They offer nine entrees daily, as well as fresh-made soups and salads. A local baker also supplies baked goods, and there are crafts on display for sale, adding to the store's homey feeling. (www.dinnersbydiana.com or 801-593-5911)

Dinner's Ready, 1706 E. 5600 South, South Ogden, and 2205 N. Washington Blvd., North Ogden, also offers home-style dinners to go, such as enchiladas, pot roast, stuffed turkey rolls, and creamy chicken and noodles. A two-to-three-serving pan is $9.99; a medium six-to-eight-serving pan is $21.99, and a large, nine-to-12-serving pan is $30.99. You can also get comfort foods, such as Funeral Potatoes, as well as brownies or cookies (four for $1.99).

"We also do catering for office lunches or parties," said Susan DeYoung, a cook at the South Ogden store. "We have a lot of repeat customers and seniors who are done with cooking. We do a meal for one, and someone bought 50 of them for their grandparent for Christmas."

She pointed out that the prices compare favorably with the cost of fast food. "If your time is more valuable than money, then it's worth it to have a good meal and not have to do all the work." (www.mydinnersready.com or 801-479-4371)

Chandra's Healthy Eating, 3232 S. 400 East, offers diet-right meals at three calorie levels. Owner Chandra Walker said she started her business in August because, as a nurse, she saw many patients leaving the hospital who had a hard time following a prescribed diet.

"They would say, 'I can't cook all this for myself, but if someone would prepare it for me, I'd do it,"' she said.

Diners get 21 meals a week, covering breakfast, lunch and dinner. Nine meals are delivered on Tuesday and 12 on Friday. Orders are placed a week at a time. Dinners include shrimp scampi, slow-cooked pork roast, and chicken with red pepper sauce. Walker consults with a registered dietitian to make sure the meals meet nutrition guidelines.

The price ranges from $85 per week for a 1,200-calorie diet to $110 per week for a 2,000-calorie diet. Delivery is an extra $25 per week. Walker is hosting an open house to sample the meals on Nov. 1, noon-3 p.m. (www.ChandrasHealthyEating.com)

Grocery store

Local grocers have expanded beyond deli sliced ham and rotisserie chicken. For example, Albertsons recently launched Culinary Circle, a line of refrigerated takeout entrees such as Pork Carnita Enchilada Casserole and Chicken Marsala Over Linguini. They come in a microwaveable four-serving tray for $5.99.