- How Direct Ordering Puts Profits Back In Your Hands
- Orders.co’s Restaurant Online Food Ordering System
- Slash Pizza’s Success with Orders.co : 73% Revenue Boost
- Additional Top Restaurant Online Food Ordering Systems For Restaurants
- Essential Do’s and Don’ts for Choosing the Best Restaurant Online Ordering System
- Why Orders.co Can Be the Ideal Choice For Your Restaurant
- FAQs
Key Takeaways
- By choosing a direct ordering system, restaurants gain more profit per sale while also collecting customer data for targeted marketing and loyalty programs.
- From order and menu management to customer insights and marketing, Orders.co combines everything in one easy-to-use platform and boosts team efficiency, keeping all orders in one place.
- A mobile-friendly ordering experience is critical as most customers order from their smartphones. A mobile-optimized design ensures smooth, user-friendly ordering on any device.
- Restaurant online food ordering systems can have automated SMS, email, and loyalty features, making it easy to drive repeat business and increase customer retention.
Online ordering isn’t just a trend; it’s the future for restaurants. With more people ordering food online, the food delivery market is booming.
Since 2014, digital food ordering has exploded, growing 300% faster than dine-in services and now making up nearly 40% of restaurant sales!
Then, in 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of global users surged by 30 percent to nearly 1.5 billion.
And it’s only going up—by 2028, the Meal Delivery segment is expected to reach a massive 192.62 million users.
Source: Statista
For your restaurant, this surge means big sales opportunities and a growing need to have a reliable restaurant online food ordering system in place to meet demand.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best restaurant online food ordering systems for 2024 to help keep your restaurant running smoothly, boosting profits, and thriving in this fast-evolving market.
How Direct Ordering Puts Profits Back In Your Hands
A direct ordering system gives you full control over profits by eliminating extra fees. Every dollar from customer orders goes straight to you, boosting revenue without commission cuts.
Plus, you gain valuable access to customer data—essential for building loyalty and crafting targeted promotions.
Here’s how direct ordering makes a difference:
- Increase Revenue: Each order adds directly to your bottom line with no third-party commissions.
- Gain Customer Insights: Customer data reveals ordering patterns, spending habits, and top items.
- Build Loyalty: Use insights to create personalized offers and rewards that keep customers coming back.
Direct ordering also strengthens your brand image. Your unique style and voice take center stage, from logo to menu, helping your restaurant stand out.
Finally, the restaurant online food ordering system enhances the customer experience:
- Simple Ordering Process: No extra steps or app hassle—just quick, easy ordering right from your site.
- Personalized Menus: Customers can browse their favorite items, see past orders, and discover new dishes.
This branded experience can build a loyal customer base and encourage repeat visits.
Also read:
- 7 Essential Reasons Why Your Restaurant Needs An Ordering Website
- 11 Advantages of Online Ordering for Your Restaurant
- The Ultimate Guide to Selling Food Online
Orders.co’s Restaurant Online Food Ordering System
Orders.co’s Online Food Ordering System helps more than 1,600 restaurants simplify online orders and boost profits. With features like centralized order tracking and loyalty integration, it’s designed to bring in more direct orders and create a seamless experience for both customers and staff.
Key Features and Benefits:
Custom Ordering Website: Create your own branded, commission-free online ordering site tailored to your restaurant. This means more direct orders and higher profits without paying high marketplace fees.
How It Works:
- Collect Customer Data: Gather useful customer details like contact info, order history, and preferences to improve marketing, enhance your menu, and create more personalized experiences.
- Mobile-Friendly Design: Your site is optimized for mobile, giving customers a smooth ordering experience on their phones or tablets.
- Fast Setup and Support: Get your custom site up and running in under 60 seconds with support always ready to help with any issues or updates.
- Direct Orders: Customers can order pickup or delivery directly from your site, letting you keep more of each sale.
- Secure Payments: Integrated with payment providers like Stripe for safe and easy credit card transactions.
- Built-in Marketing Tools: Easily add loyalty programs, promotions, and rewards to keep customers returning and boost repeat business.
With Orders.co’s Custom Ordering Website, you control the entire customer journey, build your brand, and increase direct sales while still using third-party platforms when needed.
| Orders.co Built-In Marketing Tools | Features | Benefits |
| Automated Email and SMS Campaigns | Send targeted email and SMS campaigns based on customer behavior and order history. | Drives repeat business with personalized promotions that keep your restaurant top-of-mind. |
| Loyalty Program Integration | Create custom loyalty programs that reward repeat orders placed through your website. | Builds long-term loyalty, increasing order frequency and customer lifetime value. |
| Discount and Promotion Management | Easily set up exclusive discounts, limited-time deals, or item-specific promotions. | Boosts sales, attracts new customers, and promotes specific menu items as needed. |
| Customizable Website & Menu Branding | Fully brand your online ordering site with logo, colors, and unique menu style. | Strengthens brand identity and provides a consistent customer experience that mirrors in-store branding. |
| Local SEO Optimization | Optimizes your website for local search, making it easier to find online. | Increases organic visibility, bringing in more local customers and direct orders. |
| Guest Feedback Monitoring | Track and respond to customer reviews and ratings directly within the platform. | Enhances reputation by allowing you to address feedback promptly, building trust and customer retention. |
| QR Code Marketing | Create QR codes linking directly to your menu, promotions, or ordering site. | Simplifies ordering by letting customers access the menu instantly, driving direct traffic for dine-in/takeout. |
With Orders.co’s Custom Ordering Website, you control the entire customer journey, build your brand, and increase direct sales while still using third-party platforms when needed.
Why It’s Great for Restaurants
- Hands-On Support: Full setup and ongoing help to keep your system running smoothly.
- Seamless Integration: Connects with 30+ POS systems without interrupting your workflow.
- Easy to Use: Simple for both staff and customers, making training quick and operations smooth.
Slash Pizza’s Success with Orders.co: 73% Revenue Boost
Slash Pizza saw a 73% boost in online sales three months after launching their commission-free website with Orders.co. This allowed owner Armond to focus on in-house orders and maximize profits.
“I love Orders.co’s 3rd Party Delivery Integration and Commission-Free Website with Flex Delivery. I’ve increased my sales by 33% in the first month alone!” – Armond Zarookian – Owner
Managing orders from different apps on one device has made operations easier, reduced mistakes, and helped staff keep up, even during busy times. Slash Pizza’s custom-branded website gives customers a consistent experience, building loyalty with exclusive deals and direct ordering.
Flexible delivery options, whether in-house staff or partner drivers, ensure orders arrive on time. Daily reports offer insights into best-selling items and peak times, helping Armond make smart, data-driven decisions for growth.
Additional Restaurant Online Food Ordering Systems
Here’s a deeper look at some top restaurant online food ordering systems and their strengths:
ChowNow
Best For: Independent or local restaurants focused on growing a local customer base.
- Local Visibility: ChowNow’s marketplace and loyalty tools help restaurants engage nearby customers.
- Automated Marketing: Promote online orders on Facebook, Instagram, and through email with a simple, automated approach.
- Commission-Free Model: The subscription-based model means you avoid high marketplace fees, making it budget-friendly.
BentoBox
Best For: Upscale restaurants seeking a visually polished, branded online presence.
- Custom-Branded Websites: BentoBox emphasizes high-quality website design, showcasing your brand with a premium, cohesive look.
- SEO-Driven Traffic: With built-in SEO and email marketing, BentoBox helps attract online traffic.
- Mobile-Optimized Design: BentoBox sites are mobile-friendly, providing a polished experience for on-the-go customers.
Square Online
Best For: Quick-service restaurants or cafes already using Square POS.
- Streamlined Operations: Square Online integrates seamlessly with Square POS, making it easy to manage in-person and online orders.
- Social Ordering: Engage customers directly from social media, which is particularly effective for fast-casual concepts.
- Mobile-Optimized Layouts: Square’s mobile-friendly designs make ordering easy for customers on the go.
Popmenu
Best For: Dine-in restaurants looking to create an interactive experience for guests.
- Engaging Menus: Popmenu’s interactive menus feature photos and customer reviews, adding a new layer to the ordering experience.
- Customer Engagement Insights: Track engagement with menu items and learn what resonates most with customers.
- Loyalty & Feedback: Use reviews and feedback to build customer loyalty and improve the guest experience.
Cloudwaitress
Best For: Small restaurants or those on a budget just getting started with online ordering.
- Budget-Friendly Options: Cloudwaitress offers a free starter plan, making it accessible for restaurants testing online ordering.
- Multi-Channel Ordering: Supports dine-in, pickup, and delivery from a single system.
- Custom Domains: Maintain a branded experience with custom domain options.
Toast Online Ordering
Best For: Restaurants using Toast POS that want an integrated ordering solution.
- Seamless POS and Ordering: Toast’s system integrates POS, payment processing, and online ordering, which is ideal for restaurants deeply invested in Toast’s ecosystem.
- Real-Time Insights: With tracking for sales, inventory, and staff performance, Toast helps busy restaurants optimize operations.
- Loyalty Tools: Built-in loyalty programs support customer retention, especially in high-traffic establishments.
Menufy
Best For: New or smaller restaurants exploring online ordering for the first time.
- Quick Setup: Easily add online ordering to your existing website.
- Loyalty Programs: Incentivize repeat business with rewards and promotions.
- Local Delivery Partners: Menufy partners with local delivery services, providing a full-service ordering option.
DoorDash Storefront
Best For: Quick-service and fast-casual restaurants looking for additional visibility.
- Wide Marketplace Reach: DoorDash’s marketplace gives restaurants access to a broad customer base.
- Customer Support: Includes DoorDash’s support and tracking, enhancing the customer experience.
- Efficient for High Volumes: Designed for restaurants handling high delivery volumes efficiently.
Upserve
Best For: Full-service restaurants with more complex operational needs.
- POS Integration: Offers a unified system for online ordering, loyalty programs, and reservations.
- Back-of-House Support: Manage inventory, track server performance, and optimize table mapping.
- Advanced Analytics: Upserve’s reporting tools help make data-driven decisions to enhance efficiency.
Each system offers unique strengths suited to different restaurant needs, from local eateries to high-end establishments.
Do’s and Don’ts for Choosing the Best Restaurant Online Ordering System
When choosing a restaurant online food ordering system, it’s important to consider what features will genuinely support your restaurant’s goals.
Here’s a balanced guide of Do’s and Don’ts to help you make the best choice for your business.
1. Integration with Existing Tools
✅ Do check that it integrates smoothly with your current tools
Look for a system compatible with your POS, accounting, and inventory software to keep operations seamless and efficient.
❌ Don’t assume all systems will integrate perfectly
Not all online food ordering platforms connect well with existing setups. Confirm integration options to avoid online ordering platforms that complicate rather than streamline your workflow.
2. Feature Depth and Growth Support
✅ Do prioritize features that support your growth goals
Choose online ordering platforms that offer added features like loyalty programs, automated marketing, and reporting, which help build customer loyalty and drive repeat business.
❌ Don’t overlook these added features if you plan to expand
A basic system may cover essentials, but without tools like marketing and loyalty programs, you might miss out on key opportunities to strengthen your brand and grow sales.
3. Ease of Use for Staff
✅ Do choose a user-friendly system that’s easy for your team to learn
Select a system with a simple, intuitive design to minimize training time and help new staff quickly get comfortable with it.
❌ Don’t go for overly complex systems
Complicated online food ordering platforms can slow down service and frustrate staff during busy times. If extensive training is required, it may end up disrupting operations rather than supporting them.
4. Customer Support and Reliability
✅ Do make sure there’s reliable customer support
A provider with responsive support is essential, especially during setup or troubleshooting. Reliable support ensures assistance is available when you need it most.
❌ Don’t underestimate the importance of a solid support team
Some providers offer minimal support, which could leave you without help during critical times. Ensure your provider has a reputation for strong customer support.
5. Transparent Costs and Fees
✅ Do review all costs and fees upfront
Evaluate setup fees, subscription costs, and transaction charges to ensure the system fits within your budget without hidden costs.
❌ Don’t ignore potential hidden fees
Some systems have additional costs that may not be obvious initially. Comparing pricing structures carefully can help you avoid unexpected expenses that impact your bottom line.
Also read:
Why Orders.co Is the Ideal Choice For Your Restaurant
Choosing the right online ordering system can make a big difference in how smoothly your restaurant runs, how satisfied your customers are, and how well you grow.
Orders.co offers fantastic features designed to supercharge your restaurant’s online presence and streamline operations.
This platform enhances your ability to manage online orders effectively, directly connect with customers, and optimize your marketing efforts. All wrapped up in a friendly and approachable package.
AI Website Builder
AI Website Builder creates a custom, mobile-optimized ordering website in less than 60 seconds, seamlessly integrating with Stripe or Fiserv (Clover) payment systems. For easy menu management, updates can be made directly through our dashboard or automatically synced if using Clover, Square, or PAR POS systems. This gets you online in practically no time, ready to welcome customers.
With Direct Ordering, your customers can avoid third-party fees by ordering directly from you, saving them money and boosting your profits.
Built-In Marketing Tools
Use AI-Powered Marketing Solutions to automate your marketing campaigns efficiently, delivering targeted texts and emails without manual effort.
Meanwhile, our loyalty reward programs encourage repeat business by rewarding customers for every dollar spent, enhancing their loyalty, and increasing your revenue.
Guest Feedback Monitoring
Your guests’ voices matter! Use the Guest Feedback Monitoring feature, which automatically collects and analyzes customer feedback from various stages of the dining experience.
This tool helps you quickly respond to and manage your online reputation, ensuring your service is top-notch.
Local Business Optimization
Local SEO is one of the cornerstones of successful online presence and sales! By optimizing your presence across up to 80+ different listings, the local business optimization feature helps improve your Google rankings and boost local visibility.
This means potential customers can find you more easily!
Menu Management
Keep things fresh and fuss-free with our AI-Powered Menu Management system. Update your menu once, and watch the changes instantly reflect across all your online ordering platforms.
No more mismatched menus—just a smooth, unified experience that keeps everything current, no matter where your customers look.
By choosing Orders.co, you can strip away the complexities of managing a digital-front restaurant and ramp up your customer engagement.
Curious to see how Orders.co can simplify your operations and grow your direct orders?
Schedule a free demo today and explore how this platform can elevate your restaurant’s online presence.
FAQs
What should I look for when choosing a Restaurant Online Food Ordering System?
Focus on finding the best restaurant online ordering system that integrates seamlessly with your current setup, like POS and inventory systems, offers helpful marketing tools, and has solid customer support. Many Restaurant Online Food Ordering Systems, such as Orders.co, also provide demos so you can test features and usability before committing.
How can I promote direct orders using my restaurant online food ordering system?
Encourage direct orders by highlighting your ordering site in social media posts, in-store signage, and email newsletters. You can also use your system’s marketing tools to offer exclusive promotions or loyalty rewards, making direct ordering more attractive to customers and reducing third-party fees.
Is there a way to manage multiple third-party delivery services within one restaurant online food ordering system?
Yes, systems like Orders.co are built to consolidate third-party orders, allowing you to manage all orders from a single dashboard. This setup reduces tablet clutter and helps staff keep track of orders from multiple delivery channels efficiently.
How do Restaurant Online Food Ordering Systems support customer insights and loyalty?
Many systems provide analytics that capture customer data, such as ordering patterns, preferences, and peak times. With this data, you can tailor marketing strategies, create personalized offers, and run loyalty programs to increase repeat business and deepen customer connections.
How can I make my restaurant online food ordering system mobile-friendly?
Choose a system with a mobile-optimized design, ensuring customers have a smooth ordering experience on phones and tablets. Systems like Orders.co offer responsive websites that adapt to any device, an essential feature since mobile ordering is so popular.
What security measures should I expect from a Restaurant Online Food Ordering System?
Look for systems that offer secure payment processing and SSL encryption. Integrations with trusted payment processors, like Stripe, are also essential for protecting customer data and building trust with online users.
How do restaurant online food ordering systems handle SEO for my site?
SEO is vital for helping local customers find your restaurant online. Some online ordering platforms, such as Orders.co, provide built-in SEO tools to improve your site’s visibility in search results, drawing in more direct traffic without relying solely on third-party apps.
How can I measure the success of my restaurant online food ordering system?
Built-in analytics let you track key performance metrics like total orders, repeat customer rate, and popular menu items. These insights help you fine-tune your menu, promotions, and overall strategy to maximize the system’s impact on your bottom line.
How can I get started with Orders.co’s Restaurant Online Food Ordering System?
To explore Orders.co and see if it’s the right fit, you can schedule a free demo. This demo will walk you through its features, integrations, and support options, showing you how it can simplify operations and help grow your direct orders.
