SOUTH DAYTONA -- A slowdown in the housing market in Michigan prompted title-insurance specialist Starlene McClure to move to Florida a year ago and set up the same kind of business here.

But the market here proved to be just as challenging, especially for someone new to the area, McClure said.

So she and engineer Michael Dillon, who also was looking for a career change, decided to try something new together.

A meeting of two entrepreneurs through mutual friends resulted in Mealz on Wheelz, a delivery service for restaurants that don't deliver.

The firm, based on Beville Road, offers deliveries to homes and businesses from Ormond-by-the-Sea to Port Orange and up to five miles west of Interstate 95.

The business name is the same as that of a government program, except for a spelling change, which provides meals for low-income seniors. But that is where the similarity ends, she said.

"This is a totally different concept. Even our logo is different," McClure said, adding their company is strictly a for-profit operation.

The federal Meals on Wheels program is operated by the Council on Aging of Volusia County, a nonprofit organization.

But Gail Camputaro, executive director of the council, had nothing to say about the similarity in the names.

The federal program provides meals for homebound seniors ages 60 and older weekdays between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. There is no set fee but donations are welcome, according to the council's Web site. They also will provide meals to those ages 18 and older during the week for a small fee.

Mealz on Wheelz has encountered some confusion among customers because of the name, McClure said.

Along with the cost of the food, McClure's clients pay a $4.95 delivery fee for each order that is delivered. Gratuities are extra. Deliveries are available between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. daily.

The company delivers for about a dozen eateries, including R.J. Gators, Scott's Crab Shack, Jerry's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, Yuki Hana Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar, Greg's Steak & Shrimp, Grand Asian Buffet, Larry's Giant Subs in Ormond Beach, Casa Turano's Little Italy, Inlet Harbor and Famous Philly's Beef and Beer.

Among the businesses that probably won't make use of their services are the major pizza chains such as Dominos, Papa Johns and Pizza Hut.

"We don't want to deliver for pizza chains," she said, adding her company was more interested in working with casual-dining establishments that offer more upscale entrees.

Kevin Horner, a manager at the Pizza Hut store on Beville Road, said the chain has its own drivers. "I have heard of similar businesses," he said.

McClure said her firm uses independent contractors to make the deliveries. "They must be bonded and insured," she said, adding they run background checks on all drivers. So far, she has 11 drivers.