THE STORY OF EatFirst is as improbable as it is extraordinary . In 2014 , Rahul Parekh was trading equity derivatives for Goldman Sachs – the ‘ city job ’ he ’ d dreamt of since childhood . Yet somewhere amid his eight years working for the investment bank – most likely the collision of long hours with unhealthy takeaway options that demolished any hope for a balanced diet – Parekh had a culinary epiphany . “ I felt there was a better way of doing it ,” he says .
RAHUL PAREKH , founder and CEO , EatFirst
THE STORY OF EatFirst is as improbable as it is extraordinary . In 2014 , Rahul Parekh was trading equity derivatives for Goldman Sachs – the ‘ city job ’ he ’ d dreamt of since childhood . Yet somewhere amid his eight years working for the investment bank – most likely the collision of long hours with unhealthy takeaway options that demolished any hope for a balanced diet – Parekh had a culinary epiphany . “ I felt there was a better way of doing it ,” he says .
Four years on , and EatFirst has graduated from deskbound daydream to the UK ’ s leading purveyor of gourmet ready meals . Following various trials during its 2014 launch ( including superfast delivery , hot food options and a subscription service ), the company settled on a business model that sees expertly made meals arrive chilled , for optimum freshness . Each dish comes with a five-day fridge guarantee , and is ready to heat and eat in five minutes or less .
Working in tandem with Benn Hodges – EatFirst ’ s Culinary Director , who lists The Ivy , Century Club and Roka among his past employers – Parekh has grown the online food brand from a staff of five to 35 , with
“ We figured out that delivering chilled or ambient temperature is far better quality than delivering hot , because the taste and nutrients degrade over time whilst in delivery ”
RAHUL PAREKH , founder and CEO , EatFirst
separate B2C and B2B divisions , as well as a freshly launched retail arm , making EatFirst meals available for purchase on Ocado . With EatFirst ’ s HQ and kitchen alike in London , diners in the capital can expect same day delivery , with households in England and Scotland ( bar the Scottish Highlands ) able to receive their meals the following day , via chilled courier .
54 June 2018