Online ordering is a growing trend in all industries, including the restaurant industry. As consumers become more comfortable with using technology in their everyday lives, many are embracing online ordering and delivery options for the convenience and speed it offers. In fact, according to Restolabs, restaurants that offer online ordering increase revenue by 93%.
When a customer orders food online, they can use their smartphone or computer to make the order and then have it delivered to their home, office or wherever else they’d like. Most online ordering services require customers to create an account and then choose from a list of restaurants. They can select the type of cuisine they’d like, and some even allow customers to keep their favorite restaurants in their accounts to make future ordering easier.
Some of the most popular food delivery apps include Grubhub, DoorDash and Uber Eats, all of which offer access to local restaurants across the country. Some of these services are free to use, while others have additional fees for deliveries and tips for the delivery drivers. The services also offer a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, cash app and Apple Pay.
Another option for online food ordering is the food subscription service HelloFresh, which sends weekly meals to homes or offices. The meals are made by professional chefs and often feature organic ingredients. Customers can choose a plan that suits their needs, and they can change their menu preferences and delivery day at any time. They can also cancel any week’s order or add extra meals to a current one.
With all of the new options for order food online, it’s important for restaurants to take advantage of them and ensure their website is mobile-friendly. Not only will this benefit the user experience, but it can help boost sales by making the restaurant easier to find in search results. It’s also a great way to promote specials or promotions on the website, as well as on social media.
In addition to providing an easy way for customers to order food online, a website with an integrated POS system helps restaurants automate processes and reduce labor costs. For example, online orders can be automatically sent to the kitchen, or a waiter can scan a custom QR code at a table to open a tab and process payments. This allows customers to avoid waiting in lines and allows servers to focus on other duties.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, it’s likely that more people will turn to online food ordering services for the convenience and efficiency they offer. For restaurants, this means more revenue and increased brand loyalty. In addition, companies that are well-known in their communities have the opportunity to create spin-offs that target specific demographics or meal occasions. For example, the diner-style Chicago restaurant Au Cheval has a spin-off called Small Cheval with a simpler menu.