Delivery-only restaurant brands were proliferating even before the pandemic. But they’ve seen explosive growth in the last year, and big restaurant chains are now joining the fray. On Wednesday, Applebee’s is launching Cosmic Wings, which will deliver wings and Cheetos sauce through Uber Eats from 1,300 Applebee’s kitchens. It’s joining a crowded market. Denny’s is rolling out two virtual brands this year, The Burger Den and The Meltdown. Chuck E. Cheese started delivery-only Pasqually’s Pizza and Wings last March. Experts say they expect delivery to stay even after the pandemic eases because diners’ habits have changed.
