Marc Lore’s food startup, Wonder, is rapidly expanding and employing automation and customer-driven concepts as it prepares for a potential initial public offering (IPO). The company, founded in 2018, operates a vertically integrated food technology platform combining food halls with app-based ordering and delivery. Wonder plans a large-scale rollout across Texas with over 100 new locations by the end of 2027. Lore has not specified the exact timing of the IPO but has indicated the company is ready and might go public early next year.

Wonder distinguishes itself by owning Grubhub, which allows it to eliminate delivery fees and reduce menu markups for customers ordering through its app. The company is innovating with automation in food preparation, aiming for fully autonomous kitchens by 2040. Innovative initiatives include Wonder Create, set to launch in November, a subscription service enabling influencers and entrepreneurs to run branded restaurants from Wonder kitchens using AI for menu development and operations.

The startup has raised $3.3 billion to date from significant investors such as DoorDash, Alphabet’s venture arm GV, and Gwyneth Paltrow, reaching a $9 billion valuation. Despite the fundraising success, concerns about food quality remain among some customers, though Wonder maintains that its continuous improvement efforts have led to increasing taste scores and positive reviews. The company’s footprint includes 170 locations across several states, with a growing presence in competitive markets like New York City.

Marc Lore’s proven entrepreneurial background, including successes with Diapers.com and Jet.com, has helped build investor confidence in Wonder’s ambitious plans. In addition to expanding brick-and-mortar locations, the company has made significant acquisitions such as Blue Apron and Relay to bolster its portfolio and logistics. Lore views Wonder as a significant opportunity to reshape dining by making quality food more accessible, particularly in underserved suburban and rural areas, leveraging technology and scale to drive down costs.