By Rachel Kubicek

Globe Staff Writer

Have you ever been stuck at the office for lunch and realized you needed sustenance to get you through the rest of the afternoon but weren't in the mood for pizza? Or perhaps you only have 30 minutes to spend on lunch and drive-through cuisine just doesn't sound like the catch of the day?

Eight local restaurants have teamed up for Dine-In Delivery, a new Joplin business designed to give the dining public more choices for lunch and dinner without having to leave home or the office.

Kim Parker, of Neosho, and Britt Karns, of Joplin, joined forces to open the new business, armed with several delivery drivers and a new-to-Joplin convenience.

"My partner came to me and asked me if I liked the idea and if I wanted to come in on the venture. I thought is was a good idea," says Parker.

Craig Dowd, manager of Dowd's Catfish House, one of the restaurants on the Dine-In Delivery menu, says it has picked up the restaurant's carry-out business considerably. "It's a great idea. It's great that people have the option to choose delivery from different restaurants," says Dowd.

They offer every item on the menu for delivery - except for all-you-can-eat meals - including crab legs, shrimp, clam, crawfish and catfish.

Other restaurants on the menu are Big R's Steak and Ribs, Lil' Hacienda, Poochie's Rib Pit, The Thai Restaurant, Turtleheads, Wok & Roll China Bistro and Quiznos Sub.

The business opened just weeks ago and the owners encourage customers to let them know if they don't see their favorite restaurant on the menu so they can try to sign them up.

"We have had customers call who were so excited that they have something other than pizza available for delivery and that Joplin has something like this," says Parker. "Some have mentioned how they like avoiding waiting in line at a restaurant when they only have 30 minutes or an hour for lunch or can't leave work at all."

Parker says they currently have four delivery drivers but as the volume of orders increases, they will increase their staff.

Cost for delivery is $3.50 per restaurant for most orders with a $15 minimum required per restaurant, excluding drinks, taxes and gratuity for the mobile waiter. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Large orders can also be delivered.

Details: 781-DINE (3463).