Hot meals can now be delivered from favorite restaurants directly to a doorstep through an online delivery service called Dinner Dart.

When Josh Lumpkin and Greg Frierson Jr., co-owners of Dinner Dart, decided to start a business together, they weren’t sure what that would be at first.

“We worked for months trying to find an idea. I’ve never heard of this type of delivery service until a friend suggested it and we thought it would be a great thing to start here,” Lumpkin said.

In January, the Picayune natives decided to put their heads together to pursue the business venture. Their dream turned into a reality when they opened for business in May.

The delivery company has since established working relationships with several local restaurants, including El Mariachi Authentic Mexican Cuisine, Tokyo Grill and Sushi, New Buffet City, Sho-Nuff BBQ and Catering and Chick N Stick.

Dinner Dart allows customers to order delivery or takeout from participating restaurants through their online forum at dinnerdart.com, Lumpkin said.

Lumpkin and Frierson are no strangers to the restaurant industry.

Lumpkin previously managed a Domino’s Pizza in Gulfport and has web marketing experience. His business partner, Frierson, boasts serving and management experience at numerous restaurants.

Lumpkin said he’s always considered himself an entrepreneur.

“When I was little, I remember setting up a candy stand in kindergarten and selling candy,” Lumpkin said.

While he’s business savvy, Lumpkin said he couldn’t imagine running the business without Frierson.

“I’m glad I have Greg by my side. He’s the people person,” Lumpkin said.

Frierson added, “Josh works well on the business side. He has that down pat.”

Dinner Dart and their professional team of “mobile waiters,” as Lumpkin calls them, aim to offer restaurant-style service to each customer.

When a customer orders delivery from Dinner Dart, the waiter comes to their house supplied with the order from their chosen restaurant, including mints, toothpicks, flatware and a check presenter. The waiters also don professional aprons, Lumpkin said.

“We aim to look professional like we’re waiters at a restaurant and provide the best customer service,” Lumpkin said.

Customers can place an order in the comfort of their own home by visiting dinnerdart.com. As soon as the order is placed, employees from Dinner Dart dispatch the order to the chosen restaurant and one of their waiters picks up the food from the restaurant to deliver to the customer’s home address, Lumpkin said.

“All the while, the customer receives texts and an email alerting them on the progress of their order,” Lumpkin said.

The customer can expect to receive their meal around 45 minutes after placing the order, depending on the distance from their home to their chosen restaurant, current traffic conditions and the speediness of the restaurant’s kitchen, Lumpkin said.

The delivery fee can range anywhere from $3.99 to $6.99 depending on the distance from the customer’s home to their chosen restaurant.

Cash, credit cards and business checks are all accepted forms of payment, Frierson said.

Dinner Dart currently offers delivery to residences in Picayune and surrounding areas on Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Lumpkin said they plan to expand their business hours and delivery area toward Kiln and Carriere.

“But we’re trying to figure out how to keep delivery prices low and make sure we don’t go too far where the food may get cold,” Lumpkin said.

Customers can opt to order takeout by visiting their website, where the menus from each participating restaurant are available. Dinner Dart also provides coupons and a chance to earn rewards points, Lumpkin said.

For more information, call 601-500-5955, visit dinnerdart.com or follow them on Facebook at Dinner Dart.