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LocalExpress positions itself as the AI-powered unified platform specifically built for grocery and specialty food retailers, serving retailers across the United States, Canada, and Latin America. The Made-to-Order solution is purpose-built to help grocers "order and customize prepared foods online without any friction" while improving "speed and accuracy of order taking" and resource allocation. LocalExpress's mission is clear: empower supermarkets and grocery retailers with the tools to excel in today's digital world and go beyond e-commerce.
FoodStorm takes a different path as the catering-focused software platform now owned by Prepared foods and catering represent one of the highest-margin opportunities in grocery retail, with customers purchasing these items shopping more frequently and generating significantly larger baskets than traditional grocery shoppers. For grocers and specialty food retailers, choosing the right prepared food ordering solution determines whether you capture this revenue or watch it flow to competitors. FoodStorm and LocalExpress Made to Order take fundamentally different approaches to this opportunity—but only one truly empowers independent retailers to compete without sacrificing their brand identity.
LocalExpress can improve order fulfillment efficiency through AI-powered store mapping and collection workflows, while FoodStorm requires extensive manual configuration for each retailer's unique setup
Unified commerce beats point solutions as LocalExpress integrates prepared food ordering with e-commerce, kiosks, mobile apps, and delivery—FoodStorm specializes in Instacart. With over a decade of development in the catering space, FoodStorm was acquired by Instacart in October 2021 to expand enterprise technology offerings. While FoodStorm brings maturity and configurability, its integration into Instacart's ecosystem means retailers must consider broader platform relationships and dependencies.
The fundamental difference? LocalExpress democratizes prepared food technology through AI automation and unified commerce, while FoodStorm delivers specialized catering capabilities within a larger enterprise framework.
FoodStorm describes itself as "the world's most configurable catering software" designed to automate the entire catering and prepared foods ordering, production, payment, and fulfillment process from one centralized system. The platform has built considerable depth over its history, earning strong ratings from verified users on platforms like GetApp.
FoodStorm's specialized capabilities include:
Prior to acquisition, FoodStorm partnered with Instacart retail clients including Albertsons' Balducci's and Kings Food Markets, Bi-Rite Market, Mollie Stone's, Uncle Giuseppe's, and Roche Brothers. The platform targets grocery retailers offering catering services, particularly those already within or considering the Instacart ecosystem.
Success stories include Uncle Giuseppe's Marketplace, which reported significant growth in catering sales after implementing FoodStorm software in August 2021.
LocalExpress Made to Order represents a fundamentally different philosophy: prepared food ordering as part of a comprehensive omnichannel commerce platform rather than a standalone catering tool. Backed by investment funding led by OXZ Capital, LocalExpress has evolved from pure e-commerce to become what CEO Bagrat Safarian describes as "the Zapier for grocery data."
The Made-to-Order solution enables grocers to:
Unlike FoodStorm's enterprise catering focus, LocalExpress specifically targets grocers and specialty food retailers who need comprehensive digital capabilities without sacrificing brand identity. Recent implementations demonstrate this focus: HAC Inc. deployed LocalExpress Made-to-Order across multiple locations to enable shoppers to "easily schedule pickups, customize orders and receive personalized recommendations" for holiday meals, party trays, and butcher bundles.
As HAC Inc. CEO Tom Dahlen explained, the solution provides "a user-friendly digital solution that enhances convenience for both our guests and store teams" while optimizing "inventory and labor resources, saving HAC Inc. and its customers time and money."
The ordering experience reveals fundamental differences in how these platforms approach prepared food sales.
LocalExpress provides true omnichannel ordering across:
This unified approach means customers can start orders on mobile, modify them on the website, and complete checkout via kiosk—all while maintaining consistent pricing and product information.
FoodStorm offers multi-channel ordering through e-commerce, phone, and in-store kiosk, but these channels operate within FoodStorm's specialized catering interface rather than as part of a broader grocery shopping experience. The platform focuses on dedicated catering orders rather than integrating prepared foods into everyday grocery shopping.
LocalExpress delivers on its promise: "No, your website as well as mobile app and kiosk software are fully branded and adapted for your store. We promote you, not the opposite." Every customer touchpoint reflects your brand identity, from custom domains to receipt formatting.
FoodStorm provides customizable ordering interfaces but operates within the broader Instacart ecosystem for many retailers, creating potential brand considerations that LocalExpress's independent platform avoids entirely.
Menu flexibility determines whether you can accommodate complex prepared food offerings or settle for basic catering.
LocalExpress's Bakery All-in-One platform makes "custom cake orders easy" with:
FoodStorm offers recipe management and ingredient tracking but requires significant configuration to match LocalExpress's out-of-the-box bakery capabilities.
Managing variable-weight items like deli trays, butcher cuts, and prepared foods presents unique challenges. LocalExpress handles these through:
As detailed in LocalExpress's approach to random weight offerings, intelligent handling of variable items significantly reduces refund requests compared to basic systems.
Operational efficiency in the kitchen determines profitability of prepared food programs.
LocalExpress's AI-powered order management can improve order fulfillment efficiency through AI-powered store mapping that organizes collection by aisle, department, or zones. The system enables staff to:
FoodStorm provides Kitchen Display System capabilities and departmental production reporting, but user feedback indicates the system's configurability can become complexity, requiring extensive training and ongoing management.
Both platforms handle the critical challenge described in industry analysis: coordinating when "within your store location, the bakery needs to make 500 rolls for all of the Thanksgiving meals you have. The deli needs to make 700 turkeys and have those ready. The grocery needs to grab some of the sides from the different departments."
LocalExpress automates this with cloud printers and department splitting that routes items to appropriate areas instantly. FoodStorm accomplishes similar outcomes but requires more manual configuration for each retailer's unique departmental structure.
Real-time inventory accuracy prevents the costly problem of overselling items you can't fulfill.
LocalExpress's inventory management solution provides:
As LocalExpress guarantees: "Our platform is flexible and scalable, allowing you to customize features and functionalities to match your specific inventory management requirements."
FoodStorm offers specific integrations with NCR Storeline, Toshiba SurePOS ACE, and RORC point-of-sale systems. These integrations provide "central reconciliation for all your purchases, including from your cashier checkouts, self-checkout terminals, online eCommerce website and in-store ordering kiosk."
LocalExpress takes a broader integration philosophy, connecting with industry-leading POS systems while maintaining flexibility for retailers using less common platforms. Implementation can typically be completed within a few weeks, with LocalExpress's team guiding setup for smooth transitions with minimal operational disruption.
Fulfillment flexibility determines how many customers you can serve and where.
LocalExpress's last mile delivery management can reduce delivery costs through:
As LocalExpress emphasizes: "LocalExpress supports in-house fleets, third-party couriers, or a hybrid setup—all managed from one platform."
FoodStorm focuses primarily on traditional catering fulfillment—pickup and scheduled delivery—within the Instacart ecosystem. While effective for dedicated catering orders, this approach focuses on the catering-specific use case.
LocalExpress enables grocers to offer BOPIS (buy online, pickup in store), curbside pickup, home delivery, and shipping—all from the same unified platform. This comprehensive approach captures revenue across customer preferences rather than limiting options.
Cost transparency and scalability determine long-term platform viability.
LocalExpress provides transparent pricing designed for accessibility:
FoodStorm follows traditional enterprise software pricing:
Neither platform provides specific pricing publicly, but LocalExpress's positioning around accessibility and independent retailer focus suggests more favorable economics for smaller operators.
LocalExpress promises: "Implementation can typically be completed within a few weeks, depending on the size and complexity of your store. Our team of experts will guide you through the setup process for a smooth transition, ensuring that your inventory management system is up and running with minimal disruption to your operations."
The HAC Inc. deployment included "on location" training to store staff, demonstrating LocalExpress's hands-on implementation approach.
FoodStorm offers comprehensive onboarding with live one-on-one setup training sessions, 24/7 urgent global support, and a knowledge base with hundreds of training articles and videos. However, user reviews note the platform's "steep learning curve," suggesting longer time to full proficiency.
Data insights and operational efficiency determine how prepared food programs affect staffing and profitability.
LocalExpress's real-time dashboards provide:
This intelligence enables grocers to optimize labor allocation, adjust menu offerings based on actual demand, and identify high-margin opportunities.
Prepared food technology directly impacts staffing requirements and management efficiency. LocalExpress's self-ordering kiosks "increase profit" by optimizing staff efficiency while "improving grocery experience" through reduced queues and multiple payment methods.
The AI-powered fulfillment system improves order processing efficiency, meaning the same staff can handle significantly more volume during peak periods. This efficiency gain matters tremendously for grocers competing on thin margins.
One FoodStorm user captured productivity impact: "My productivity skyrocketed while simultaneously allowing me to see how and where I was wasting my manpower"—demonstrating that both platforms can improve operations when properly implemented.
Day-to-day platform usability determines whether staff embrace or resist the technology.
LocalExpress emphasizes simplified management through:
FoodStorm users rate ease of use positively, noting "the ease of order entry is superb" and "the ability to create customizable menus to fit any possible need is amazing." However, the extensive configurability that enables this flexibility also creates complexity that some users find overwhelming.
LocalExpress differentiates through personalized support:
FoodStorm provides 24/7 urgent global support with live chat and email options, plus monthly webinar trainings and comprehensive knowledge base. Users highlight "fantastic experience from enquiry through to onboarding and the great customer service continues," though one negative review noted "non-existent customer service and account management."
Choosing between FoodStorm and LocalExpress depends on your specific circumstances and priorities.
LocalExpress Made to Order excels when you:
LocalExpress's positioning as "AI-powered unified platform for food retailers" serving retailers across diverse markets demonstrates proven capability for independent operators.
FoodStorm may suit retailers who:
FoodStorm's acquisition by Instacart positions it as the catering solution within that broader platform relationship.
Before selecting a platform, evaluate:
LocalExpress's purpose-built approach for grocers, combined with unified commerce capabilities and AI-native architecture, positions it as the superior choice for independent and regional food retailers seeking competitive advantage without complexity.
While FoodStorm brings maturity and specialized catering capabilities, LocalExpress emerges as the better choice for the vast majority of grocery retailers and specialty food operators. Here's why:
LocalExpress integrates prepared foods with e-commerce, mobile apps, kiosks, and delivery rather than treating catering as an isolated function. This creates seamless customer experiences that drive larger baskets and repeat purchases.
As an independent platform serving retailers across North America and Latin America, LocalExpress avoids the ecosystem lock-in considerations that come with FoodStorm's Instacart ownership.
LocalExpress's AI-powered data harmonization, predictive inventory management, and improved order fulfillment create operational advantages that manually-configured systems struggle to match.
24/7 support with on-location training and personal relationships contrasts with enterprise support models designed for large chains with dedicated IT departments.
LocalExpress's promise—"We promote you, not the opposite"—ensures every customer touchpoint strengthens your brand rather than diluting it within marketplace platforms.
Implementation in weeks rather than months, combined with transparent pricing, reduces both financial and operational risk.
Grocers need technology that empowers growth without creating dependency. LocalExpress delivers on that promise, making digital transformation accessible to every retailer regardless of size or technical expertise.
Ready to transform your prepared foods program? Get a demo and discover why forward-thinking grocers choose LocalExpress.
The fundamental difference lies in philosophy and scope. FoodStorm is a specialized catering software with over a decade of development focused exclusively on catering and prepared foods management, now owned by Instacart. LocalExpress Made to Order is part of an AI-native unified commerce platform that integrates prepared foods with broader grocery e-commerce, mobile apps, kiosks, and delivery management. LocalExpress serves grocers seeking comprehensive digital transformation, while FoodStorm serves those wanting deep catering-specific functionality within Instacart's ecosystem.
Yes, LocalExpress excels at custom orders through its Bakery All-in-One platform and Made-to-Order solution. The system makes "custom cake orders easy" with customizable menus, real-time kitchen display integration, order management, and inventory tracking specifically designed for bakery operations. LocalExpress also handles complex catering menus, party trays, and specialty items with flexible customization options.
Implementation can typically be completed within a few weeks, depending on the size and complexity of your store. LocalExpress's team of experts guides you through the setup process for a smooth transition, ensuring your prepared food ordering system is up and running with minimal disruption to operations. The process includes business analysis, catalog integration, POS connection, storefront design, testing, and store launch with a branded website and mobile apps. LocalExpress also provides on-location training to store staff to ensure success and seamless transition.
Yes, LocalExpress offers comprehensive last mile delivery management that integrates with major delivery networks in
cluding DoorDash, Uber, Nash, and regional providers through a single integration. The system can reduce costs through AI-powered routing and supports on-demand, scheduled, and bulk delivery. LocalExpress supports in-house fleets, third-party couriers, or a hybrid setup—all managed from one platform with white-labeled customer experience and complete data ownership.
LocalExpress integrates with industry-leading POS systems including NCR, Toshiba, IT Retail, and others commonly used in grocery operations. The platform emphasizes seamless POS synchronization that prevents overselling and stock discrepancies across all channels. Integration includes one-click catalog sync, real-time inventory updates, barcode scanner support (including Zebra devices), and mobile/iPad apps for inventory management. Our platform is flexible and scalable, allowing you to customize features and functionalities to match your specific POS requirements, with implementation support ensuring compatibility with your existing technology stack.
