After a snow-free January and February, Chicago finally got its late winter storm.
A mid March storm is bringing several inches on snow to the Chicago area, with some places expedited to get over 10 inches of accumulation. If you thought we were diving head first into spring after a mild winter, you were wrong.
As you begin to dig out of what will (hopefully) be the last storm of the year, we wanted remind you that there are several on-demand apps that can help deal with the snow. Whether it's getting your driveway plowed or ordering a bottle of booze, here are some startups that want to make life easier.
Snow removal
Plowz: An on-demand snow plowing app that operates in Chicago and two dozen other cities. Users can get a quote, select a date and location, and Plowz will send live updates and a photo of when the job is completed. Plowz also does lawn mowing and leaf removal.
Shovler: An Uber-like app that connects snow shovelers with those in need of snow removal services. It helps people earn money by shoveling snow, and gives people access to more snow removal services. The app is available in New York, Chicago, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Boston and other cities.
Eden: Toronto-based Eden is a snow removal and landscaping app that recently launched in several US cities, including Chicago and Milwaukee. Its app connects people in need of snow removal with professional contractors.
Food delivery
Grubhub: Chicago-based publicly traded Grubhub lets you browse menus from your favorite local restaurants and get food delivered in minutes.
Postmates: On-demand startup Postmates has been live in the Chicago area for several years and can bring food and other everyday items to your door.
Caviar: Caviar began on-demand food delivery in Chicago in 2014 and, like other services, brings food to your door.
Instacart: Want groceries delivered? Instacart will bring you everything you need to cook a meal without you having to trek through the snow.
Alcohol delivery
Drizly: Boston-based Drizly has been live in Chicago since 2014 and brings beer, wine and spirits to your door with the click of an app. You can also order extras like mixers, sodas and other party supplies.
Foxtrot: With Chicago-based Foxtrot, you can get craft beer, wine, spirits, snacks, gifts and everyday items delivered on-demand.
Saucey: LA-based alcohol delivery startup Saucey launched in Chicago last year and delivers alcohol to your door in under an hour.
Car trouble
OtoBots: This Chicago startup lets you request an auto mechanic from your phone. You can select a convenient date and time and a certified car mechanic comes to your home or office to perform the service. If your car breaks down on the road, a mechanic can arrive in as soon an an hour.
Dog walkers
Urban Leash: Don't want to walk your pup in the snow? Chicago-based Urban Leash lets you schedule a dog walker from your phone. You can track your dog's walk with GPS, read notes of what happened on the walk, and see pictures of your pet while they're away.
Dry cleaning
Dryv: Chicago-based Dryv lets you skip the trip to the dry cleaners. The startup will come pick your laundry up within an hour and deliver the clothes to your house or office the next day at a time of your choosing.
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