RMDA Member Spotlight: NC Deliveries — Local Catering & Flower Delivery in Charlotte
By: Tameshia Weaver
Tyler Cherry - Founder & Owner of NC Deliveries
Meet Tyler Cherry - NC Deliveries
From College Kid to Delivery Boss
In December 2020, while finishing his Business Administration degree and navigating the uncertainty of COVID-19, Tyler Cherry made a bold move. Instead of waiting for a diploma to dictate his next step, he invested his savings to launch NC Deliveries, a Charlotte-based local delivery company.
That leap paid off. Today, NC Deliveries provides catering and flower delivery — with on-demand meals coming soon — all while Tyler also manages his own restaurant.
Building NC Deliveries: Wins and Surprises
Tyler’s first move was all about people. He knocked on doors, met with restaurant owners and made friends in the Restaurant Marketing & Delivery Association (RMDA). Those relationships gave him credibility and connected him to tech partners that helped get orders moving.
But not everything went smoothly. “We opened our doors and boom—DoorDash rolled out a ton of new features,” Tyler laughs. “Keeping up was impossible, but hey, that’s what happens when you take on the big guys.” The lesson? Find your lane rather than playing catch‑up.
A Two-Man Team with Superpowers
NC Deliveries runs lean but strong.
Tyler handles the vision, partnerships and — when Friday night gets crazy — jumps in wherever he’s needed.
Nate, his general manager, is the operational wizard — coordinating drivers and ensuring smooth operations.
Together, they keep things humming without a huge staff.
Why Catering and Flowers?
While most delivery apps fight for on‑demand dinner orders, NC Deliveries took a different approach. Catering and flower delivery mean scheduled, high-value orders with a personal touch. They’re working on bringing back first‑party on‑demand food delivery, but for now, catering is the bread and butter.
Charlotte Isn’t Just a Market — It’s Home
Charlotte is special to Tyler not because it’s booming but because he grew up there. He knows the streets, the restaurant owners and the community. That familiarity makes it easier to build trust and tailor his service to local needs. Plus, as a fellow restaurant owner, he gets what his customers are going through.
Networking Leads to Big Wins
Tyler’s favorite success story? Landing a contract with a fast‑growing Chinese fast‑food franchise. It wasn’t cold calls that did it — it was networking through his own restaurant. When relationships are genuine, opportunities follow.
Lessons Learned: Contracts Matter
Ask Tyler what he’d do differently and he’ll tell you one thing: read the contracts twice. Early on he signed agreements with terms that didn’t leave room for flexibility. “You can’t predict every twist and turn when you’re building a business,” he says. Now he takes his time and makes sure any deal supports long‑term growth.
What Gets Measured Gets Improved
Every Monday, Tyler checks the week’s order volume. If orders dip, he digs into the why. Did marketing slip? Are drivers taking longer? When orders spike, he looks at what clicked. Keeping an eye on simple numbers helps the team stay nimble.
Looking Ahead
Tyler hopes to discover new tech partners through the RMDA this year to make running NC Deliveries smoother. Five years from now? He’s open. Growth is great, but maintaining a steady, reliable business is a win too.
Keeping Drivers Happy
How do you keep good drivers? Reward them. NC Deliveries gives its top drivers more work because they’ve earned it. Orders aren’t flung out randomly — Tyler and Nate assign them thoughtfully. They watch for early signs of burnout or disengagement so they can fix problems before someone quits.
Tyler’s Advice to New Operators
Thinking about starting your own local delivery service? Tyler’s advice is refreshingly practical: study your competition and find your edge. Big apps are everywhere, but that doesn’t mean there’s no room for you. Offer something they don’t — better customer service, stronger relationships with restaurants, or specialized delivery options — and you’ll stand out.
The Heart of NC Deliveries
With grit, community ties, and a willingness to learn, Tyler Cherry and NC Deliveries prove that local delivery companies can thrive. NC Deliveries may not have the resources of national apps, but with heart and hustle, they’ve carved out their own space in Charlotte.
To explore more about with NC Deliveries, visit: ncdeliveries.com
