Pecan-crusted catfish from Ike’s Quarter Cafe, grilled crab and shrimp from Sensations Bistro and an award-winning pear-gorgonzola pizza from Lefty’s Grill are among the meals that western Nevada County residents now can order out.

Lex Madden worked in San Diego for a company that made home deliveries from big chain restaurants such as Red Lobster. So when the Kingsburg, Calif., native moved to Nevada County five years ago, he looked around and saw an opportunity.

So Madden and Ian Lawrence, a Nevada Union High School graduate, have formed Waiters on the Go, the area’s first home delivery service that delivers to Grass Valley, Nevada City and Penn Valley.

“The restaurants around here are great,” and he was interested in a business that helps the local economy," Madden said.

“There are other people who do this in cities, but they’re normally geared toward large restaurant chains,” Madden said. “We’re going after the mom-and-pops.”

Using innovative software that helps them keep up-to-date menus, fax orders to participating restaurants, track orders and provide maps to their delivery people, Madden and Lawrence believe they can offer top-notch customer service along with hot restaurant meals.

The service also will help participating restaurants expand their potential client base by appealing to people who cannot get out at night or who simply don’t want to leave the house.

“It will help the area restaurants,” Lawrence said.

Waiters on the Go brings the food in large, insulated bags designed for caterers. They charge a $10 delivery fee and 10 percent tip for orders up to $150. So far, they are offering the service free to the restaurants.

To contact City Editor Trina Kleist, e-mail tkleist@theunion.com or call 477-4230.