Grubhub: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

Grubhub was founded in 2004 in Chicago, Illinois, by Matt Maloney and Mike Evans. The platform began as an online alternative to paper menus, allowing diners to browse restaurant options and place orders digitally. The company went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2014 and expanded rapidly through acquisitions, including Seamless, Eat24, and LevelUp, to build one of the broadest delivery footprints in the country.

In 2021, Grubhub was acquired by Just Eat Takeaway.com, a European food delivery holding company, in a deal valued at approximately $7.3 billion. Just Eat Takeaway.com later agreed to sell Grubhub to Wonder Group, with the deal announced in late 2024 and completed in early 2025, marking a new ownership chapter for the platform. Today, Grubhub operates across thousands of cities in the United States, partnering with independent restaurants and national chains to connect customers with delivery and pickup options.

Grubhub's business model connects three groups: diners, restaurant partners, and delivery driver partners. Grubhub generally classifies drivers as independent contractors, though classification has been subject to ongoing legal proceedings in various jurisdictions. The platform operates through the Grubhub app and website, with orders routed to drivers in real time based on location and availability.

Company culture and employee programs: Grubhub offers driver partners flexibility to set their own schedules and work in their preferred delivery zones. Driver partners have access to in-app navigation, earnings tracking, and support resources. The company has participated in fair chance hiring discussions within the gig economy and has historically worked with Checkr to conduct its driver background screening program.

Yes. All prospective Grubhub delivery driver partners are required to complete a background check before gaining access to the platform. Because Grubhub drivers operate as independent contractors, the screening is designed to evaluate eligibility for platform access rather than traditional employment. Background checks may also be conducted on a recurring basis after initial activation to maintain ongoing platform safety standards.

Three to five business days is the typical timeframe for most Grubhub background checks. Several factors can extend that window:

For more context on what affects timing, see background check turnaround times.

A Grubhub driver background check can surface records across several categories:

For criminal records, the standard lookback period is seven years for most convictions, consistent with FCRA guidelines and applicable state laws. However, certain offense types, including violent crimes and sexual offenses, may be reviewed regardless of when they occurred, subject to state law.

For motor vehicle records, the lookback period is generally three to seven years, depending on the state DMV's reporting rules.

State and local laws govern the maximum lookback periods permitted in each jurisdiction. Some states have enacted "ban-the-box" laws that further restrict how and when certain criminal history information can be considered in hiring and platform access decisions.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that governs how consumer reporting agencies collect and report background check information, and how companies like Grubhub may use that information when making screening decisions.

Under the FCRA, Grubhub must:

These protections apply to all candidates, regardless of the outcome of the background check.

Grubhub uses an individualized assessment process when evaluating candidates with criminal records. A felony conviction does not automatically disqualify a candidate from becoming a Grubhub driver partner, though the nature, severity, and recency of the offense are all considered.

Convictions that may receive closer review include:

Older offenses, and misdemeanors in particular, are typically evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Grubhub's screening practices are subject to applicable fair chance hiring laws, which vary by state and locality. Candidates with questions about how a specific record may affect their eligibility can review their rights under the FCRA and applicable state law.

To complete the Grubhub background check process, driver partners are generally required to meet the following conditions:

Grubhub conducts background checks at the time of initial onboarding for all prospective driver partners. In addition, the platform uses recurring or continuous monitoring to screen active driver partners on an ongoing basis. This means that criminal records or driving violations that occur after initial activation may be identified and reviewed, which could affect a driver's continued access to the platform. Recurring screening is a common practice among gig economy platforms to support ongoing safety standards for both drivers and customers.

Running a personal background check with Checkr lets you preview what Grubhub may see before your screening begins. A personal check covers the core components included in a standard driver screening:

To run a personal background check or create a shareable Checkr Profile:

You can track your background check status and get support through the Candidate Portal or by visiting the Checkr Help Center.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.