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In today’s digital-first dining landscape, online ordering isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s essential for restaurants aiming to thrive.
The numbers speak volumes: the global online food delivery market, valued at USD 221.65 billion in 2022, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.3%, from 2023 to 2030. That’s a substantial slice of the pie you can’t afford to miss.
But with several online ordering platforms available, how do you select the right one for your restaurant?
We’ll look at the 11 best online ordering platforms that can transform your restaurant’s digital presence and boost your profitability.
Toast is a powerhouse in the restaurant tech world.
Their online ordering system isn’t just another add-on – it’s a seamless extension of their full-service POS.
Whether you’re running a cozy café or a multi-location chain, Toast is built to streamline your operations.
What sets it apart?
It’s their knack for unifying in-house and online ordering. This means a smoother experience for your staff and customers alike.
Plus, their commission-free model is music to any restaurateur’s ears – more of your hard-earned profits stay in your pocket.
Toast keeps up with the fast-paced restaurant scene, offering features like real-time menu updates and delivery management.
Key Features:
Pricing: Commission-free with monthly fee
Pros: All-in-one solution, excellent customer support
Cons: It can be costly for some establishments
Platform: Web-based, iOS and Android apps
Double your restaurant guests and 3x your profit margins.
ChowNow offers a commission-free online ordering solution for independent restaurants.
They focus on helping restaurants build their own branded online presence, unlike third-party aggregators that prioritize their branding.
The platform provides tools for creating a branded online ordering experience, allowing restaurants to maintain control over their customer data and brand identity.
ChowNow also offers marketing tools and customer insights to help restaurants grow their business strategically.
It operates on a flat monthly fee structure, providing predictable costs for restaurants.
This pricing model can be beneficial for budget management, especially for establishments looking to avoid percentage-based commissions on orders.
Key Features:
Pricing: Commission-free with monthly fee
Pros: No commissions, excellent for building brand loyalty
Cons: Higher upfront costs compared to some competitors
Platform: Web-based, iOS and Android apps
Olo is the go-to solution for multi-location restaurants and national chains seeking enterprise-level online ordering capabilities.
This platform thrives on complexity.
With centralized menu management and integration options that play nice with just about everything, Olo turns chaos into order.
Here’s where Olo shines: it takes orders from everywhere – your website, third-party delivery apps, in-house systems – and funnels them into one manageable stream.
But Olo isn’t just about handling orders.
Its advanced analytics and reporting features give you the intel you need to make smart decisions across your entire restaurant empire.
Key Features:
Pricing: Custom pricing (typically includes setup fees and monthly charges)
Pros: Scalable for large operations, robust features
Cons: May be excessive for single-location restaurants
Platform: Web-based, customizable for iOS and Android
Let Restaurant Growth optimize your online ordering platform.
Square for Restaurants takes Square’s famous simplicity and serves it up to the restaurant world.
It’s like the Swiss Army knife for small to medium-sized eateries – an all-in-one package with POS and online ordering baked in.
Experts claim Square’s digital ordering system is easier to set up than a table for two, perfect for restaurants still finding their digital feet.
Square’s payment processing is part of the deal, which means smoother transactions.
Plus, you get all your financial data in one place – no more juggling reports.
Here’s the kicker: Square offers a free online store.
For restaurants looking to go digital without emptying the till, that’s a pretty sweet deal.
Key Features:
Pricing: Commission-based with monthly fee options
Pros: Affordable for small businesses, quick setup
Cons: Limited customization options compared to specialized platforms
Platform: Web-based, iOS and Android apps
Upserve, now part of Lightspeed, is not just about taking orders – it’s about running your whole show.
This platform is for restaurants that want to get up close and personal with their data.
It mashes up POS, inventory management, and online ordering into one package.
Upserve’s USP is its data-driven approach, suggesting insights on menu performance, customer behavior, and operational efficiency.
If you’re looking to turn your restaurant into a profit-making machine, Upserve’s got the tools.
Upserve’s CRM features are also worth the while.
It helps you cozy up to your customers, turning first-timers into regulars faster than you can say “house special.”
Key Features:
Pricing: Monthly fee charged annually or monthly
Pros: Comprehensive solution, strong analytics
Cons: Steeper learning curve for full feature utilization
Platform: Web-based, iOS and Android apps
GloriaFood’s free basic plan is great for small restaurants or those just dipping their toes into the digital ordering pool.
Despite its free tier plans, GloriaFood packs a punch.
We’re talking website and Facebook ordering, mobile app ordering, and even table reservations. It’s like getting a three-course meal when you only ordered an appetizer.
Sure, the free version has its limits.
But when you’re ready to level up, GloriaFood’s paid premium features are there to help you grow.
It’s like having a platform that grows with you, from food trucks to fine dining.
Key Features:
Pricing: Free basic plan, paid premium features
Pros: Great for restaurants on a budget, easy to set up
Cons: Limited features in the free version
Platform: Web-based, white-label mobile app option
Grow your restaurant to 7-figures and beyond.
MenuDrive is like a personal branding guru for your restaurant’s online ordering.
If you’re all about keeping your brand front and center in the digital world, this platform’s your go-to tool.
They offer custom-branded ordering websites with a mix of marketing tools and email campaigns.
The real showstopper is MenuDrive’s loyalty program integration.
It’s like building a VIP lounge right into your online ordering system.
This isn’t just about taking orders – it’s about extending your restaurant’s personality into the digital realm.
If you see online ordering as more than just a transaction, but as a way to high-five your customers online, MenuDrive might just be your perfect match.
Key Features:
Pricing: Monthly fee ($149 per month) with one-time setup fee of $149
Pros: Strong emphasis on branding, good for customer retention
Cons: Higher starting price point
Platform: Web-based, mobile-responsive
Restolabs offers a straightforward, no-frills online ordering solution that caters to restaurants of all sizes. It prioritizes reliability and core functionality.
Their multi-language support makes the platform valuable for restaurants in diverse communities or those looking to expand their customer base.
The platform includes social media ordering capabilities, allowing restaurants to tap into the growing trend of social commerce.
It also provides customizable menus, offering flexibility for restaurants with frequently changing offerings.
While it may not have all the advanced features of some competitors, it focuses on delivering a dependable, cost-effective online ordering system.
This approach makes it a practical choice for restaurants seeking a reliable solution without unnecessary complexity.
Key Features:
Pricing: Monthly or yearly fee, no commissions
Pros: Affordable, good international support
Cons: Less robust analytics compared to some competitors
Platform: Web-based, iOS and Android apps
Lunchbox is a newer entrant in the online ordering space, offering advanced technology solutions for restaurants.
The platform features AI-powered upselling and custom-branded mobile apps, aiming to enhance the online ordering experience.
Their system integrates with major delivery platforms, allowing restaurants to manage both in-house and third-party deliveries efficiently.
Lunchbox’s focus is on leveraging technology to increase order values and streamline operations.
While the platform offers innovative features, it may be more expensive than some alternatives, particularly for smaller operations.
Restaurants should consider their budget and technological needs when evaluating Lunchbox as an option.
Key Features:
Pricing: Custom pricing (typically includes setup fees and monthly charges)
Pros: Cutting-edge features, strong focus on increasing order values
Cons: Pricing may be on the higher end for smaller operations
Platform: Web-based, iOS and Android apps
Restaurant Growth can create a custom marketing plan to increase your sales and profits.
Ordermark tackles a common headache many restaurants face: juggling orders from a million different apps.
This solution addresses the challenge many restaurants face when managing orders from various delivery apps.
This can be particularly beneficial for restaurants in busy urban areas that work with multiple delivery partners.
While Ordermark is not a standalone online ordering system, its primary function is to simplify order management.
This can potentially improve efficiency and reduce errors in busy environments.
However, restaurants should consider whether this specific functionality aligns with their operational needs and existing systems.
Key Features:
Pricing: Custom pricing based on restaurant volume
Pros: Simplifies operations for restaurants using multiple platforms
Cons: Not a standalone online ordering system
Platform: Web-based, tablet application
BentoBox offers a comprehensive digital marketing platform for restaurants, including online ordering capabilities.
The platform provides website design and hosting, along with integrated marketing tools.
Their focus is on creating a cohesive digital experience, from website navigation to the ordering process.
This integrated approach aims to enhance the overall customer experience and streamline restaurant operations.
However, it’s important to note that this comprehensive service may come at a higher price point compared to some alternatives.
Key Features:
Pricing: Customisable, no commissions on orders
Pros: All-in-one digital marketing solution, strong focus on brand identity
Cons: May be more expensive for smaller restaurants
Platform: Web-based, mobile-responsive
Choosing the right online ordering platform can be overwhelming.
But don’t sweat it – we’ve done the legwork for you.
Drawing from our experience of working with various restaurants, we’ve identified 11 key factors that can make or break your online ordering success:
Picking the right platform isn’t just about features – it’s about transforming your digital game and watching those profits soar.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all plan here.
Your perfect platform depends on your unique flavor, budget, and big-picture goals.
Whether you’re a cozy neighborhood joint or a multi-location powerhouse, there’s a platform out there with your name on it.
💡 Pro Tip:
Take those free trials and demos for a spin!
But implementing an online ordering system is just the start.
To grow, you need a full-course digital strategy.
That’s where we come in.
At Restaurant Growth, we’re not just tech geeks – we’re restaurant success obsessives. We’ve helped over 4,800 restaurants hit that sweet 7-figure spot, and we’re itching to do the same for you.
Book a strategy call with our experts today, and let’s turn your online ordering dreams into a profitable reality.
Restaurants use various systems including POS systems, online ordering platforms, and integrated management solutions. Popular options include Toast, Square, and ChowNow, depending on the restaurant’s needs and size.
All types of restaurants can benefit, from small cafes to large chains. It’s especially useful for establishments offering takeout and delivery services.
Setup ease varies by platform. User-friendly options like Square and GloriaFood offer quick setup, while more comprehensive platforms may require more time but provide greater customization.
Many platforms integrate well with popular POS systems, but compatibility varies. It’s crucial to check compatibility before choosing a platform. Some, like Toast, offer integrated POS and online ordering systems.
Online ordering can increase sales by expanding your customer base, increasing order frequency and value, enabling upselling, providing customer data for targeted marketing, improving efficiency, and offering loyalty programs to encourage repeat business.
From strategic marketing planning to seamless execution, we’ve got you covered!
