Instacart and Toast are launching a new strategic partnership that will let restaurants sync their inventory to Instacart’s service and offer a “just-in-time” supply solution for stockouts of critical ingredients, the companies said Tuesday.
The companies will test the partnership in early 2026 and then expand it nationally later in the year, the press release said.
Restaurants that use Toast will be able to access Instacart Business through Toast’s platform, streamlining the process of ordering from the delivery platform.
According to the press release, Instacart Business functions as “a procurement partner for Toast restaurant locations, offering essentials like fresh produce and pantry staples for same-day delivery and helping quickly address last-minute needs, often within an hour.”
Participating restaurants can take advantage of other B2B Instacart features, including Instacart+ subscriptions, which can be shared with team members.
Steve Fredette, Toast’s co-founder and president, said the partnership could help restaurants bridge critical supply gaps and “ensure the kitchen never runs out of key ingredients during a Friday night rush.”
Just-in-time delivery could help with unexpected shortfalls in key ingredients, or supply mishaps that befall restaurateurs. But the tool seems unlikely to function as a major replacement for diligent supply chain management.
Instacart has been inching further into the restaurant sphere in recent years. In 2024, it partnered with Uber Eats, adding a restaurant tab for access to Uber-fulfilled delivery. That partnership helped boost customer engagement and grocery orders.
