Abstract: A decentralized ordering system allows a customer to track order status from a centralized order status system by providing a single, easily remembered identifier (such as a telephone number) without having to log in and without having to specify which local system is handling the customer's order. The central system communicates with each local system to obtain order status information. The central communication function handles all login and authentication requirements on the local systems, if necessary, and reformats the order status data, if necessary, to a common format for storage at the central location. The system also may notify the customer, via telephone, text message, instant message or electronic mail, whenever the order status changes or when the order status changes to a predetermined condition (such as “out for delivery”).

Abstract: A food assembly line is provided for assembling a food item according to an order. The food assembly line includes multiple work stations at which the food item may be positioned, and a display system including a display device at each of the multiple work stations. The display system is configured to display information associated with the order at the display devices. The display system is further configured to update the display devices during assembly of the food item so that each display device displays at least a portion of the information when the food item is positioned proximate the display device.

Abstract: A box for receiving a food item is provided, and the box is usable with an additional box that is also configured to receive a food item. The box includes a bottom portion, and a top portion that is hingedly connected to the bottom portion and that forms a cover. The top portion includes a top panel and a side panel connected to the top panel, and the side panel has a bendable tab formed therein. The tab is bendable to an operative position and cooperable with the additional box to link the two boxes together when the additional box is placed on top of the box.

Abstract: A delivery vehicle may include a vehicle body having a side with an opening for providing access to an interior of the vehicle, a linkage assembly connected to the vehicle body, and a door connected to the linkage assembly. The door may be movable upwardly from a lowered position, in which the door covers the opening, to a raised position for providing access to the interior of the vehicle through the opening. Furthermore, the door may be oriented generally upright in both the lowered and raised positions, and the door may be movable outwardly away from the vehicle body when the door moves from the lowered position to the raised position.

Abstract: A storage module for use with a vehicle may include a base securable to the vehicle, and a storage tray attachable to the base. The tray includes a raised deck for receiving a food container. In addition, the tray defines an open area under the raised deck for receiving a user's hand when the food container is received on the deck.

Abstract: A delivery vehicle may include a vehicle body having a side with an opening for providing access to an interior of the vehicle, a linkage assembly connected to the vehicle body, and a door connected to the linkage assembly. The door may be movable upwardly from a lowered position, in which the door covers the opening, to a raised position for providing access to the interior of the vehicle through the opening. Furthermore, the door may be oriented generally upright in both the lowered and raised positions, and the door may be movable outwardly away from the vehicle body when the door moves from the lowered position to the raised position.

Abstract: A storage module for use with a vehicle may include a base securable to the vehicle, and a storage tray attachable to the base. The tray includes a raised deck for receiving a food container. In addition, the tray defines an open area under the raised deck for receiving a user's hand when the food container is received on the deck.

Abstract: A box for receiving a food item is provided, and the box is usable with an additional box that is also configured to receive a food item. The box includes a bottom portion including a bottom panel having a link feature formed therein, and a top portion hingedly connected to the bottom portion and configured to form a cover. The top portion includes a top panel having a link feature formed therein. The link feature of the bottom portion is cooperable with the additional box to link the two boxes together when the additional box is placed beneath the box, or the link feature of the top portion is cooperable with the additional box to link the two boxes together when the additional box is placed on top of the box. Furthermore, at least one of the link features comprises a bendable tab.

Abstract: A box for receiving a food item is provided, and the box is usable with an additional box that is also configured to receive a food item. The box includes a bottom portion, and a top portion that is hingedly connected to the bottom portion and that forms a cover. The top portion includes a top panel and a side panel connected to the top panel, and the side panel has a bendable tab formed therein. The tab is bendable to an operative position and cooperable with the additional box to link the two boxes together when the additional box is placed on top of the box.