about them. So, we're making it even easier," Facebook vice president Alex Himel wrote in a blog post. "From local spots to national chains, Facebook connects you with old favorites and new discoveries in just a few taps. You can even check out what your friends have to say about a restaurant before you order your food."

The company said it has partnered with restaurants including Chipotle Mexican Grill, Jack in the Box, Five Guys, Papa John's, Panera, TGI Friday’s, Denny’s, El Pollo Loco, and Jimmy John’s. It has also signed on food ordering services such as EatStreet, Delivery.com, DoorDash, Olo, ChowNow, Zuppler and Slice.

The social network has been testing this feature since last year and is rolling out the service to users in the United States on its desktop, iOS and Android applications, with new partners.

The latest service adds to Facebook's ever expanding list of features to keep users hooked on its platform, with services such as money-transfer, business services and ride-hailing available from its main application or messaging services.