Simplified: A new-to-Sioux Falls app called Too Good To Go is giving restaurants a way to reduce food waste and consumers a way to try new foods at a discounted rate.
Why it matters
- Too Good To Go was founded in 2015 in Copenhagen as a way to reduce food waste and took awhile to make it to the U.S. It launched in the Twin Cities in 2023, and just this month made its debut in Sioux Falls.
- The app allows businesses to sell random grab bags of excess food or products that might otherwise be thrown away at the end of the day. Customers can buy the bags at a discounted rate.
- Right now, only a few businesses are participating, including Circle K, Intoxibakes and Oh My Cupcakes, whose founder Melissa Johnson said she anticipates many more restaurants will jump on board.
"In our first day 'live,' our Too Good to Go surprise bags sold out in 10 minutes," Johnson said. "We believe this shows people are hungry for this type of option in our area."
How does it work?
Users can simply download the Too Good To Go app, input their location and reserve grab bags as they become available.
That said, because there aren't a ton of businesses using the app yet, the available bags tend to go really quickly.
And, while Intoxibakes Co-Founder Josie Layton said the app is a good way to reduce food waste and increase foot traffic to the store, it's probably not good for you if you're a picky eater.
- Some days, it might be the excess cake sliced off in leveling or the result of a messed-up order.
"It’s not something you have a say in what you’re ordering," Layton said. "It might be ugly, but it's delicious."
