What does "key drop delivery" mean?

"Key drop delivery" refers to a process where a supplier delivers food or products to a restaurant or food service operation after business hours when the establishment is closed. During this type of delivery, the supplier typically has access to the location through a key or code, allowing them to drop off items without a staff member present at that moment.

This method is beneficial for various reasons, such as minimizing disruption during operating hours and ensuring that fresh products are available for service the next day. The proper handling and verification of these deliveries are crucial to maintain food safety standards, as no staff supervision is involved immediately upon delivery.

Other options focus on scenarios like delivery during business hours, which does not align with the concept of "key drop" since the establishment is open. Deliveries requiring in-person handoffs or deliveries being left at the loading dock also do not pertain to the unattended, after-hours drop-off nature that defines key drop deliveries.