> so much money towards delivery in so many ways

It makes more sense if you see it as emerging from a meta-strategy of: Create a national middleman platform; become monopolistic by operating at a loss; trap both sides while raising fees to extract rents.

The other options you're talking about aren't mustache-twirlingly exploitative enough to appeal to those investors.

It would be too easy for Local Hungry Dude and Local Eatery to have a friendly chat when picking up the food, and then cut-out the (unnecessary, unproductive) middleman for future meals.