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Creating a food delivery app like Uber Eats might sound like a challenge for most restaurant owners, but in reality, it’s easier than you think. You don’t need any coding skills, it’s cheaper than hiring a development team, and doing so comes with several benefits for your restaurant.

In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to create a delivery app with no-code that’ll make online ordering and the food delivery service easier for your clients.

What are Food Delivery Apps like Uber Eats?

Before you begin looking at how to create a delivery, you first need to understand how they work. Third-party food delivery apps allow users to order meals from local food providers and have it delivered to their location via delivery drivers.

Users can also check on their order status, pre-order meals, and pay via the customer app, which makes food ordering and delivery service more convenient.

These food ordering apps are used by restaurants worldwide in the food delivery market and have become integral to how clients order their meals online.

Examples of Your Own Branded Food Delivery App Like UberEats

• iOS apps
• Android apps

Follow below steps to get an app like these

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Why Your Restaurant Needs a Branded Food Delivery App

If delivery apps like Uber Eats already exist, then why do restaurants need their own branded food delivery applications? The answer is simple – to save money with their own logistics network and have more control over their business.

In our article on Uber Eats commissions, we compared the fees and features of Uber Eats to other apps in the food delivery industry.

To summarize it, this third-party food delivery model can charge restaurant owners up to 30% on commission fees from each sale, which significantly impacts revenue.

Unlike third-party food delivery services like Uber Eats, a branded food ordering app gives you access to your customers’ data, allows you to update order status, control everything up to the delivery process, and lets you run marketing activities independently, which increases revenue and improves the customer experience.

Systems	Third-party app (like UberEats)	Your own branded app (like UpMenu)
Commission	15% – 30%	Flat monthly fee (from 49$)

Third-party online food delivery apps like Uber Eats charge a delivery fee for the delivery agent and a 15% to 30% commission fee on each order. This doesn’t include payment processing and marketing fees.

With your custom food delivery app, you simply pay the delivery person. The rest of the money you make goes right into your pocket.

Benefits of Having Your Own Food Delivery App

Owning your food delivery platform comes with several benefits for your restaurant, including:

• Protecting your margin from third-party delivery services: your food delivery application eliminates the need to pay commission fees to third-party order delivery systems, as well as additional marketing fees that can eat up your profit margins.
• You own the customer data: with your custom food delivery mobile app, you own all of your clients’ data, including their contact details, order history, and other information.
• More orders: clients prefer to order food directly from their favorite restaurants, and not some third-party system that charges a hefty delivery fee and other additional costs. That means you can expect a whole lot more orders.
• Customer loyalty: with your own food delivery app, you can improve customer loyalty via the loyalty program. Automatically reward clients for their purchases and improve communication and feedback.
• Control delivery: with your own delivery app, you’re in control of the delivery process and you choose who delivers outgoing food orders.
• More customer reviews: by having your own branded food delivery app, clients are more likely to leave you reveiws, as doing so via an app is straightforward and only takes a few taps.

Key Features Food Delivery Apps Must Have

A reliable food delivery app isn’t just an ordering system. In fact, that’s just one of many features a reliable system should offer. Here’s a list of the following features your restaurant can’t be left without:

Online ordering

Digital Menu

Payments

Loyalty Program

Order Taking App

Push Notifications

No-code customization

Rating & Reviews

Coupon codes

Online ordering

Digital Menu

Payments

Loyalty Program

Order Taking App

Push Notifications

No-code customization

Rating & Reviews

Coupon codes

Restaurant App Builder vs. Software Development Company: The 2 Ways of Building an App

When deciding between using a restaurant app builder or a software development company to create a food delivery app, there are several factors to consider, including cost, customization, and support.

There are two ways of building an app:

• Using a Restaurant App Builder: a restaurant app builder gives you control of everything. Develop a food delivery app with the help of an easy to use drag-and-drop option and no coding skills. Most app builders are inexpensive and charge either a one-time or monthly fee, which saves you a lot of money on development cost.
• Hiring a Software Development Company: these companies can create a food delivery app made to order. That means once they develop food delivery app features, you can only make changes to them with their assistance.
  Plus, food delivery app development can become very expensive.

Building Your app	Restaurant App Builder	App Development Company
Who builds the app?	You via an app builder	A hired development team
How much does it cost to build a food delivery app?	Prices start from $49 per month	Hundreds, if not thousands of dollars
How long does it take to design?	~1 hour	Weeks, if not months

Pro Tip

A software development company is a better option if you own a restaurant franchise business model and require heavily customized features for your delivery app. If you need an easy-to-use solution, go with a restaurant delivery app builder.

Step 1: Get access to a food delivery app builder

Create an UpMenu account to get started. UpMenu is an easy-to-use restaurant delivery app builder that offers customizable options to help you create an impressive app without coding.

Once you’ve signed up to UpMenu, input your information and go through the onboarding process.

Step 2: Customize your food delivery app

Once you’ve set up your account, you’re ready to customize your app. Click the “Mobile App” button to design your delivery app to fit your branding. Choose your layout, upload your logo, and add your app name to get started.

Add Your Delivery App Name

Your app name allows customers to find your branded app in the Google Play Store and App Store, so make sure to use the name of your restaurant.

Upload Your Delivery App Icon

When uploading your icon, make sure it has a resolution of around 400px by 400px and is in .png format. Your logo works as your app icon, so make sure it’s the right size and that your clients can quickly identify it.

Add Your Colors

Ensure your app’s color scheme matches your restaurant’s branding. That way, when clients download your app, they can be sure it’s the right one. Plus, an ordering app that matches your restaurant’s branding makes your business look more professional.

Step 3: Set up Your Digital Menu

Once you’ve designed your food ordering app, select the “Menus” icon from the panel to create your online menu. Here, you can group your menu items into a food category, making viewing the online menu quick and easy for clients.

Step 4: Set up the address and working hours

Under the “Restaurant” icon on the toolbar, you’ll find the “Working Hours” and “Address and Contact” sections. In the first section, you can add your working hours so clients know exactly when you’re open. In the second section, add your business location so customers know where you’re located for dining in or order pickup.

Step 5: Set up delivery zones

Under the “Restaurant” button on the toolbar, select the “Delivery Zones” button. Here, you can design your delivery zones on Google Maps in proximity to your restaurant. Doing so lets customers know where delivery workers are able to deliver orders and at what price.

Delivery zones are visible to your customers in the restaurant app, as well as delivery costs, which are calculated automatically based on the customer’s address.

Step 6: Set up online payments

Under the “Restaurant” button, select “Payment types” and activate “Online Payments”. Doing so creates a secure payment gateway and allows clients to pay online for pickup or delivery orders. Online payment providers include Stripe, Adyen, and PayPal.

Step 7: Set up a loyalty program (optional)

A restaurant loyalty program is designed to increase customer retention by up to 63%. For each purchase clients make, they’re rewarded with stamps and points, which can be redeemed for a free meal, discount, or any special reward you come up with.

Step 8: Publish Your App

After you’ve set up your online food delivery app, the last step is to publish it onto the App Store and Google Play Store. Doing so puts your business in front of your target audience and allows them to download your app for quick food delivery services.

Step 9: Promote Your Food Delivery App

Once your app is available to download you need to get the word out about it to your target audience. Doing so gets them to download your app, which increases your number of food orders.

Here are three great ways to promote your food delivery app:

Print QR codes

QR codes are the perfect way to get your in-house clients to download your app for online ordering. Under the “Mobile App” section in UpMenu, scroll down the page until you see the QR code.

Once you print it, display it in your restaurant so food delivery app users can keep your restaurant right on their phones.

Add an App Page to Your Website

Turn website visitors into customers by adding a page promoting your app. Include links to the app stores and images of what it looks like so that clients are more likely to download it.

Send an Email & SMS Campaign

Reach your current clients and let them know about your online ordering app. Send them an email or SMS via UpMenu, letting them know how quick and easy it is to use the app to order delivery.

Final Thoughts

• Third-party food delivery apps can charge even up to 30% on commission fees. Build a food delivery app to protect your bottom line.
• Build your food delivery app with an app development company once you have a franchise business model.
• If you’re not a franchise owner, creating your own branded app is your best option to save on app development fees and a long estimated delivery time.
• Building your own app takes roughly 1 hour, and once it’s ready, it goes live on both the Apple Store and Google Play Store.
• Promote your app so clients can order directly from your restaurant and get their food delivered to them, while you save on hefty commission fees from third-party food delivery apps.

In this guide, we will cover the legal and practical aspects of starting an online food business. From researching food laws and obtaining necessary licenses and permits, to creating a website and marketing your products. We will provide you with the information and resources you need to successfully sell food online.

So whether you’re a seasoned chef looking to expand your business or a home cook with a passion for creating delicious meals, this guide will help you take the first steps towards selling your food online.

Step 1: Research food law and get legal license 

Food laws are a set of regulations and guidelines that govern the production, distribution, and sale of food products. It is designed to protect consumers from harmful food products and ensure that food products are safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled.

What are the types of food law?

There are various types of food laws, such as federal and state laws, each with their own specific focus and responsibilities.

• At the federal level, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the sale of food products. This includes ensuring that food products are labeled correctly and are free from contaminants. Additionally, the FDA has regulations in place for food products sold across state lines.
• At the state level, laws and regulations vary. However, most states require that food businesses be licensed and inspected. This may include obtaining a food handler’s permit, a food establishment permit, and/or a food processor’s license. Additionally, states may have specific requirements for the sale of certain types of food products, such as cottage food laws which allows the sale of certain non-potentially hazardous homemade foods.

(Source: Chemilinked)

What is a food license?

A food license is a permit issued by a government agency that allows a business to operate in the food industry. It is a legal requirement for businesses that prepare, package, serve or sell food products to the public. The license is usually granted after an inspection and review of the business’s food safety practices, to ensure that they meet the standards and regulations set by the agency.

(Source: 2ndKitchen)

Do you need a license to sell food online?

To legally sell food online, you will need to research and comply with both federal and state laws. This may include obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, as well as ensuring that your food products meet labeling and safety requirements. Additionally, you may need to register your business and obtain any required insurance. Apply for license on SBA website.

It’s important to note that laws and regulations can change over time, so it’s important to stay informed and up-to-date with any changes that may affect your business. Consulting with a lawyer experienced in food law can also be helpful.

Step 2: Find your niche and business model

Finding your niche and business model is an important step in creating a successful online food business. A niche is a specific market or target audience that you will cater to, and a business model is the way in which you will generate revenue from your food products.

(Source: Pinterest)

What is a food niche and why it’s important to choose one?

A food niche refers to a specific segment of the food industry that caters to a specific group of consumers with specific dietary needs or preferences. This can include organic and non-GMO products, gluten-free options, and plant-based alternatives.

(Source: Shopify)

The importance of food niches lies in the fact that they provide options for individuals who may have dietary restrictions or prefer certain types of food. For example, individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can find products that cater to their needs in the gluten-free niche. Similarly, those who follow a vegan or plant-based diet can find options in the plant-based niche.

What are the types of food niches? 19 examples

Food niches refer to specialized or unique segments of the food industry. Here is a list of some examples:

Kitchen-based food niches:

• Ethnic cuisine (e.g. Italian, Chinese, Mexican)
• Regional cuisine (e.g. Southern, New England)
• Specialty cuisine (e.g. vegan, gluten-free)
• Gourmet cuisine

Diet-based food niches:

• Vegetarian and vegan
• Gluten-free
• Paleo
• Keto
• Whole30

Service-based food niches:

• Catering
• Meal delivery
• Food truck
• Pop-up restaurant
• Fine dining

Group-based food niches:

• Family-friendly
• Couples
• Business
• Senior citizens
• Children

How to choose own food niche?

Choosing your own food niche can be a great way to tap into a specific market and provide unique products or services to consumers. Here are some steps to help you choose your own food niche.

Start from food ideas for inspiration. Think about your own personal tastes and interests, and consider what kind of food products or services you could offer that would be unique or different from what’s already available.

(Source: SheKnows)

Check food trends. Pay attention to current trends in the food industry and see if any of them align with your interests or ideas. For example, are there any popular diets or food movements that you could tap into?

Do market research. Research your target market and see what kind of food products or services are in demand. Look at what similar businesses are already out there and see what they’re doing well (or not so well). This will give you an idea of what kind of niche you should choose, and how you can differentiate yourself from your competitors.

Once you have a good understanding of the market, it’s time to validate your ideas, you can conduct a survey or focus group, reach out to potential customers, or use online tools like Google Trends, social media, and online marketplaces to gauge interest in your food niche.

(As you can see, vegan food market is still on demand. Source: Google Trends)

Finally, make sure that you have the knowledge and skills to create and market the food product or service that you have in mind.

Step 3:  Determine production model 

When starting a business in the food industry, one important step is to determine the production model that will be used to create and distribute your products. There are several options to choose from, including self production, manufacturing, and reselling. Each model has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to consider which one is the best fit for your business.

Self production

This model involves creating and producing the food products yourself, using your own kitchen and equipment. This can be a good option for small businesses or entrepreneurs who are just starting out, as it allows for flexibility and control over the production process. However, it can also be time-consuming and costly, and may limit the scale of your business.

(Source: Ladders)

Manufacturing

This model involves outsourcing the production of your food products to a third-party manufacturer. This can be a good option for businesses that want to expand their product line or increase production, as it allows for greater efficiency and scalability. However, it also means giving up some control over the production process, and may require a larger investment upfront.

(Source: Aptean)

Reselling

This model involves buying and reselling food products that are already produced by other companies. This can be a good option for businesses that want to focus on sales and marketing, as it allows for lower production costs and less investment in equipment and facilities. However, it also means less control over the quality and consistency of the products and may limit the uniqueness of your offering.

(Source: Freepik)

Ultimately, the production model you choose will depend on your goals, resources, and target market. Be sure to consider all the options and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Step 4:  Find ingredients suppliers

When will you have determined the production model for your food business, the next step is to find ingredients suppliers that can provide the raw materials you need to create your products. There are several options to choose from, including grocery stores, local suppliers, and warehouses. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to consider which one is the best fit for your business.

Quote

“Let’s face it: if you and I have the same capabilities, the same energy, the same staff, if the only thing that’s different between you and me is the products we can get, and I can get a better product than you, I’m going to be a better chef.” 
– Thomas Keller, Chef.

Grocery store

Buying ingredients from a grocery store can be a convenient option for small businesses or home-based entrepreneurs, as it allows for easy access to a wide variety of products. However, it can also be more expensive than other options, and may not offer the same level of quality or consistency as a specialized supplier.

(Source: Fresh Thyme Market)

Local supplier

Buying ingredients from a local supplier can be a great option for businesses that want to support the local economy and ensure that their ingredients are fresh and high-quality. Local suppliers may also be more flexible and willing to work with small businesses. However, local suppliers may have limited selection and higher prices.

(Source: Adobe Stock)

Warehouse

Buying ingredients from a warehouse can be a cost-effective option for businesses that need to purchase large quantities of ingredients. Warehouses often offer lower prices than other options, but they may not have the same level of quality or freshness as a local supplier.

(Source: WSI)

When selecting a supplier for your ingredients, it’s crucial to carefully evaluate all options and their respective advantages and disadvantages before making a choice. Whether it be a grocery store, local supplier or warehouse, take into account all the factors that can impact your decision. Make sure to conduct a proper research prior to finalizing your choice.

Step 5:  Set your business location

Once you have established the production model and sourced your ingredients, the next step in starting a food business is to set up a location to sell your products. There are several options to choose from, including selling food online from home, renting a commercial space, and setting up your own facility. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to consider which one is the best fit for your business.

Sell food online from home

This option allows you to operate your business from your own home. It can be a cost-effective and flexible option, as it eliminates the need for a physical storefront. However, it may limit your ability to reach a large customer base, and may not be allowed in all areas.

(Source: Retail Insider)

Rent commercial space

This option involves renting a space in a commercial area, such as a shopping center or downtown street. This can be a great way to attract customers and increase visibility for your business. However, it can also be more expensive than other options, and may require a long-term commitment.

Another option to consider when setting up the location for your food business is using a shared commercial kitchen. A shared commercial kitchen is a facility that is available for rent by multiple food businesses, typically on an hourly or daily basis. This option can be a great way to start a food business with a lower cost and less commitment than renting or owning a facility.

Using a shared commercial kitchen allows you to use professional equipment and facilities that are already in place, which can save money and time on setting up a kitchen. It also gives you access to commercial-grade equipment, such as large ovens, industrial mixers, and walk-in coolers, that may be too expensive to purchase for a small business.

(Source: The Hankyoreh)

Additionally, working in a shared commercial kitchen can also provide an opportunity for networking with other food entrepreneurs, you may be able to share resources, ideas and strategies. This can be a great way to learn from others and gain valuable insights into the industry.

Set up your own facility

This option involves building or buying a facility specifically for your business. This can be a great way to have complete control over your business and ensure that it meets all necessary regulations. However, it can also be very costly and requires a significant investment.

(Source: Unsplash)

Step 6: Create your brand

As soon as you established the production model, sourced ingredients, and set up a location, the next step in starting a food business is to create a brand that will help you stand out in the market and attract customers. This process involves several key elements, including setting a name, creating a logo, choosing colors, and designing packaging.

Set name

The name of your brand is one of the most important aspects of your business. It should be memorable, easy to spell, and easy to pronounce. It should also be unique and not already taken by someone else. The name should also reflect your brand’s personality and the products you offer. It’s important to conduct a thorough research to see if the name is available as domain name, social media handles and trademarks.

Create a logo

The logo is the visual representation of your brand. It should be simple, memorable, and easily recognizable. It should also be versatile enough to be used in different mediums and formats. A good logo should be able to communicate the essence of your brand in a simple and effective way. It should also be designed in such a way that it can be used in different sizes and contexts.

Tip

You can use online software like Colorcinch to create your food business logo. This will save you money that you can spend on more important things like kitchen equipment, ingredients etc.

Choose colors

The colors you choose for your brand can have a big impact on how your customers perceive your business. They should be consistent with the overall design and should be able to evoke the emotions and feelings that you want your customers to associate with your brand. It’s important to research color psychology and choose colors that align with your brand’s message and values.

Design packaging

Packaging is the first thing that customers will see when they encounter your product. It should be eye-catching, informative, and consistent with your brand. The packaging should be able to convey the information about your product, such as ingredients, nutritional value, and contact information in an easy to read and understand manner. It should also be designed in a way that it’s easy to open, close and store. It’s important to consider the packaging material and its environmental impact, and make sure it’s food safety.

(Source: Pinterest)

Creating a strong and consistent brand is crucial for the success of your food business. By putting thought into each of these elements, you can create a brand that resonates with your target market and helps you stand out from the competition.

Step 7: Create your offer 

Once you have established your brand, the next step in starting a food business is to create an offer that will attract customers and generate revenue. This process involves several key elements, including creating an offer, pricing your offer, and using food photography.

Create an offer

Your offer is the product or service that you will be selling to your customers. It should be unique, high-quality, and aligned with your target market’s needs and preferences. Consider creating a unique selling proposition that highlights the benefits of your offer and differentiates it from your competitors.

Recommendation

Test and iterate: Don’t be afraid to test different versions of your offer and make changes based on feedback and results.

Keep it simple: Keep your offer simple and easy to understand. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that might be confusing to your customers.

Always be up-to-date with food regulations: Make sure your offer is in compliance with the food regulations and laws of the area where you’re operating.

Price your offer

Pricing your offer is an important step in determining the profitability of your business. It should be based on your costs, competition, and target market. It’s important to conduct market research to see what similar products are being sold for, and to make sure your price is competitive.

Food photography

Food photography is an essential element in marketing your offer. It should be visually appealing, consistent with your brand, and able to convey the quality and taste of your products. It’s important to invest in good quality photography and use it on your website, social media, and other marketing materials to showcase your offer and attract customers.

(Source: Format)

Creating an effective offer and pricing it correctly is essential for the success of selling food online. By putting thought into each of these elements, you can create an offer that resonates with your target market and helps you stand out from the competition. Food photography can help to capture the essence of your food business, and make it more appealing and appetizing to potential customers.

Step 8: Build a website with an online ordering

At this point, you’re probably asking yourself: how to sell food online? The next step in selling food online is to build a website with an online ordering feature that will help you reach customers and generate sales. This process might be sounds complicated, but don’t worry, we will help you walk through the website building and get you started selling food online. Here you can find a full step-by-step guide of how to create a restaurant website.

Build yourself or hire a professional

Building a website can be a daunting task, and you have to decide whether to build it yourself or hire a professional. Building it yourself can save money, but it can also take more time and effort. Hiring a professional can be more expensive, but it can also save time and ensure that the website is of high quality.

We have prepared a table comparing costs depending on which model you choose so that you can make a decision quickly and easily.

	Yourself	Agency
Web Designer/Developer	$0	$5000
Domain	$13	$13
Hosting	$0	$140
Total	~ $13	~ $5153

(Source: Report from WebsiteBuilderExpert)

With UpMenu you have everything you need to start selling food online. No matter that you are a small food business that just getting started or a big company with thousands of clients. Our system is tailored to the needs of businesses that sell online food products, facilitating sales, management and marketing. Try UpMenu for free.

Choose template

Choosing a template for your website is an important step in determining the overall design and layout. There are many pre-designed food website templates available in our library that you can use as a starting point and customize to fit your needs. It’s essential to choose a template that is visually appealing and consistent with your brand.

Start designing

Once you have chosen a template, you can start designing your website. This includes adding your logo, colors, and other visual elements that are consistent with your brand. You should also think about the overall layout and user experience, and make sure it is easy to navigate and use. 

Create content

Creating content for your website is an important step in attracting and engaging customers. This includes writing product descriptions, creating blog posts, and adding customer reviews. It’s important to create high-quality, informative, and engaging content that will help to convert visitors into customers.

Step 9: Create online store

Once you have built your website, the next thing to start selling food is to create an own online store and set it up to sell your products. In below instructions, we will show you how easy and fast you can make it with UpMenu online ordering system. Read also our step-by-step guide how to set up online ordering system.

Setup offer

In order to sell your products and reach customers, you have to add your products to make them available for purchase. This includes adding product images, descriptions, and pricing information. It’s important to make sure that your offer is clearly presented and easy to find in your online store.

Provide business details

Providing business details in your online store is a necessary step in building trust with your customers. Add your business name, address, phone number, and email address. It’s also important to include information about your business hours and any other relevant details.

Setup payment methods

To enable customers to make purchases, you need to set up secure payment methods in your online store. This includes adding online payments, that you can easily set up with built-in Stripe integration in our system.

Having a functional online store is essential for the success of own food business. By putting thought into each of these elements, you can create an online store that is easy to use, and that helps you reach customers and generate sales.

Step 10: Setup shipping

Shipping and delivery are an important part of any businesses that selling food. By putting thought into each of these elements, you can create a shipping strategy that ensures that your customers receive their orders in a timely manner, and that you can handle your shipping and delivery needs efficiently.

Setup delivery zones

To ensure that your customers receive their orders in a timely manner, it’s necessary to set up clear delivery zones for your business. This includes determining the areas that you can realistically deliver to, and any additional costs that may be associated with delivery outside those zones. By setting clear delivery zones, you can ensure that your customers know when they can expect their orders and avoid any confusion.

Pickup or delivery

As a food business, you have to decide whether to offer pickup or delivery service, or both. Pickup service can be more economical, but delivery service can provide more convenience for customers. Consider your target market and their preferences when making this decision.

Self delivery or external courier service

Decide whether to handle delivery in-house or outsource it to an external courier service. Self-delivery can help you to have more control over the delivery process and build customer relationships, but it can also be more time-consuming and costly. External courier services can be more efficient, but it can also be more expensive and less personal.

Delivery services

If you don’t want to deliver yourself, use recommended external couriers such as:

• Stuart
• MealShift
• Shippr
• Jelp Delivery
• Lyve
• Gigable

Step 11: Promote your online food business

Marketing your online food business is crucial for reaching new customers and driving sales. In order to effectively promote your business, you will need to utilize a variety of marketing strategies, such as social media, offline marketing, paid advertising, and more. Each of these methods can help you to reach a specific audience and achieve your marketing goals.

Social Media

It’s a powerful tool for reaching customers and promoting your business. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can be used to connect with customers, share information about your products, and build a community around your brand. It’s important to choose the platforms that are most relevant to your target market and to create a consistent and engaging presence.

Offline marketing

This can also be an effective way to reach customers and promote your business. It includes methods such as flyers, brochures, and business cards. It’s important to choose methods that are most relevant to your target market and to make sure that your marketing materials are consistent with your brand.

Paid advertising

Paid advertising can be a quick and efficient way to reach customers and promote your business. Platforms such as Google Ads and Facebook Ads can be used to target specific audiences and to promote your products and services. However, you should know that this type of advertising is one of the most expensive. If you’re just starting out, try other marketing methods.

Other marketing examples

• Email marketing
• Influencer marketing
• Content marketing
• Good reviews on Google and Yelp
• SEO
• Asking for recommendations
• Marketplaces (Amazon, DoorDash etc.)

Promoting your online food business is essential for reaching customers and generating sales. By putting thought into each of these elements, you can create a marketing strategy that helps you to reach your target market and stand out from the competition.

Key Takeaways to start selling food online

• Understand the regulations and requirements for selling food online in your area.
• Create a visually appealing and easy to navigate website or online store.
• Establish relationships with local suppliers to ensure a steady supply of fresh ingredients.
• Use social media and other online platforms to market your business and reach potential customers.
• Offer convenient payment options and fast, reliable delivery or pickup options.
• Continuously gather customer feedback and use it to improve your offerings and services.
• Be aware of the competition and strive to differentiate your business with unique selling points.

Common questions about selling food online

Can you sell homemade food online?

It is possible to sell homemade food online, either through online marketplaces or your own website, but it’s important to comply with all federal and state regulations such as obtaining a food handler’s permit, following food safety guidelines, and labeling your products correctly. Additionally, you need to consider the shipping and storage of the food items and ensure that they are properly packaged and stored to maintain their quality during shipping.

How to sell food online from home?

To sell food online from home, you can use online marketplaces such as Etsy or Amazon Handmade or create your own website or online store. Online marketplaces provide an easy way to reach a large audience and establish your reputation, while creating your own website allows you to have more control over branding and customer interactions.

How much it costs to start an online food business?

The cost of starting an online food business can vary depending on factors such as the type of food products, the equipment and ingredients needed, legal and regulatory expenses, and marketing and advertising expenses. Some of the expenses you may have are kitchen equipment and ingredients, website and online marketplace fees.  It’s important to note that the costs can vary widely, it can be as low as a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Some sources say that the minimum starting budget is $1000.

How much I can earn from selling food online?

The earning potential for an online food business can vary greatly depending on factors such as product pricing, volume of sales, expenses and branding and reputation. Building a large customer base, setting a competitive price, keeping expenses low and building a strong brand and reputation can help increase earning potential.  However, starting an online food business is not a get-rich-quick scheme, it takes time and hard work to build a successful business. You can expect to get revenue from $1000 per month as high as millions of dollars building a big brand or franchise. (Source: MarketingFoodOnline)

Deciding on a restaurant online ordering system isn’t easy. There are loads of options to choose from and a number of factors to take into account, which might make choosing a system difficult. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best online ordering systems of 2023 to help you choose the right online ordering software for you.

Online Ordering Systems

• UpMenu
• Toast Online Ordering
• Flipdish
• Cloudwaitress
• Square Online
• Wix Restaurants
• Bentobox
• Bbot
• Olo
• GloriaFood

What is the best restaurant online ordering system?

There are many online ordering systems available on the market, and the best one for a particular restaurant will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

The best online ordering system is one that is easy to use by guests and staff, is inexpensive, and is designed specifically for the restaurant industry with features that business owners need.

The most important features online ordering software should include are powerful marketing tools, an easy to use loyalty program, a fully customizable drag-and-drop website building option, a branded mobile app for easy ordering, report generating tools, and pos system integrations.

Why do restaurants need online ordering systems?

• Lower commission costs from third party delivery services: third party commissions can eat up even 30% of what you make from each sale. Your own online ordering system significantly lowers those fees
• Easier online order management: this allows your team to easily accept incoming online orders and begin working on them right away
• Own your customer data: keep all of your clients’ information in one spot, which is essential when creating marketing campaigns, tracking customer purchase history, loyalty, etc.
• Build websites and an online presence: advanced online ordering systems for restaurants often come with a website builder, which allows for the creation of a branded website and grows your online presence
• Improve customer loyalty: online ordering systems help restaurant owners tie clients to their business for longer
• Generate real-time reports: create real-time reports that help track how your business is performing

Features you should look for?

• Free Website (No Code, Drag & Drop): an online website that you can design yourself is a great way to improve your digital presence, and make it easy for online ordering.
• Branded Mobile App (iOS & Android): a branded mobile app makes the online ordering process easier for customers.
• Qr Code Menu: this makes tableside ordering easier than ever. In-house clients simply scan the QR code at their table, and order their meals directly from the online menu. The online ordering software also informs your staff which table the order came from.
• Customer loyalty program: loyalty programs are used to encourage customers to order meals with the use of incentives like points or stamps, which can be redeemed for free meals and other offers.
• Email, SMS & Push Marketing: using valuable customer data, marketing features in your online ordering system help you to encourage clients to order from your restaurant via email, SMS, or push notifications.
• Promotions & Discounts (Advanced): promotional tools are ideal for filling empty order slots in your online ordering software. Create a limited time offer, notify your customers about it, and watch tableside and online sales increase.
• Multi-location management: for restaurant franchises, this feature is essential in order to manage multiple business locations with just the click of a button.
• Customer data collecting option: your online ordering tool should come with a customer information feature, which keeps relevant data in one spot and is used for creating effective marketing campaigns.

Key features comparison matrix

Taking into account factors such as cost, features, ease of use, and customer support will be important in determining which system will be the best for your restaurant.
It’s always best to test online ordering systems through a trial version if it’s available in order to get an idea of how it works and if it has everything you’re looking for.

To help you decide on the right online ordering system for your business, we’ve created a table that presents the best restaurant ordering systems, their features, and prices.

	UpMenu	ToastPOS	Flipdish	Cloudwaitress	Square	Wix	BentoBox	Bbot	Olo	Gloriafood
Starting Price	$49	$165	$149	$39	Free	$39	$79	$79	$149	Free
Sales Comission	0%	0%	7%	0%	2.6% + 10¢	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%
Free Trial
Free Websites (No Code, Drag&Drop)
Free Website Templates								NA
Free Hosting								NA	NA	NA
Branded Mobile App (IOS & Android)
Order Taking App (Owner App)
Qr Code Menu
Custom Tips
Tableside Ordering
Table Reservations
Loyalty Program
Email, SMS & Push Marketing		Email					Email and SMS	Email
Promotions & Discounts (Advanced)
Coupon & Promo Code									NA
Whitelabel					NA		NA
Multi Location
Free Setup Service			NA	NA				NA
Free Migration Service			NA	NA	NA		NA	NA	NA	NA

1. UpMenu 

UpMenu is a commission-free cloud-based online food ordering platform for restaurants, which allows customers to place online orders for delivery or pickup directly from the restaurant website or branded app. The software also includes features such as online payment processing and pos integration, and automated printing of kitchen tickets, to help streamline the ordering process for restaurant staff.

Additionally, it allows restaurants to manage their online menus, inventory, and customer data. UpMenu also lets users create targeted marketing campaigns and promotions sent via SMS, push and email, as well as customer loyalty programs to increase in-house and online orders.

UpMenu also comes with an application programming interface (API), allowing you to integrate the system with several third-party POS systems and delivery solutions.

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Pros

• No commission fees
• Free, bo-code, drag-and-drop website building
• Built-in loyalty program
• Integrated with 3rd party systems (pos, delivery)
• Easy to use
• Powerful marketing tools (promotions, coupons, email/sms/push marketing)
• Branded website, online menu, and mobile app
• Fully customizable
• Real-time data collecting
• Designed specifically for the restaurant industry
• Monthly subscription fee
• SEO tools
• Multi-location management
• Tableside QR ordering

Cons

• No sales forecasting
• No barcode/ticket scanning
• No social media integrated promotion
• There are online order limits for the basic and standard plans

Pricing

UpMenu’s prices start at only $49 per month for each premises, with zero commission fees and no hidden costs.

2. Toast POS

Toast POS is a point-of-sale system specifically designed for restaurants, coffee shops and food service businesses. It is a cloud-based software that can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.

It provides an array of features including online ordering, inventory, menu, and customer management, as well as real-time reports.This online system also allows for accepting online orders and food delivery management.

Toast POS can be integrated with various third-party apps such as accounting software, payment processors, and kitchen display systems. Customers can order food online, place reservations, order take-out and pay via mobile. It is available on both android and ios platforms.

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Pros

• Designed specifically for restaurants
• Online and mobile ordering option
• Easy inventory management
• Menu customization and management
• Customer data and reports management
• Kitchen display system
• Employee and client management

Cons

• No barcode recognition
• No free trial
• Requires a long term contract
• Can get expensive with additional fees for extra features

Pricing

Toast POS pricing is based on a monthly subscription model and can vary depending on the specific needs and requirements of the business.

The base price for Toast POS starts at $79 per month per location for the software and hardware, which includes the Toast POS system, a touchscreen tablet, and a receipt printer.

3. Flipdish

Flipdish is an online ordering system and delivery platform that allows restaurants to create their own mobile app and website for online ordering. This online ordering system comes with features such as real-time report generation, customer database management, and integrated payment processing.

Customers can use the platform for digital ordering and to pay for food delivery or pickup from the restaurant.

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Pros

• Designed specifically for restaurants
• Easy inventory management
• Menu customization
• Customer data and reports management
• Allows for mobile ordering

Cons

• Expensive
• No credit card processing
• No promotions management
• No table and waitlist management
• No customer history and employee management

Pricing

The pricing for the basic subscription package starts at €149 per month, and businesses can choose to add on additional features such as integrations with third-party delivery providers, SMS notifications, and advanced analytics and reporting.

4. Cloudwaitress

CloudWaitress is an online ordering software and reservation platform for restaurants. This ordering system allows for online ordering, managing pickups, deliveries, QR tableside ordering and table reservations. Restaurant owners are able to design their own unique website and menu to match their online branding.

Customers can easily place their orders online or make a reservation and view live updates to their order status.

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Pros

• Designed specifically for restaurants
• Offers a free plan
• Integrated POS system
• Menu customization
• Multi-location management
• Customer data and reports management
• Allows for mobile ordering
• Integration with third-party delivery apps

Cons

• Expensive when considering extra features
• No loyalty program
• No table and waitlist management
• No inventory management

Pricing

Although Cloudwaitress offers a free plan, it lacks a number of key features that most restaurant owners can’t be left without. The standard plan, which comes with additional features is $39 per month, however, this does not include the iOS & Android app, which costs a one time fee of $399.

5. Square

Square for restaurants is one of the more popular online ordering systems, designed to help small businesses and individuals process credit card payments using a mobile device or tablet.

In addition to processing payments, Square also allows businesses to accept online orders, manage inventory levels, collect customer data, and generate reports. Unlike other pos systems, Square includes an online ordering option, curbside pickup, and has an online ordering app available on both android and ios platforms.

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Pros

• Inventory management
• Integrates with other POS systems
• Data reporting tools
• Online ordering option
• Online app for Android and iOS

Cons

• No waitlist management
• No customer history tracking
• Additional transaction fees that can stack up

Pricing

Square pricing varies depending on the type of plan you choose.The basic plan is free and includes POS features most online ordering systems have, such as inventory management, sales reports, and customer management, as well as some extras, like ads to encourage social media ordering and other marketing features.

Additional features, such as customer accounts and a free domain are not available in the basic plan. Square for restaurants has a number of features designed for the industry, such as menu management, kitchen display system, and online ordering integration, but pricing varies based on the number of locations and the specific features you need.

In general, Square charges a flat rate of 2.6% + 10 cents for credit card processing fees for all available plans.

6. Wix

Wix is a website building platform ideal for restaurant owners seeking to create and design their own websites without the need for coding or programming skills. It offers a wide range of restaurant templates and features such as e-commerce, contact forms, and social media integration.

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Pros

• No-code, drag-and-drop website building
• Easy to use and set up
• Social media and e-commerce integrations
• Customer contact forms
• Data collecting and analytics
• Customizable website templates
• SEO tools

Cons

• Not designed specifically for the restaurant industry
• No calendar management
• No customer database
• No mobile alerts

Pricing

Wix plans start at $11, however, this basic plan lacks important features required to effectively run and manage your restaurant. The Business & eCommerce plan is the most popular for restaurant owners, and prices start from $23 per month.

7. Bentobox

BentoBox is an online ordering system designed to help businesses handle various eCommerce operations including event management, online ordering via restaurant website, catering, and more.

Users can easily update menu items, manage orders, post promotional content across social media platforms, track online sales, and gain an overview of website traffic via actionable analytics, without having to use third party apps.

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Pros

• Loyalty Program
• Order processing features
• Social media and e-commerce integrations
• Third party pos integration

Cons

• No multi-location
• Expensive
• No route management
• No SMS marketing
• No inventory management
• No customer database

Pricing

BentoBox’s prices start at $149 per month with their Essentials Website plan, which doesn’t include marketing features and selling and managing to-go orders for delivery service. The set up fee is a one-time cost of $1,000, which is pretty steep when compared to free online ordering systems for restaurants.

8. Bbot

Bbot is a web-based contactless order and pay solution that allows guests to order food and drinks from their phone to their location. There is no signup required or app to download, and operators can still collect customer data via the restaurant ordering system.

Guests can order and pay without swiping a card, signing a receipt, or spending a moment waiting in line, which are great online ordering features few systems have.
Bbot helps operators increase sales from on-site orders, curbside pickup, take out, and delivery orders with branded digital menus.

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Pros

• No-code website building
• Branded website and menu
• Easy to use and set up
• Social media and e-commerce integrations
• Customer contact forms
• Integrated payment processing

Cons

• No loyalty program
• Basic plan missing essential features

Pricing

Bbot’s plans start at $49 per month. Although this may be a great plan to start out with, it doesn’t have basic features that other online ordering platforms have, like a loyalty program, client CRM, and pos integrations.

9. Olo

Olo is a software company that provides online ordering options for restaurants. They offer a variety of services to help restaurants manage online orders, including a mobile ordering app, a website ordering system, and integrations with popular delivery services like GrubHub and DoorDash.

Olo also provides tools for tracking and analyzing customer data, and marketing services to help restaurants reach new customers. Their software is designed to help restaurants streamline the ordering process, increase sales, improve the customer experience, and turn new customers into loyal regulars.

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Pros

• No-code website building
• Easy to use and set up
• No iOS and Android app
• Social media and e-commerce integrations
• Customer contact forms

Cons

• Expensive
• No employee management option
• No mobile alerts
• No inventory management

Pricing

Olo’s plans start at $149 per month, plus an additional one-time setup fee of $399, which is pricey when compared to other online ordering software. There may be additional fees with credit card processing, which depend on which credit companies you decide to work with.

10. Gloriafood

GloriaFood is a cloud-based online ordering system that provides restaurants a number of online ordering options for their customers. Clients can place orders for delivery or pickup directly from the restaurant’s website, Facebook page, or mobile app.

This online ordering software features online payment processing, order tracking, and automated printing of kitchen tickets to help streamline the ordering process for restaurant staff, making this option a great ordering system for restaurants.

Additionally, it allows restaurant owners to manage their online menu, inventory, and customer data. GloriaFood also offers tools for marketing and promotions, such as email campaigns, loyalty programs, and online reviews to help increase the number of loyal customers.

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Pros

• Online ordering through web or mobile app
• Built-in kitchen display system
• Online menu and customer data management options
• Marketing features
• Loyalty program
• Inventory management
• Basic system is free

Cons

• Essential features like marketing and payment processing cost extra
• No credit card processing
• No employee management options
• No pos system integrations

Pricing

Gloriafood provides users with a free online ordering system that includes a variety of tools beginning restaurant owners can find useful.

Although Gloriafood is commission-free, certain essential features for running a restaurant will include monthly fees, such as having a branded mobile app, a sales-optimized website, pos system integrations, and marketing tools – which the best online ordering systems have in their basic plans.

Which ordering app is best for restaurants?

Based on our list, UpMenu is the best online ordering app for both franchise and independent restaurants. UpMenu is easy to navigate, fully customizable, commission-free, and has all the features a restaurant owner needs to run their business effectively.

What software do restaurants use to take orders?

Restaurants turn to online ordering systems like UpMenu for taking incoming orders, either through the app, website, or even via Facebook ordering. UpMenu comes with a number of additional features that help to effectively run restaurant operations, generate reports, and create marketing campaigns.

How do I set up an online food ordering system?

Setting up an online food ordering system typically involves deciding on an online ordering platform, designing your menu, integrating your POS system, promoting your online ordering option online, and tracking your reports.

Make sure that all of your data is also available to potential clients on your website, such as delivery zones, contact information, a link to your online ordering system, and online menu.

Key Takeaways

• Free systems usually have hidden fees.
• The best restaurant online ordering system is one that offers users a branded
• menu, app, and website, a loyalty program, pos system integrations, and customer data collecting capabilities.
• Unlike UpMenu, few online ordering systems allow for integrations with third party apps.
• Many free online ordering systems exclude essential features for running and maintaining a restaurant.

Running a restaurant isn’t easy – especially when you’re busy juggling everything at once. From taking food orders over the phone, to managing your team, marketing your business, and everything in between. You didn’t open a restaurant business because you love all the extra work. Luckily for you, there’s a solution.

Instead of running everything yourself, turn to an online ordering system to help take the load off your back. But what exactly is an online ordering system and what are the benefits of implementing one?

In this guide, we’ll show you how to set up online ordering system specifications so that you’re able to take online food orders directly from your website and mobile app.

What is an online ordering system?

An online ordering system for restaurants is a system that allows customers to place food delivery orders from a restaurant via the internet. This can include a website or mobile app that allows customers to browse menus, place orders, and make payments.

As for restaurant owners, an online ordering system lets you manage and process incoming online food orders, track sales, create marketing campaigns, design your online menu, and so much more.

An online food ordering system can be a great way for customers to place orders quickly and easily, and for restaurants to manage orders and increase efficiency. Here’s how to set up online ordering system specifications in 10 easy steps.

Step 1: Sign up with UpMenu

Ready to get your own online ordering system? Start by setting up an online account with UpMenu. Register for a free account using your information to get started.

Once you’ve done so, follow the in-system instructions, which will show you how to set up online ordering system options, allowing clients to place their orders online.

Step 2: Add menu items and prices

Choose your menu design to fit your brand before you start adding dishes. This step is necessary if you have already restaurant website (If you don’t have one, just go through below steps).

Ready to start accepting online orders? Add your food items, their prices, descriptions, and pictures to your online menu so clients can order their meals online.

When you add your dishes into the system, they’ll be available for online ordering, so make sure your pictures are high quality. Also, check that your descriptions are clear so clients know exactly what they’re ordering.

Step 3: Set up delivery zones

Does your restaurant offer delivery? If so, then you need to inform clients about your delivery zones. When customers order online and select the food delivery option, they need to know if you’re able to deliver to their location.

Use UpMenu’s delivery zone creation tool to show clients the areas in which you’re able to offer online food delivery. Additionally, you can include extra fees for your delivery service, depending on the zone.

Step 4: Add information about your restaurant

When you’re setting up an online ordering account, make sure to include key information pertaining to your restaurant.

Restaurant address

Add your restaurant address to help clients reach you directly.

Contact details

Add contact details to let customers easily contact with you.

Working hours

Add restaurant working hours, you can set different hours for delivery, pickup or booking.

 This information will appear on your own website you’ve created in UpMenu.

Step 5: Set up online payments

When setting up your account, make sure to add your payment methods so clients have a seamless ordering experience without any unpleasant surprises.

UpMenu has pos system integrations, allowing you to process payments without having to install any third party platforms.

                                 

Step 6: Build your website

An online ordering platform isn’t complete without your own website. Design your branded website with the UpMenu restaurant website builder so customers can find everything they need in one spot. 

Choose from over 40+ restaurant website templates to make your website your own, without having to look for third party online website builders. If you have your own website, you can skip this step.

If your restaurant already have a website, just go to next step.

Step 7: Add online ordering to your website

Link your online ordering page to your branded website you’ve created in UpMenu to give clients an easy online ordering experience. More customers choose to order food online, and UpMenu makes it easy for both clients and you.

No need for two separate apps – a customer simply places an order from your website’s online ordering section. If you have a separate website or wordpress site, you can link your online ordering platform to it as well.

Step 8: Set up your mobile application

Your happy customers are your best customers. Keep them close to your restaurant with a branded online ordering app. Set up an online ordering app with a restaurant app builder and design it to fit your branding.

Make sure to upload your logo, pictures of your menu items, and information clients need for quick and easy online ordering.

Step 9: Set up tableside ordering

If you offer in house dining, then implementing a tableside ordering option for your customer base who prefer to dine in would greatly benefit your business. Just like online ordering for food, clients place online orders directly from their table using the QR code.

This option is beneficial for restaurants with a high volume of in house customer traffic. In UpMenu, set up your number of tables and generate and print your QR codes. Next, put the codes at the appropriate tables. 

That way, a customer places an order using the QR code at their table, and your order management system recognizes which one it came from.

(Example of QR Code Menu in restaurant. Source: GettyImages)

Step 10: Promote your online ordering system

Now that your online ordering platform and website are all set, you’re ready to start getting the word out about them. Start by sharing your link to your ordering page on social media, encouraging clients to order online for quick and easy food ordering.

Additionally, consider printing out leaflets with a link to your online ordering page, placing stickers with your website on packaging when you deliver food, and updating your Google Business page with a link to your website. Don’t forget to directly link your online ordering page to the buttons on your social media websites for quick ordering.

Online ordering system key features

Now that you know how to set up online ordering system specifications, you’re ready to move on. Now let’s get you familiar with key features that’ll help you to better run and manage your business.

Restaurant website ordering

Restaurant website ordering allows customers to place online orders from your website. That means fewer call in orders and more time for you to focus on other tasks at hand.

Clients can easily find your menu items, check prices, delivery zones, and place their online orders with just a few taps. Simply link your ordering page to your wordpress website and you’re done.

What if I don’t have my own website? You can build your website completely for free or hire us to do that. Learn more about how to create a restaurant website for free!

By keeping existing and new customers on your website, you make it easier for them to place orders quickly and easily, while you’re able to manage orders and increase efficiency.

iOS and Android mobile app

A restaurant ordering app allows customers to place online orders without having to install third party apps. 

UpMenu’s ordering app includes everything your clients need for a streamlined food ordering process. This includes having a list of your food items, prices, payment options, and much more.

And best of all? You’re able to design your own app to match your business’ branding. That way, clients become more familiar with your app. Plus no tech skills are required to get set up.

Online payments

Aside from accepting food orders, your online ordering system comes with an online payments feature. This lets clients process orders directly via the app. 

Hungry customers simply place their orders through your branded app, pay, and either pick-up or have their meals delivered directly to them.

Website builder

The UpMenu website building platform allows you to create an interactive restaurant website that makes discovering your business so much easier for your clients.

They’re able to find everything they need to know about your restaurant, including the type of cuisine you offer, your delivery zones, reviews, contact information, and of course your photo gallery, composed of your food items.

Additionally, the website builder comes with over 40+ layout templates to help match your website to your branding and online ordering app.

Promotions & coupons

Looking to launch a promo offer at your restaurant? Create promotions and coupons, which encourage clients to order food from you. Use your online ordering system to launch SMS messages informing clients about your latest deals and watch those food orders start coming in!

Loyalty program

A loyalty program is the most powerful tool for tying clients to your restaurant business. Only the best online ordering systems come equipped with this feature, which allows restaurant clients to earn points and stamps for each purchase and dollar spent on food orders.

Customers can redeem these points and stamps for prizes such as discounts on their next meal, or even get them entirely for free.

POS Integration

Another useful option only more advanced online ordering systems come with is pos integration, which allows you to process customer orders online. But UpMenu takes things a step further. There’s no pos integration app or third party app that needs to be downloaded – everything you need to process payments is in one system.

Marketing tools

All the extra marketing tools you need to get more table reservations, food orders, and more revenue are in one spot. Stand out from other local restaurants by launching marketing campaigns that get clients through your doors.

Create promotions, launch SMS, email, and push marketing campaigns, or go all out by setting up marketing automation which will send automated messages to your customers – all from your UpMenu online ordering system.

How can an online ordering system benefit me?

Introducing an online ordering system to your daily operations is great to free up much of your valuable time and streamline the food ordering process in your restaurant – but that’s just scratching the surface.

Save on commissions

Not all online ordering systems are made alike. Most charge huge commission fees, which means you’re not making as much profit as what you’re seeing in the system. With UpMenu, all your profits go right into your pocket – all you pay is a flat monthly fee.

(One of our clients Sushi Kushi saved over $1M on food portals commissions)

Marketing benefits

With a fully-featured online ordering system like UpMenu, all of your marketing campaigns are at the tap of a button, which means no third party apps needed, and you’re in control of everything. Plus, you gain access to a number of great features that help keep your clients in the loop about your latest deals.

All the customer data in one spot

With UpMenu, you have total control over your customer base. With a built-in customer CRM (customer relationship management system), you’re able to track how often clients place online food orders, how much they spend, etc. And most importantly, you own your customers’ data.

Improved customer loyalty

Customers love being rewarded for their loyalty, which is why they prefer to order from restaurants that reward them for being regular clients. With a loyalty program in place, you save time, improve customer loyalty, and even increase food order values significantly.

And best of all, loyal customers are more likely to leave you positive reviews and tell their family and friends about your business, which can turn into more clients.

Fewer ordering mistakes

When it comes to online ordering, mistakes can happen. But when you implement a restaurant online ordering system, that number goes down to practically zero.

Clients simply download your branded app, select what they’d like to eat, choose either food delivery, pick up, or to eat in house and place their orders. No more having to take orders over the phone, which would have left room for error.

No more costly errors

How do you know how many existing customers your business has? Or how much profit you’ve made in the last 3 months? Without knowing this data, creating marketing campaigns and promotions can be a shot in the dark.

Your online ordering software changes that completely. With UpMenu, all the data you need is conveniently stored in one app, so you know exactly how your business is doing.

More sales and increased revenue

Your very own online ordering system from UpMenu is perfect for increasing your number of sales and revenue – without having to get third party online ordering programs involved. Marketing campaigns are all built-in, which allow for targeting current clients in your database.

By launching effective and trackable marketing activities, you know exactly how your restaurant business is doing, without having to guesstimate.

Need more reasons why you should set up an online ordering system? Read more about benefits of online ordering for restaurants.

Key takeaways

• With UpMenu, your online ordering platform is yours to keep. You own your clients’ data, your online ordering app, and all the profits you make.
• A reliable online ordering system is easy to set up, comes with a lot of useful features, and doesn’t require multiple third party apps. Everything you need is in one spot.
• Your online food ordering system needs to have a branded mobile app option so clients can download for quick food ordering.
• You need to have a properly set up online menu so customers know exactly what they’re ordering.
• Promoting your online ordering system is essential in order to get clients to start placing food orders through your website and mobile app.

What software do restaurants use to take orders?

Restaurants can use a variety of software to take orders, including a pos system, online ordering system, or a mobile ordering app. With UpMenu, there’s no need for third party services and separate online ordering platforms, which is why restaurants choose UpMenu.

Which ordering app is best for restaurants?

The best restaurant ordering app is one that allows for full customization, pos systems integration, and is easy to use. With UpMenu you have that, and much more. There’s no limited access to data, no need for third party delivery services, and no high commissions, just flat monthly fees.

Which model is best for an online food ordering system?

The best online food ordering system model is one that allows for in house food ordering and online ordering via branded app. In UpMenu, you have both options, without the need for third party online ordering platforms.

Having a website for your restaurant is essential in the digital age. It allows restaurant owners reach a wider audience, create an online presence, and provide important information to potential customers.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of creating a professional and effective restaurant website. From choosing a domain name to designing and organizing your content, we will provide you with the tools and tips you need to succeed.

Is this website free? Yes. Our free plan comes with a free restaurant website builder with pre-built templates and free web hosting.

So let’s get started on creating a website that will help your business thrive.

Step 1: Register for your free account on UpMenu

To create a restaurant website, start by registering for a free account at UpMenu. After signing up, confirm your email address and login to your dashboard.

Register your free account

Step 2: Choose your website template

Choose from 50+ restaurant website templates and select one that perfectly fits your brand or type of cuisine. Looking to build a site from scratch? Simply delete all of the elements from chosen theme and start building a new website using the UpMenu web builder. 

If you are not familiar with building websites, you can customize a template that has already been built. Find the template that fits your branding, select the Preview option to have a look at the demo and click Activate and start editing it.

Step 3: Customize the template to fit your brand

Start from the Design section and adjust the website colors. You can set 7 main colors for elements like headers, text, background, frames, buttons and links or pick a ready made color pallete for your entire site.

Select your font that best suits your current branding. You can set various fonts for headers and text or choose a pre-made combination of fonts.

Set the style of your navigation section and footer. Go to Settings and more tab on the left side to upload your restaurant’s logo. In Additional settings you can change the buttons from solid rectangles to rounded ones or implement animations on your pages.

Step 4: Setup navigation

Default page navigation is provided on the template, however you can add as many pages as you need. Pages about promotions, news, special events, and even your contact page can be included.

In the Settings tab you can set your Meta Title and the Description of each web page to improve your SEO (Search Engine Optimization – website ranking in Google search results), so clients can easily find your business on Google and Google maps.

If you are not familiar with basics of SEO, simply add this to the meta section:

Meta Title: Restaurant Name – Type of cuisine + Restaurant City
Example for Home page: John’s Pizza – Pizzeria Manhattan
Example for Menu page: Menu – John’s Pizza – Order Online

Meta Description: We’ve been serving the best pizza in Manhattan since 1980. Visit John’s Pizza or order online with delivery.

Step 5: Add content (text & images)

This is the most creative part of designing your new website. Replace the text and images from the template or create a restaurant website on your own using the Editor option. Use pre-made content or a blank page canvas to make eye catching visuals that’ll help attract new customers.

When creating a website for your restaurant business, make sure you don’t make spelling mistakes as this will make your site look unprofessional and give a bad first impression to potential and new customers.

A good practice when writing content is to focus on what makes your business stand out. It might be a giant 100cm pizza that most restaurants don’t offer. Also, don’t forget to include contact information and any social media links to allow your customers to reach you quickly and easily.

After creating your page, make sure to save your changes and check your page on a mobile device to make sure your website and screen sizes look good on every device.

Step 6: Setup online ordering

Before your site goes live, consider setting up online ordering for your clients. It may sound complicated, but UpMenu lets you do so in just a few simple steps. At your dashboard go to the Menu section. In this separate page, add your dishes, a beautiful photo of each, and your prices to build your online menu.

Don’t forget to set your restaurant’s delivery zones as well. You can create a radius in the form of a circle or custom shape for your delivery zones. For each zone you can set price for delivery. Doing so let’s clients know if you’re able to deliver their meals to their front door.

Finally, provide your most important contact information to your restaurant and set the opening hours. Additionaly you can add online payments for customers. And now you’re ready to manage reservations and start selling food online.

Read full guide: How to set up online ordering system

Step 7: Find a website address and buy domain (if you don’t have one)

What is a domain name and address?

A custom domain name is a unique string of characters that identifies a website or a group of related websites on the internet. It is used to access web content by entering the domain name into a web browser. For example, the domain name for Google is www.google.com.

How do I buy a domain?

Choose a domain name that is short, memorable, and represents your brand. Check name availabilty using one of recommended providers below. If the domain name is available, provide your personal and billing information to pay for it.

After you have purchased the domain, you can use it to set up your website live.

(Source: DreamHost)

List of recommended domain providers

There are many domain registrars that you can use to purchase a domain name from. Here is a list of some popular and reliable domain registrars:

1. GoDaddy
2. Namecheap
3. 1&1
4. OVH
5. Network Solutions
6. Hover
7. Bluehost
8. Name.com
9. Dynadot
10. Domain.com
11. Google Domains

We highly recommend doing some research and comparing prices and features before choosing a domain registrar. It’s also a good idea to read reviews from other users to get an idea of the quality of service provided by the registrar.

Step 8: Connect your domain and publish your website

You’re now ready to make your website go live and to start receiving online orders. Go to the Shop settings section and select the Domain tab. Insert your domain adress, and the system will generate DNS records that will connect your domain with UpMenu servers.

To provide these DNS records, you have to go back to your domain provider. If you don’t know how to do so, you can ask our Support team for assistance or your domain registrar service.

And you’re set! Your website now has online ordering! Now all you need to do is promote your website at your restaurant, on your Facebook page, or any other social media accounts to reach out to potencial clients.

Step 9: Promote your website

Getting the word out about your website is the the most important marketing strategy to get clients to visit your page and to place online orders. People search for restaurants using the internet, so make sure they find your page. Here are a few tips to help you get seen:

• Optimize your website for search engines: Use relevant keywords and phrases in your website’s content, and make sure your website is mobile-friendly to improve its ranking on search engines like Google. Double check to make sure your site shows up in Google.
• Use social media: Share your website’s first page on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media accounts to reach a wider audience. You can also use social media to interact with customers, share updates on menu changes, inform clients of your best dishes, and offer special promotions.
• Use email marketing: Collect email addresses from customers and send them newsletters with updates about your restaurant, special offers, and new menu items.
• Run online ads: Consider running online ads on platforms like Google Ads or social media to reach potential customers who are searching for restaurants in your area.

Whether you have a new restaurant or have been in the game for years, promoting your website online is the best way to get seen by your clients.

(Source: Freepic)

Why do restaurants need websites?

Nowadays, a website is the key to success for businesses of all types, including restaurants.

Professional websites help the businesses increase sales and save money from third-party aggregators. They also offer convenience for customers, allowing them to view menus, make online reservations, and even order takeout or delivery online.

In addition, a well-designed web page can help restaurants stand out from other businesses. With just the table reservations and online food ordering option, you’re ahead of other restaurant websites. This option is key if you’re looking to make a name for yourself in the industry.

Marketing and advertising

Websites let restaurant owners advertise to a larger group of people than just those who are nearby. Clients can easily search for restaurants in their area, or find specific types of cuisine.

Restaurant websites help businesses establish an online presence, which is crucial, knowing the fact that more than 60% of U.S. consumers order delivery or takeout once a week (Source: Lightspeed). Customers often research restaurants before dining out, and a restaurant website lets them learn more about a business and helps them make informed decisions.

A restaurant website is also the perfect place to list important information such as the restaurant’s online menu, hours of operation, contact details, and even who the head chef is. This can save time and effort for both the restaurant and its clients. Another great feature is keeping website visitors up to date with news and promotions.

Convenience for customers

A restaurant website allows diners to have a look at the restaurant’s menu and specials, making it easier for them to decide on what to order.

Clients can also make reservations through a restaurant’s website, which can save them the trouble of calling and possibly having to leave a message.

Many restaurants also offer online ordering for takeout or delivery through their website, providing added convenience for diners.

A more professional image

A well-designed and informative website can help restaurants look more professional as well. This builds credibility and trust with potential clients and is great for presenting a cohesive brand image, including the restaurant logo, branding colors, and overall aesthetic.

Competition

In a crowded market, having a restaurant website can help your business stand out and compete with other restaurants. Many consumers expect businesses to have a website, which makes them more likely to choose a restaurant that has one.

If a restaurant’s competitors already have websites, it is important for the restaurant to have a website as well in order to stay competitive. To outperform the competition, consider having your own online ordering system that lets diners place orders online. With UpMenu, you can build your own website in minutes, and have all the tools of web editor and content management system.

Building a website yourself vs with an agency

Building a restaurant website yourself can be a rewarding and cost-effective option. It allows you to have complete control over the design, content, and functionality of your website, and you can tailor it specifically to your needs and preferences – without any prior design skills.

Building a website yourself can be a great learning opportunity, however, it requires time, effort, and some technical know-how. We’ll explore the advantages of building a website yourself and discuss whether it’s the right option for you.

Control and flexibility

One of the main advantages of building a restaurant website yourself is the control and flexibility you have over the final product. When you hire a professional web designer, you are limited to their skills and vision. However, when you build a website yourself, you have the freedom to customize it exactly as you want and make changes whenever you see fit.

Cost saving

Another benefit of building a website yourself is how much you save. Hiring a professional web designer can be expensive, especially if you want a custom page. By building a one yourself, you can save money on design and development costs, which can amount to several thousand dollars.

Improved search engine optimization

Having a page is essential for any business, but it’s also important to make sure your restaurant site is optimized for search engines. By building one yourself, you have the opportunity to optimize your website for search engines and improve your rankings, which can lead to more organic traffic and clients.

How much does it cost to create a website?

There are three main ways to build a web page: use a page builder, WordPress, or hire a web designer. Which method you choose will have a huge impact on how much your page costs. For example, creating content can be free with a web builder, but it can cost over $5,000 if you’re using a graphic designer or web developer.

Web page builders are usually the cheapest way to build a website. While WordPress is technically a free, open-source platform, you have to pay for hosting, themes, plugins, and even professional help from a developer, which can increase your total cost.

Hiring a web designer is the most expensive option, but it’s the best choice if you need absolute control over the build and customization of that site or that offers the highest levels of complex functionality. But don’t worry – UpMenu has everything you need to build your professional restaurant website, totally for free!

	Yourself	Agency
Web Designer/Developer	$0	$5000
Domain	$13	$13
Hosting	$0	$140
Total	~ $13	~ $5153

(Source: Report from WebsiteBuilderExpert)

Do you need technical skills?

Creating websites might sound like a lot of programming and various technical aspects that seem difficult. With UpMenu, building a web page in our editor is simple and fast, and most importantly, you do everything visually, so you can see the effects of your work right away. 100% no-code for easier management of your restaurant site.

Even if you don’t know how to start designing a web page, you don’t have to worry because you can use ready-made templates. Just provide your site text, photos, adjust colors to fit your brand, and you are ready to go with your first website.

What are the must-haves of good restaurant websites?

Before you create your restaurant website, prepare some photos of your business, and dishes from your restaurant menu. Think about what makes your business stand out, what promotions you have for clients, and a description along with the history of your establishment. This information will help you build your site faster and make sure all the most important elements are highlighted. Use our checklist to design your own professional web page.

Checklist

• Logo
• Menu photos
  Prepare images of your restaurant and dishes (or get some from free stocks like Unsplash, Freepic).
• Unique selling proposition
• Think about what makes your restaurant business stand out
• Pages to have on your site (Homepage, About Us, Promotions, Menu, Contact)
• Online ordering option
• Table reservations (if you have onsite ordering)
• Promotions

A good restaurant website should have several key features in order to be effective, including a clear and user-friendly design, is easy to navigate, and has high-quality images. It should also provide important information about the restaurant, including the menu, location, hours of operation, and contact details.

A great restaurant website should offer convenient features for customers, such as online ordering, table reservation and takeout or delivery options. By incorporating these elements, a restaurant can create a web page that will effectively attract and retain customers, and ultimately contribute to the success of the business.

Key takeaways

1. Setup your website with an online ordering system that allows your customers to place orders directly online.
2. Use high-quality images to showcase your restaurant and its dishes.
3. Include important information about your restaurant, such as its menu, location, hours of operation, and contact details.
4. Offer convenient features for customers, such as online table reservations and takeout or delivery options.
5. Use paid advertising platforms like Google and Facebook. You can hire us to do that.
6. Keep your website up-to-date with the latest information about your restaurant, including promotions and events.
7. Use social media and other online platforms to promote your website and attract more customers.

In today’s day and age, we’re becoming more and more reliant on technologies to help make our lives less complicated, and the restaurant industry is no exception. Business owners are starting to see the benefits of online ordering for restaurants as diners, especially millennials, are becoming more tech-savvy and expect their favorite restaurants to offer the right solutions for them.

Online table reservations, online ordering options, and food delivery are now the new norm. However, if your restaurant only takes phone calls for table and food ordering, you’re reaching only some of your younger, new customers.

Restaurants that need to implement online ordering platforms will begin to fall behind the competition that has a solid online presence and uses food portals for taking online orders. So if you’re looking to succeed in the restaurant industry, focus on the needs of your prospective customers by implementing a reliable online ordering system. But what exactly are the benefits of online ordering for restaurants?

How online ordering for restaurants is changing the game

We live in busy times. In a world where every second counts, convenience is king. When diners can order food online from their favorite restaurant, they tend to do so more often because the establishment meets their needs. 

Here are the numbers to back up this statement:

• 60% of restaurant clients in America order food delivery or takeout online at least once a week
• 31% will order at least twice a week
• more than 30% of all orders are prepaid online

This data shows that clients who can order and pay through an online ordering system or mobile app prefer to do so rather than call to place an order.

More than just food ordering 

Maintaining your business’ cash flow is the top priority for a restaurant owner or manager. The more online food orders come in, the more profit you make.

When you put your menu online, you make your restaurant available for mobile ordering. So getting your restaurant into the online world is the perfect place for attracting new customers – but the benefits of online ordering for restaurants don’t end there.

Marketing benefits of online ordering for restaurants

A reliable food ordering system comes equiped with a promotion engine, an integrated customer database, and multi-channel campaign management, which help to attract new customers, promote your offers and streamline restaurant operations. 

2. Customers data ownership

How about encouraging customers to make an online order? Create and launch an offer or include add-on deals to orders with just a few clicks. Need to check on customer data to see who to send promotional campaigns to? Two clicks in your online ordering system, and you’re there. How’s your campaign performing? It’s all in your ordering system for restaurants. The benefits of online ordering for restaurants go beyond just taking food orders. With a reliable system, you’re much closer to your clients and understanding their needs.

3. Better customer loyalty

Loyal customers are a telltale sign that you’re  business is on the right track. Regular customers spend up to 67% more than one-time clients, so having a loyalty system to manage relations with them is key.

When looking through online ordering systems, you have a list of restaurant marketing features to keep an eye out for. Many online ordering systems lack advanced customer loyalty capabilities that help you save money on expensive media advertising, so make sure you’re not caught without that.

4. More Orders from your website

With an online system, you can reach a demographic group that is ready to order online and highly suggestible to your offers.

During peak hours, many restaurants report a conversion rate of 40% or more – meaning that 40% of your website visitors will more than likely place an order.

This statistic is desirable when you consider that the “typical” conversion rates for other e-commerce industries are about 2.35 percent.

5. Larger average check size

Customers who order online tend to spend more than they would if they were dining in your restaurant. 20% of customers who order online say that they spend more when ordering from an online menu rather than on-site. 

Additionally, customers have more time to browse your entire menu online, which gives you more opportunities to upsell or cross-sell. Over 34% of orders placed through an online food ordering system are worth $50 or more, while most bills for walk-ins will be less than that.

6 . Fewer ordering mistakes

There’s no room for error when it comes to ordering food online. Unlike phone orders, the customer is responsible for what they order. This rules out any miscommunication that would occur over a phone order.

Another feature no restaurant business can be left without is marketing automation. This feature in your online ordering system allows you to set your daily specials and promotions in advance. Then, once they go live, the system launches your offer directly to your customers.

7. Reduce Costly Errors

Ordering mistakes are one of the greatest causes of food waste and profit loss for restaurants. The busier the restaurant, the more room for such errors to occur. Sure, mistakes happen; after all, we’re human. But if they stack up, these mistakes can deal a strong blow to your reputation and restaurant operations.

Let’s say an order comes in on the phone. The employee that takes it is already busy with dine in customers and bringing food to the table. All it takes is a single distraction, and the phone order might be misheard, or the prepared food might be taken to the wrong table, and you’ve got a mixup.

The client usually catches the mistakes; by then, it’s too late to do anything. Delivering food to the wrong client, missing items on order, or simply not jotting down customer requests can cost you new customers, and getting them back with free food won’t fix that. Plus, other customers are made to wait.

Your kitchen staff are busy preparing food, and now everything is backed up. You’ll be lucky if the customer leaves, but if they decide to leave you a negative review online, your restaurant business is going to get hit hard.

Online ordering systems prevent such situations from ever occurring. If an order is placed incorrectly, then it’s not your fault.

8.  Marketing automation

One of the most significant advantages of online ordering systems is the ability to automate the online food ordering process. That means no more taking food orders and payment info over the phone.

Your staff can focus on other tasks like tending to clients who prefer to dine in. Ordering food from your online menu frees up your staff and keeps those food takeout and pickup customers happy with the quick ordering process.

9. More benefits

What key features of online ordering for restaurants should I look for?

For a comprehensive online ordering system, UpMenu is your best option. This subscription-based online ordering system helps you increase sales, reduce costs, and eliminates blunders caused by taking orders over the phone. No commission fees and no third-party online ordering platforms that own your customer list.

With UpMenu, you have your own online ordering system that you design to fit your branding. In the past 12 months alone, UpMenu has processed over 2.3 million online orders. That’s a lot of satisfied diners.

Easy integration with your website

UpMenu is a web app that integrates with your website via an HTML widget. Payments are processed through Stripe, a secure online payment system trusted by millions of people and businesses across the United States.

Predictable pricing

Because UpMenu is based on a subscription model, your budget will be predictable, giving you a distinct advantage over third-party ordering systems whose payment models are based on taking a commission from your sales. 

Powerful marketing tools

UpMenu also strengthens your marketing initiative. For example, you can notify your customers of promotions and specials, schedule promotional pricing by day and time, and offer your best customers more of what they love best through a loyalty program. 

Data-driven forecasting

Over time, the data you collect will enable accurate demand forecasting, helping you manage your business more efficiently from end-to-end.

Branded mobile app

You will also have the option of your own branded mobile app for a low monthly add-on price – as opposed to the tens of thousands of dollars you would otherwise have to invest if you wanted to develop an app from scratch. 

Designed for all types of restaurants

UpMenu is perfect for fast-service restaurants, food trucks, pizza restaurants, casual dining, catering companies, and restaurants catering to local businesses.

With all these benefits and advantages at stake, the question is, can your restaurant afford not to have an online ordering system? 

Reach out today to learn more or to schedule a free trial. 

Key takeaways of an online ordering system

Running a restaurant business means you’ve got to keep everything in working order. From making sure to deliver food on time to maintaining customer loyalty – you’ve got to keep everything in check. When you add an online ordering system to the equation, it changes everything.

• Customers enjoy the convenience of online ordering and quickly change their ordering habits from phone orders to ordering online. 
• Marketing features such as customer communication systems, loyalty programs, and promotion engine tools increase the number of online orders.
• Automating the online food ordering process gives you and your team more time to focus on other tasks instead of taking phone calls.
• No commission fees, unlike other food portals. UpMenu allows you to create your own online ordering system without commission fees.
• Reduce errors caused by human factors thanks to the comprehensive online ordering system that will ensure accuracy in the fulfillment of orders.
• More earnings from each food order thanks to the easy implementation of menu engineering and upselling principles.
• Traffic forecasting utilizes collected data about users ordering from your restaurant site.

Hungry for more?

Take your restaurant business even higher with our guide to helping you make more revenue with UpMenu. And if you need some inspiration for creating your own restaurant website templates, you can find them here.

A preorder system allows your guests to place orders in advance. Instead of waiting for their meals at your restaurant, your guests can pre order them and arrive once they’re ready.

Not only is this convenient for your clients, but it also comes with a few great benefits for restaurants. When customers place their food orders in advance, it not only increases revenue and helps you organize your work, but also reduces no-shows in your restaurant.

And with the food delivery market predicted to increase by 79% in the next 6 years, getting a food ordering app with a pre ordering feature is key to getting in on the action.

Guests love restaurants that let them place pre-orders in advance and dine in. However, recent data shows that over 65% of diners prefered restaurants with a pre ordering option which would notify them once their meal was ready.

That’s why UpMenu has implemented the restaurant pre ordering feature “order ahead and dine in” in their online food ordering system.

What is a preorder food app and website?

An online food pre-order website or mobile app for restaurant allows your guests to place a pre order for a particular time and day. Customers who order food online for take-out or delivery can specify the time when the order is to be prepared.

Restaurant pre ordering on the other hand is when guests order food in advance and dine in. With UpMenu, they can pre order their meals online and choose when they’d like to have them ready, without having to wait at the table.

How to implement your preorder system

To start taking pre orders you need a restaurant management system that comes with pre order features. With UpMenu, the food preordering feature is available on both the restaurant website and mobile app.

You can create special promotions for guests, introduce them to new features, and publish posts about them on social media.

To get your clients to start making food reservations using the restaurant pre-ordering feature, send a newsletter about this option. You can also post this information on your social media pages, or simply inform clients in person at your business.

Getting the word out about your preorder system is essential to get your clients interested in ordering food ahead of time. Make sure they’re familiar with this feature so they don’t have to be stuck waiting for their food.

How a food preorder system benefits my clients

When it comes to food ordering, your clients will enjoy the convenience of being able to order online, without having to call your business. With UpMenu‘s online pre-ordering feature, all your customers need to do is create their order and choose the time and day they’d like to have it ready.

Shorter waiting time for customers

Making food pre-orders for eating on the spot or for delivery and takeout lets clients skip the wait at the table. This is super convenient, especially when you’re busy. Clients pre-order, their food is prepared, and they arrive once it’s ready – it’s that simple.

 

Order details in one spot

Customers visit your website or app, check your menu, choose their pickup or dine-in time and date, and they’re done. Once you receive it, you can accept it, update and confirm the order status, and notify your client once it’s ready.

All the information pertaining to the order is available on the app. Once the client arrives, they simply need to make payments and either dine-in or take their meals to-go.

Better customer service

Restaurants that implement a preordering system tend to have improved customer loyalty. But how? When clients order their meals ahead of time, they skip having to wait for the prep time. As a result, they arrive once their meals are ready and can enjoy them on as soon as they’re on the spot.

Additionally, the more food reservations you get, the more time your staff has for other tasks and services. They’re able to provide better customer service since they’re not overwhelemd with having to take orders left and right. This also gets you more sales and encourages clients to spend more money at your restaurant.

What are the benefits of having a preorder system for my restaurant?

Pre-ordering also comes with some great benefits for your team as well. Your employees don’t have to worry about taking orders from clients who’ve pre-ordered.

Guests who preorder food aren’t stuck waiting at the table for it to be prepared, which means they don’t take up as much time. This is important, especially during busy hours when your employees would like to serve more clients.

 

In-and-out order processing

It’s even better for your employees when customers have made pre-orders for delivery or pickup, since these clients aren’t waiting for their orders. They just arrive, make their payments, pickup their orders, and go about their day.

Thanks to a pre-order system, your team can serve more clients, who are happier with the quality of service at your restaurant. When your business is packed and you have clients waiting for a table, to see a menu, or for their orders, your service quality can begin to slip. As a result, customers will decide to eat elsewhere.

With pre-orders, the waiting times are cut in half. Your team can finally be able to service more clients at once, and your reputation improves.

Improved customer loyalty with preorder system

Your staff can focus more on tending to individual customers. This improves their loyalty, and makes them more likely to invite their friends and family to your business. That one-time customer is now a returning regular.

Once you’re able to service more clients at once and save hours throughout the day, you not only make more money, but your customer loyalty improves, and your able serve a greater number of clients at once.

Additionally, 26% of customers prefer ordering their meals via a food pre-ordering website or app, whereas 45% say that a food pre-ordering option is a must when deciding where to eat.

 

Key takeaways for preorder system

A pre-order app for restaurants is the go-to tool for streamlining the order taking process. Still feeling on the fence about introducing a preorder system into your restaurant? Here’s a recap of all the great benefits of doing so:

• Pre-orders can be made via the UpMenu app

• No need to take calls over the phone

• Payment types can be selected for quick in-and-out servicing

• Your UpMenu food ordering app lets you update the order status with ease

• Clients check your menu online and order in minutes

• Shorter wait times means more clients can be serviced

• The ordering system keeps pre-order data secure

• Accept orders with just one click

• Customers are instantly informed when their meals are ready

• Order details, payment method, and delivery type are easy to manage

Hungry for more?

Ready to streamline your restaurant’s processes even further? Find out more about dine-in options like online table reservations in UpMenu, which your customer can use to book tables without calling your business. This feature, combined with an online pre-ordering system for restaurants is a great way of optimizing your work, minimizing no-shows and late cancellations.

Contact us today and we will be more than happy to help you organize pre-ordering for your restaurant!

Automating processes is still a relatively new concept in the restaurant industry. There are great benefits that come with automation, such as reduced labor costs and saving time and money. But how do you automate restaurant processes where human interaction and hard work are so important? First, implement an automated restaurant ordering system.

You can’t replace a human team, but you can improve their work efficiency and automate many tasks with this helpful tool.

Automation involves using technology to streamline daily processes or even completely take over certain operations. The easiest way is to automate simple tasks like data management – this is how an automated restaurant ordering system works.

How automated restaurant ordering systems are changing the game

The food delivery industry has undergone a dynamic change over the past few years. Studies show that over 60% of US consumers order food online at least once a week, and 30% say at least twice. 

This trend has been steadily increasing, which is why the restaurant industry needs to adapt to technology-conscious customers. Without an automatic food ordering system, restaurant owners are forced to take orders by hand – which keeps them from doing other tasks.

Although it might seem like a minor inconvenience, you’re burning up too many resources without automation tech in the restaurant. Taking food orders is only a tiny part of the food delivery process, but it can eat up your time.

At the same time, customers also expect more seamless food ordering methods. They want to place their orders, pay, and be on their way without making a phone call. In 2020, the value of food orders via mobile ordering systems reached $38 billion. 

So how do you get your restaurant in on the action?

How can an automated restaurant ordering system automate your work

Automated online ordering systems reduce staff involvement in food order management. For example, with systems like UpMenu, your customers choose what they want to order on an interactive menu from your website, Facebook page, or mobile app.

In addition, clients can easily customize their orders, select add-ons, and view delivery options from your page.

In UpMenu, food orders go to the order handling panel. Once the business receives an order, the customer is immediately notified about the estimated delivery time and status. The food ordering software can also be connected directly to a restaurant receipt printer which will immediately print the order details.

This way, you and your customer save time, and your employees can focus on other tasks instead of answering calls. An automated food ordering system also eliminates mistakes when taking food orders by hand.

What else can an automated restaurant ordering system do?

The UpMenu automated food ordering system makes order management a breeze – but the automation doesn’t end there. With UpMenu, your marketing activities can be put on autopilot.

Are you seeing a dip in food orders, or are you going through a slow period? Put marketing automation to the test, which allows you to send customized email, SMS, and PUSH messages directly to clients based on pre-set circumstances.

Once your customers receive their orders, collect feedback in your restaurant online ordering system. Doing so builds a thorough database that lets you make data-backed decisions about your business.

And best of all, you don’t need to be a tech marketing expert or hire one to run your restaurant’s marketing. UpMenu is the perfect automation system for running your restaurant your way.

A digital customer database that builds itself

All the information about your customers, their payment methods, and orders are stored on the UpMenu dashboard. Detailed reports will inform you which customers order the most, which of your menu items are the most popular, and which ones are not selling.

You can use this information to prepare dedicated offers and change your menu items to serve clients precisely what they love. Adjust your menu to get the most out of your online ordering system and boost revenue in your restaurant!

Customers placing orders through the automated restaurant ordering system will also be asked to consent to marketing messaging. When they agree, they are automatically sent to the newsletter database. This lets you send clients your restaurant newsletter, which keeps them informed on your latest offers, happenings, etc.

You can also use collected information to increase sales. UpMenu allows you to send email, SMS, and push campaigns to do just that. Looking to promote a buy-one-get-one-free special? Plan on hosting a special event and want to invite your clients? UpMenu’s automation features will help you get the word out with friendly reminders.

Message blast automation

An automated restaurant ordering system lets you schedule an SMS or email messaging campaign based on several situations. This builds closer relationships with clients, which is essential when creating a loyal customer base.

Imagine a customer who hasn’t ordered from your restaurant in a while. UpMenu will send them a message with the content you choose after a certain number of days.

Use this message type to bring them back to your restaurant. Encourage them with a special offer or tempt them with new, mouthwatering additions to your menu.

Collecting customer reviews

Your customers will also be asked for food, delivery, and price feedback. This gives you essential information that helps to improve or maintain a high quality of service. Customers have already left over 240,000 reviews through the UpMenu system — now that’s a lot of feedback!

Your reviews are available on the dashboard of the automated restaurant ordering system. You can also respond to customer feedback, which helps improve their experience with your brand.

Building loyalty

When it comes to building customer loyalty, UpMenu is all about automation. With an automated loyalty program, restaurants can reward clients for their purchases with points, which can be used as a form of payment for getting promotions and discounts.

Looking to improve customer loyalty and increase food orders? Create customized discounts and promotions and activate them when your order dashboard looks empty.

Systems such as paper point cards and stamps can get lost, are not convenient, and can be used only on-site in restaurants. Most modern restaurants have switched to digital systems with features allowing for automatic loyalty point distribution and campaign editing.

UpMenu’s loyalty program is designed to work both online and offline. It allows you to reward customers for dining in your brick-and-mortar locations or when they decide to order food to go.

Find out more about the restaurant loyalty program and how automation technology helps restaurants provide top-quality service and turns one-time clients into regulars.

Easier table booking

Taking table reservations in your restaurant just got much easier for your clients and your team. With the UpMenu app, clients go to your page and book a table with just a few taps.

Once their booking is made, you get a notification in your automated food ordering system, and you’re all set. Instead of taking reservations over the phone, clients can make their bookings without getting you or your team involved.

The process is very similar to online ordering for a restaurant. It’ll not only take you just a few seconds to accept the table reservation, but all the data regarding the booking is also available in real-time. Your customers will also be instantly informed if they successfully reserved a table.

FAQ

Streamline your food ordering process

An automated ordering system is designed to help you save significant amounts of time and money, all while making the food ordering process faster and more convenient for your clients.

Over 60% of Americans order food online regularly. With an automated restaurant ordering system, you allow clients to create their food orders their way without having to jump through hoops.

Only with a food ordering system with marketing integration like UpMenu can you increase the number of food orders, grow customer loyalty, and boost your revenue.

With UpMenu, you can automate the food ordering process, create and schedule marketing campaigns, run a loyalty program, and take table reservations. You didn’t start a restaurant to be stuck in paperwork – leave that to us.

Ready to learn more?

Get your know-how about the latest innovations and concepts in the restaurant industry from the UpMenu blog. Also, learn about ghost and cloud kitchens and virtual brands from our recent article Ghost Kitchen – the future of food selling?

Need some fresh ideas for your restaurant website? Find inspiration with our Best Restaurant Menu Themes selection, which will help you design your menu to match your restaurant’s branding.

Looking to increase sales, attract more clients, and earn more revenue? Get your restaurant 101 with the most effective Menu Engineering practices.

Key takeaways

Running your restaurant your way isn’t allways an option when creating marketing campaigns, building customer loyalty, and managing orders. Focus on your clients and leave the rest to UpMenu. Here’s what you can expect from your automated restaurant ordering system:

• Your own digital menu designed by you to drive more food orders,
• Seamless food ordering experience for your clients,
• Customer database that grows automatically,
• Automated marketing messaging to boost food orders and table reservations,
• Loyalty program designed to keep clients coming back to your restaurant,
• Automated customer review requests to help you grow,
• An easy to use table booking and management feature.

Receipts, receipts, receipts – no restaurant owner enjoys having to work with them. But then again, they’re an essential part of running a restaurant – after all, you can’t run a business without them. Luckily for you, creating and tracking receipts just got a whole lot easier thanks to restaurant receipt templates that you yourself can generate. 

That’s right – there are a number of online receipt maker programs that can help. But why exactly should you look into a receipt maker? The truth is, you can learn a lot about your business from such systems. With it, you’ll be able to track your earnings and your most popular menu items. In other words – restaurant receipts can give you insight into how your business is doing.

How to fill out a restaurant receipt?

Chances are you’ve done it countless times as a customer. You received a receipt, signed it, and added a tip. In the United States, tips are usually 15-20% of the total bill before taxes. If you’re dining with a group (usually more than 4 people), your tip is usually added as “gratuity” to the entire bill. But that’s not all you’ll find on a receipt. In most cases, there’s also a section for tax. The tax amount will be calculated based on the cost of the items and the tip (if applicable). 

And finally, all receipts have total amount due. This is the sum of the cost of the items, tax, and the tip. 

When you’re ready to pay, you can either pay with cash, or card. If you’re paying with cash, you will need to write the amount of cash you’re giving in the “Cash” section. If you’re paying with card, you will need to write the last 4 digits of your card in the “Card #” section. 

Some restaurants also have a line for a “name” or “table number”. This is so the server knows who to give the receipt to. 

That’s it! Once you’ve filled out the receipt, you can hand it to the server and they will take care of the rest.

Creating your own receipt template

If you’re thinking of opening your own restaurant, or plan on making some changes to your receipts, then you might want to consider designing a receipt template. When you get started, make sure to include all of the essential information on it before you start printing! Here’s what you need to have when designing your receipts on a receipt maker:

1. Start by creating a basic layout. Include your restaurant’s name, address, and contact information, as well as space for the date, time, and order number. 

2. Decide what information you want to include on the receipt. This can vary, but make sure to include the items ordered, the price, any applicable taxes, and the total cost. 

3. Make sure your receipt is easy to read and understand. Use simple language and clear formatting to avoid confusion. 

4. Print your receipt to test it out. Make sure everything looks correct and that the receipt prints correctly on paper. 

5. Once you’re ready, you can start using it in your restaurant.

The importance of restaurant receipts

If you’ve ever been to a restaurant, you’ve probably been given a receipt. Most people just throw them away, but did you know that there are benefits to filling out a restaurant receipt? 

For one, it helps restaurants improve their services. The information you provide on a receipt is used to help the restaurant staff understand what customers like and don’t like. This feedback is essential for making sure that the restaurant is providing the best possible experience for its customers. 

Another benefit of filling out a restaurant receipt is that it can help you get discounts on future visits. Many restaurants offer loyalty programs that give you points or rewards for filling out receipts. These points can be used to get free meals, discounts, or other perks. 

The benefits of designing your own restaurant receipt

When you design your receipt, you have complete control over what goes onto it. You can choose to include all of the pertinent information, such as the date, time, and location of the meal, as well as the names of the people who were in attendance. You can also choose to add a personal message, such as a thank you or a special note. 

Another benefit of preparing your own restaurant receipt is that you can be sure it has all the information a client would need. Using a receipt design software program makes adding everything a piece of cake. This is especially important if you are claiming a business expense on your taxes. 

And here’s the good part – once you’ve designed your receipt, you’re ready to integrate your restaurant with UpMenu. UpMenu allows you to integrate with different POS systems, which will enable you to create and track clients receipts. If that wasn’t enough, you can also use UpMenu to manage your discounts, and loyalty programs, which helps to tie clients to your restaurant for longer.

For more information about integrations, click here: https://help.upmenu.com/en/collections/2567275-integrations

Finally, preparing your own restaurant receipt can save you time. If you use a service that automatically generates receipts, you may have to input all of the information yourself. This can take up valuable time that you could be using to do other things. When you prepare your own receipt, you can input the information once and then save it for future use. This can save you a significant amount of time over the course of a year.

How to avoid mistakes when filling out a restaurant receipt

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably made a mistake or two when filling out a restaurant receipt. Here are a few tips to help you avoid making mistakes when filling out your restaurant receipt: 

1. Make sure you have the correct time and date. This may seem like a no-brainer, but some restaurants don’t update their dates regularly. 

2. Please make sure you have the correct amount. This is probably the most important thing to remember when filling out your restaurant receipt. Double check your total before you sign the receipt. 

3. Make sure you have the correct tip amount. Make sure you tip the correct percentage of your bill, and don’t forget to include it on your receipt. 

4. Be sure you have the correct signature. Make sure you sign your receipt so that the restaurant can process your payment. 

5. You can simply avoid all those mistakes thanks to the “Ordering” tab in UpMenu. Each order has a built-in function that allows you to print receipts. 

6. UpMenu also allows you to print receipts from mobile applications.

Following these simple tips should help you avoid making any mistakes when filling out your restaurant receipt.

How to make sure you did it right?

When you’re trying to get a restaurant receipt to look correct, there are a few key things you need to check for. First, make sure that the date, time, and location of the restaurant are all correct. Second, ensure that the names and quantities of all food and drinks ordered are accurate. Finally, verify that the total amount due matches the sum of the individual items on the receipt. If any of these things are incorrect, be sure to ask the waitress or waiter to fix the error before you leave. With a little bit of effort, you can make sure your restaurant receipt is complete and accurate.

Key takeaways

Regardless of whether you decide to design your restaurant receipt or use a ready-made one, it should include the following:

• Date and time,
• Receipt number
• Location,
• Price
• Tax
• Total amount,
• Payment method.

Opening your own restaurant isn’t a walk in the park. You’ve got a lot on your plate, even before you open your doors. But let’s not jump into hiring staff, ordering supplies, and getting a restaurant menu app design just yet. First, let’s start with the basics, like planning your restaurant’s design and floor plan. Sure, you’re probably not a licensed architect, but you don’t have to be one when you have restaurant kitchen design apps. In fact, you can start planning your dream business without any previous experience right now.

Designing your own restaurant floor plan not only helps to save you money, but brings your dream restaurant to life. Start by finding the right restaurant kitchen layout design software and begin working on your project. 

Design Your Own Restaurant Floor Plan

Believe it or not, your restaurant’s floor plan is one of the most essential parts of your business. It works as the basis of your restaurant model and helps to establish its vibe, therefore it is important that it matches your expectations. And to help you create your dream restaurant, there are a number of great restaurant design app systems and restaurant interior design apps. And best of all? A number of them offer free trials, so you can try them out before you make a purchase. A solid restaurant app design software might cost you a bit, but it’ll definitely be cheaper than hiring a professional interior designer.

Find a Perfect Restaurant Design Program

Before you jump into looking for a POS or restaurant management system, make sure to find a restaurant design app. These apps not only allow you to design your restaurant online, but also to create a 3D rendition of your restaurant’s floor plan. Systems such as SmartDraw, CAD Pro or ConceptDraw are just some of the restaurant design software programs that can come in handy when planning your kitchen’s design layout or floor plans. And best of all, you can order the design from the app as well.

A Restaurant Software That Will Suit Your Needs and Expectations

Almost every restaurant planning software allows you to generate a 3D rendition of your restaurant’s design. This is essential for you to see how your restaurant will look and how to plan for arranging tables, work stations, and appliances. Before you consult with an architect, register for a free restaurant kitchen design software or a restaurant floor plan generator trial. If you plan on testing out more advanced restaurant design systems, we recommend ConceptDraw. It may be a bit more expensive than other systems and apps, but it’s definitely worth every penny.

3D Restaurant Design Software

When generating 3D renditions of your restaurant’s floor plan, it’s vital that you focus on a few points:

• Your restaurant’s floor space
• Staff work areas
• Appliance placement

Designing a 3D floor plan with many tables might sound like a profitable business plan, but clients might not enjoy cramped conditions. And what if you plan on having live music? Will you have enough room for that? Also, a 3D floor plan will give you an idea of how much space staff will have, as well as where to place appliances. But before you purchase a restaurant design app, make sure that they offer a 3D visualization feature.

Free Restaurant Layout Design Software

Looking for a free café interior design software, a bar interior design software or you wish to design a restaurant floor plan online for free? Then Planner 5D is definitely up your alley. Their website will allow you to create intricate 2D or 3D models for your business and even more! Once you sign up, you’ll have access to some of their basic features. 

Need another recommendation for a free trial? Check out RoomSketchers, which allows you to have their standard features for free. RoomSketchers does not offer their 3D restaurant design software for free, but you can sign up for a subscription, which will grant you access to other powerful features.

Can You Design a Restaurant Layout Online for Free?

Of course! Many of the above-mentioned systems offer users a free trial or access to standard tools. These can be enough to help you build your restaurant in 3D, but almost every app will have limitations on their free trials. However, most apps are not very expensive. Those that offer a one-year subscription often provide you with discounts and competitive prices. So make sure to look around and check a number of options before you make your decision.

And best of all, most of these systems are intuitive and don’t require special devices to run. In most cases, all you need is a tablet, computer or even your phone.

Tools for design – key takeaways

1. Before purchasing a restaurant design app, make sure they offer a 3D visualization feature.
2. Try out a few restaurant design apps to see which one suits your needs.
3. Make sure to take notes of what you plan on having in your restaurant and look for inspiration from various websites.
4. A well-designed restaurant interior attracts clients and can turn them into regular diners.
5. The decor, comfort, and atmosphere are crucial to the guests.
6. There are plenty of free restaurant design apps on the market, then try them first. 
7. Using the right tools will help you avoid mistakes.
8. When designing your restaurant’s interior, remember that your website and mobile application should be consistent with it. You can easily create a website and mobile app in UpMenu, so start a free trial and try us out.

Setting up a Google Business Profile for restaurants is what your business needs in order to get better visibility online and to stand out from competition. If you’re a restaurant owner, you know how important it is to get exposure in the local scene – after all, your potential customers go on Google and search for places to eat every day. One of the best ways to make sure your restaurant is visible on Google is to create and optimize a listing on Google Business Profile (GBP, formerly Google My Business—GMB). Google Business Profile is a free platform that allows businesses to manage their online information, including their hours, location, and contact details.

What is Google Business Profile, and how can it help my restaurant?

Your Google Profile is like your virtual storefront – clients can see your working hours, pictures, reviews, and contact information. However, you can take things a step further. With Google Business Profile, you can boost your profile on Google listing and reach more of your local clients with SEO, track your marketing effectiveness, and better engage with your clients by responding to reviews, publishing posts, and answering any questions about your business.

Ready to activate Google Business Profile for your restaurant? Great! First, make sure you have an existing Business Profile – from there, go to https://www.google.com/business/, select “Manage now”, and follow the steps. After that, find your Business Profile on Google Maps and click “Claim this business” or “Own this business?”. After doing so, your Business Profile and Google Business Profile account will be connected.

How to use Google Business Profile to grow revenue with online ordering?

You want your restaurant to stand out from your competition, right? Well, that’s what your Google Business Profile is for. The secret here is to add high quality photos of your menu items, earn 5-star reviews, include keywords in your business description (added via Google Business Profile dashboard), and share your UpMenu online ordering link.

Photos of your menu items give potential clients a taste of what you offer, whereas 5-star reviews make them more likely to order from you. And don’t forget about optimizing your business description – doing so helps clients find your business on Google.

Finally, make sure to add your online ordering link to your description in your Google Business Profile. Doing so leads your potential clients right to your online ordering page, where they can view all of your menu items, reserve a table, and order and edit their meals – all without having to call your business, making things so much easier for them and you. And best of all? Their orders automatically fall into your UpMenu dashboard, allowing you to track everything, right from your phone.

Google Business Profile For Restaurants – Start By Optimizing Search Results

So, how do you go about optimizing your GBP listing for restaurants? It’s crucial for businesses to get seen by local clients. Here are a few tips for restaurant owners to master search engines:

1. Claim your listing

If you haven’t already claimed your Google Business Profile listing, do so now. This step is important because it allows you to control the information that is displayed about your restaurant in Google search and Google maps.

2. Upload photos

Customers are more likely to order from a restaurant that has photos, so make sure to add some to your GBP listing. Include photos of your menu items, your menu itself, your restaurant’s interior, and your staff. To do so, simply go to your profile, select “Promote” and select “Photo” – then, simply choose the photos you’d like to add. Google will display them in Google Search, Google Places, Google Results, Google Offers and Google Maps.

3. Complete all the information fields

When customers look for a restaurant to eat at, they often check information such as your operating hours, address, business description, website and phone number. Also, make sure to include any amenities (indoor and/or outdoor dining spaces, WiFi, air conditioning, parking, etc.), as well as health and safety precautions. Make sure all of this information is visible on your Google Business Profile, so clients know what to expect before arriving to your restaurant.

4. Earn more reviews

Positive Google reviews are the ideal way to attract new clients and get better visibility online. And each satisfied client allows you to get more 5-star reviews – so make sure to encourage them to rate your business online. Better ratings mean improved local search results and more website visits.

5. Start using GBP Insights

GBP Insights is a tool that provides data about how diners are interacting with your listing. Use this data to make changes to your listing and improve your visibility.

6. Use Google Business Profile for Restaurant Posts

GBP posts are a great way to share information about your restaurant, including special offers and events. Be sure to include attractive photos and calls to action in your posts. Add dishes and accurate information to the description. It can improve your search results as well.

Also, make sure to optimize your GBP listing and attract more customers to your restaurant or website by including keywords that are relevant to your listing. Now hit the ground running – activate your GBP, head over to the business dashboard and join the best in the restaurant industry!

Set Up Your Restaurant’s Google Business Profile

Getting started with your restaurant listing is easy. Just create a listing for your business and make sure to include accurate and up-to-date information about your business. Once your listing is created, you can start optimizing it by adding photos, updating your business hours, contact information, menu items, website, and responding to reviews. You can also use GBP Insights to track how customers are interacting with your listing and make changes accordingly.

Now let’s get started – follow the steps below to create and optimize your listing so your business ranks higher on Google Maps and Google Search.

1. Go to google.com/business and click “Start now.” 

2. Enter your business name and address. If your business is already listed, you can claim it by verifying your ownership.

3. Choose the correct business category. For restaurants, some relevant categories include “Restaurant,” “Cafe,” and “Food & Drink.”

4. Enter your contact information. This should include essential information like your address, restaurant website, phone number, your UpMenu online ordering link and hours of operation. It’s critical for local search.

5. Add photos. Customers love seeing photos of food, so be sure to add some high-quality photos of your menu items. It’s also important for Google Search and Google Maps.

6. Publish your listing. Once you’ve entered all the required information and added photos, click “Publish” to make your business listing go live.

Source: Ranking Academy

How To Add Your Online Ordering Link To Your Google Business Profile

Your clients are looking to order online from your restaurant, so make it easy for them and you by linking your UpMenu ordering page to your Google Business Profile. Start by logging in to your Business Profile and click on “Edit Profile”. From there, choose “Food ordering” as the transaction type and paste in your UpMenu online ordering link. Now your clients can easily order food, right from the get-go, which means less phone calls for you and more orders.

Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Your GBP listing is what potential clients see when they find your restaurant on Google. It includes your business name in local search, address, working hours, contact information, client reviews, business app, your restaurant website and photos – so make sure that all of the information you’ve provided is correct and up-to-date.

So when it comes to optimizing your GBP in local search results, make sure to follow these tips:

1. Fill out your restaurant’s details

Make sure to fill out all of the information fields on your GBP listing. This includes your business name, physical location, operating hours, contact information, cover photo, amenities, menu link, online food ordering link and category. This information is also shared on Google Maps and Google Search, so make sure everything is correct.

2. Add restaurant photos and videos for Google Search and Google Maps

Adding photos and videos to your Google Business Profile listing can help it stand out and give potential diners a better sense of what your restaurant is all about. Try to add a mix of photos, including ones of your food, your dining area, and your staff. You can also add videos, such as a tour of your restaurant or a clip of your chef preparing a dish.

3. Encourage clients to leave reviews

Diners’ reviews and ratings are prominently featured on Google Business Profile listings and a number of online business review pages, so it’s important to encourage happy clients to leave them. You can do this by sending follow-up messages, notifications on your online food ordering system, or by just speaking to them and offering incentives, such as discounts or freebies.

4. Respond to reviews in Google Business Profile for restaurants

In addition to encouraging diners to leave reviews, you should also take the time to respond to them. This shows that you value your clients’ feedback and are willing to address any concerns they may have.

5. Use Google Business Profile For Restaurant Insights

Google Business Profile Insights is a powerful free tool that provides data on how guests are finding and interacting with your business online. This information can help you understand what’s working and what needs to be improved.

Use your Google Business Profile for restaurants to Better Engage with clients

It’s common knowledge that an active and well-developed business profile can take your restaurant places. Just ask yourself, would you book or order from a business that had no pictures, posts, or answers to client questions? Probably not.

With Google Business Profile, you’re able to easily add pictures and videos, share posts, and reach out to clients eager to learn more about what you offer – in other words, it makes you more presentable to your potential clients, thus making your business stand out.

Aside from updating your profile, it’s also important that you have a list of potential keywords to use throughout your business description so your listing appears on top of Google’s search results, making it a whole lot easier for clients to find you. With your list of keywords in hand, add them to your business description, FAQs, posts, and reviews.

Example of well optimized restaurant’s profile on Google Business listing.

How to Use a Google Business Profile for Restaurants Insights

Google Business Profile insights for restaurants are data and metrics that show how potential clients are interacting with your business listing on Google. This information can be helpful in many ways, including:

• Understanding how customers find your listing on Google
• Seeing the actions diners take after finding your listing on Google
• Identifying which marketing campaigns are driving viewers to your listing on Google
• Determining which listing on Google is most popular with your potential diners.

Above all, to access your Google Business Profile insights, log into your GBP account and click on the “Insights” tab. From there, you’ll see an overview of how clients are interacting with your listing.

Source: https://www.synup.com/how-to/track-google-my-business-insights

You can also use the “Compare” function to see how your current campaign’s performance compares to previous ones. This can help spot trends and determine whether your marketing efforts are having a positive impact on customer experience.

How to Use GBP Insights to Improve Your Restaurant’s Operations

GBP insights can also be used to improve your restaurant’s operations. After all, if your audience can’t find your listing on search engine results or have a negative experience once they get there, they’re not likely to come back to your business.

Here are a few specific ways you can use GBP insights to improve your restaurant’s operations:

1. Check the “How Customers Find You” Report to View Your Listing

The “How Customers Find You” report shows you the search terms that guests use to find your listing. Therefore, this basic information can be used to determine if your listing is easy to find and has relevant information important for local SEO.

Let’s say you see that potential clients are searching for your restaurant by its name but not by its location. This could be a sign that your listing is not optimized for location, which means you should make sure that your business information includes your restaurant’s address and that it’s easy to find.

2. Check the “Actions on Your Listing” Report to See Which Features are Most Popular

The “Actions on Your Listing” report shows you which actions potential clients are taking after finding your listing. In other words, this information determines which listing features are most popular with diners.

For example, let’s say you notice a number of potential diners are clicking on your restaurant’s website link, which means they may be interested in learning more about your restaurant. Knowing this, you may want to double check that all of the information provided on your website is up-to-date and includes all the correct information that potential customers would be looking for. 

3. Use the “Clicks to Call” Report to See if Your Contact Information is Easy to Find

The “Clicks to Call” report shows you how many clients are clicking on your listing’s phone number. Bear in mind that most of your clients will be finding your business on their phones, and clicking on your number on your Google Listing will direct them to calling your business.

For example, let’s say you notice that your Clicks to Call report is showing low numbers – that can be an indication that your contact information is not prominently displayed on your listing.

If that’s the case, you ought to make sure that your phone number is easy to find and click on.

4. Use the “Driving Directions” Report to See if Your Location is Easy to Find

The “Driving Directions” report shows you how many customers are requesting driving directions to your restaurant, which determines if your location is easy to find.

For example, if you’re seeing that very few new customers are requesting driving directions, then chances are your listing does not properly display your business’ location, or it simply may be difficult to find. If that’s the case, make sure that your listing includes your restaurant’s address and that it is easy to find.

5. Use the “Photos” Report to See if Your Listing is Eye-Catching

The “Photos” report shows you how many customers are viewing the photos on your listing – and the more views you get, the better for your business.

But let’s say you’re getting very few photo views on your listing from potential customers. This may indicate that your photos are not eye-catching, may be low-quality, or that they’re not being displayed properly. Make sure that your listing includes high-quality photos and that they’re looking good on your listing.

Key Takeaways/Final Thoughts

1. Your Google Business Profile is a powerful tool that’ll help increase sales, attract new diners, and give your restaurant the exposure it deserves. And one of the best ways to use your Google Business Profile for restaurants is to take advantage of its insights, which will help you come out on top in Google Search results, get you more online food orders, increased foot traffic and improved Google Maps results.

2. GBP insights provide valuable data and metrics that show you how your marketing activities are performing and whether or not they may require some extra tweaking. Insights is a great tool to check if your online storefront is getting seen by potential diners and how they interact with your business online.

3. Claiming your Google Business Profile listing is a must. It works as your online business card, which increases online food orders and provides new diners with your restaurant’s name, address, opening hours, and contact information – all of which make it easier for them to find and order food from you.

4. Customers can leave online reviews and ratings on your listing, which is another great reason to claim your Google Business Profile. And the more positive ones, the better chance you have at attracting new diners to your restaurant. And if you have an online ordering system like UpMenu, be sure to link it from your restaurant’s website via Google Business Profile in order to streamline the ordering process for customers and make it more convenient for them and you.

Have any tips, ideas or experiences from using Google Business Profile or insights? We’d love to hear them! Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Online pizza ordering system – the subject of consideration for many owners of pizzerias, and you probably wonder if running one will pay off. In the meantime, while you postpone such a decision in your daily work, you really miss out on big money.

The pizza online orders market is huge! In 2018, customers in the US spent almost $10 billion on pizza delivery. 60% of all deliveries by Domino’s pizza are ordered online! Considering that Domino’s pizza revenue in the same year was $3,433 billion, online order income was $2.06 billion!

We live in a digital age. More and more processes are being replaced by online solutions. 69% of internet users declare that they are ordering food delivery online. Customers expect the same from pizzerias.

Why pizza delivery software is so effective

Pizza online ordering system was designed to help restaurant owners sell their products. This is not just a simple online store, it has special functions for pizza restaurants to support sales.

Customers can easily personalize their orders. It’s very simple, clients choose their add-ons in a matter of clicks. 21% of customers indicate the inability to customize their orders as the reason for dropping the transaction.

You can easily receive your order on your tablet or smartphone thanks to a special online order management application. The customer immediately receives the order confirmation along with the delivery time you have indicated.

Benefits of ordering software for pizzeria

Increase in sales thanks to online pizza ordering system

Starting online ordering in a pizzeria, of course, brings an increase in the number of orders. However, you will not only process more orders — but they will also have more value. On average, the value of online orders is 18% higher than those placed by phone.

This is because the customer ordering online has the opportunity to view the entire menu on the pizzeria website or mobile app. The more menu items you see, the greater the chance that you will order more. A pizza online ordering system also has special functions to increase sales in pizzerias.

1. Pizza halves

Different toppings makes it easier for customers to decide on the final order. Everyone chooses their favorite toppings.

Customers simply select the option “half pizza” and choose the ingredients for each half of the pie. You can also set what toppings would be recommended for customers.

2. Customization and recommending add-ons

You can influence the value of your customers’ online orders by also recommending them pizza toppings. Everyone likes to change something. UpMenu allows you to configure toppings as you like.

Just a few clicks in the system and your customers will be able to customize their online orders freely. Of course, you decide what toppings will be recommended for each pizza and how much they cost. So, you increase the value of your orders and allow customers to enjoy the perfect pizza.

3. Recommend products

You can also recommend your customers selected dishes from the menu. Would you like to advertise a new pizza or special products? Or maybe you also serve other dishes? Let your customers know about it thanks to pop-ups.

Configuring product recommendations is very simple. They can appear in your menu or on the home page if you’ve built a restaurant website with the UpMenu template. You have full freedom here.

Of course, these are just a few UpMenu functions dedicated to pizza online orders.

Increase loyalty with ordering software

Customers order more often if a system works well. 28% of customers decide to drop an order if a mobile application or restaurant website causes problems.

The ordering system from UpMenu was created with pizza restaurants in mind. It is not only intuitive and easy to use for both the customer and the restaurant owner, but it also has the aforementioned order customization features, without which it would be impossible to sell pizza online.

Additionally, as part of your subscription, you get extensive marketing tools. All data about your clients’ orders are stored in your dashboard. You can use them to create dedicated offers for your clients and further increase profits.

UpMenu will also allow you to launch special loyalty programs for customers of your pizzeria. Completely customizable promotional campaigns will easily match your restaurant brand.

Loyal customers simply order more so, it’s much easier to profit from regular consumers than trying to attract new clients. 45% of diners are more likely to choose a restaurant if they belong to its loyalty program.

Better management with ordering software

Thanks to pizza delivery software you will also be able to organize work in your pizzeria more efficiently, and your employees will be more effective. You can say goodbye to unpleasant situations when there was a mistake when a customer ordered by phone.

The time your employees previously spent on answering the phone can be devoted to better guest service on site. Receiving an online order takes literally 3 seconds.

Pizza delivery app

As online ordering becomes standard in the industry, you should explore other sales channels. One of the rising sources of new orders comes from mobile ordering. Facilitating the pizza delivery app will let your customers conveniently purchase favorite dishes with mobile devices.

Take an example from Starbucks in which sales from app are reaching almost 20% of their total revenue. Also, 43% of pizza restaurant clients say that they find online ordering “appealing or extremely appealing,” according to a Technomic.

Pizza delivery applications compatible with iOS and Android allows customers not only to place online orders easily. Also, it gives access to loyalty programs and remarketing communication, which enhances even further the mobile ordering experience.

Pizza order app set up and customization

The UpMenu software solution for online ordering lets you easily set-up, customize, and order the pizza delivery app.

To start receiving orders from mobile devices, you just need to set the layout of your pizza online order app, choose a color scheme that represents your brand, and upload the logo. The UpMenu team will prepare and publish the application on iOS and/or Android store within 48 hours.

While setting up a layout for your pizza order app remember about basic principles of design. Choose a layout and color scheme that is corespondent with your brand logo and catches your restaurant essence. Customers will have more confidence in ordering app that is similar to the restaurant they are familiar with.

It has become a standard. Customers expect it. At the same time, cooperation with food portals like Grubhub or Doordash can be troublesome and cost a lot. On the other hand, 70% of customers declare that they would be more likely to order food online directly on a restaurant website, not through a food portal.

Read more about that here:  Alternatives to online ordering platform for restaurants.

For this reason, 85% of pizza restaurants already sell online. If you don’t let your customers order that way too, you will lose profits.

How profitable is an online pizza ordering system?

Almost 200 pizzerias with different operating profiles cooperate with UpMenu. Some are delivery-only, others offer food on site. How do UpMenu work with them?

For example, the small chain of Tre Orsi pizzerias has seen an 80% increase in online orders in just half a year! They use a restaurant website and a custom mobile app as sales channels. In addition, read more about their cooperation with UpMenu here: A restaurant mobile app that gives you over an 80% increase in the number of online orders.

The online ordering system is also great at the Little Italy pizzeria. They doubled the number of orders from the mobile application within a month. See how they achieved it here: How to make money on pizza ordering – the case of Little Italy.

Pizza Taxi — a restaurant that currently performs over 13,000 orders annually can boast of real success! That’s over 1000 orders per month. All of them are implemented with the help of UpMenu. For instance, learn the history of our cooperation here: Impressive increase in the number of online orders at “Pizza Taxi”.

FAQ – online pizza ordering system

Online pizza ordering system summary

Customers of pizzerias expect that they will be able to order easily and quickly online. Pizza restaurants see these trends — 85% of brands already use ordering software. However, basing digital sales strategies only on cooperation with food portals is inconvenient and expensive for restaurants.

That is why restaurateurs more and more often decide to launch an online ordering system on their website or their own mobile app. This solution is completely adjusted to the needs of pizza restaurants.

The UpMenu pizza order system has features that support the sale of pizza. Offer your customers the option to personalize ingredients on halves and customize toppings. Furthermore, you can recommend additional products and side dishes.

Thanks to these additional features you will earn even bigger orders. And, thanks to convenient mobile ordering experience through the app you will grow your customer base with ease.

Restaurants that work with UpMenu achieve great sales results! Join them, and save on cooperation with food portals. Therefore, run your own online pizza ordering system to earn more.

Learn more

11 of the best pizza website templates for online ordering

Restaurant mobile app complete guide

Online food ordering system – the ultimate guide

Ghost kitchens, dark kitchens, cloud kitchens, and virtual restaurants – nowadays, they’re everywhere.

But are these restaurant business models here to stay, or just come-and-go gimmicks, destined to disappear without a trace? 

To answer this question we need to first look at the basics:

How do these restaurant models differ from one another and how do they compare with traditional restaurants?

From virtual restaurants to ghost kitchens – terminology

Ghost kitchen vs ghost restaurant

So how exactly do ghost kitchens and ghost restaurants differ from one another? A ghost restaurant tends to focus on a single food service brand, usually one cuisine type. Ghost kitchens on the other hand support multiple restaurant concepts, which are also called virtual brands.

How does a ghost kitchen work?

The basic idea behind ghost kitchens is to provide customers with the best possible food quality for the least possible cost.

By ditching the standard storefront strategy and focusing on delivery and pick-up orders, there’s no need for a designated dining area and facilities. As a result,  an the business owner can save on realty costs and employing waiters.

Although on-site dining restaurants have been the go-to business model, online food ordering has been rising at least 20% every year. With this in mind, the ghost kitchen model has this at its core.

What are the advantages of a cloud kitchen?

One of the most substantial advantages of running a cloud kitchen business is being able to maintain a number of restaurant brands from one location. This allows you to expand your potential customer base without having to invest in additional premises.

You can successfully host a number of virtual brands that represent different cuisine styles made from the same basic ingredients, all from one location.

Stronger focus on food quality

Since this business model isn’t concerned with clients dining on-site, you can focus all of your efforts on providing clients with finger-licking good meals. 

Initially, this business model focused on small restaurants looking to expand their delivery capabilities, but many nation-wide brands (Wendy’s, for example) adapted it to relieve their brick-and-mortar locations in traffic-heavy areas.

Reduced wait times with storefront-free kitchens

Opening a ghost kitchen in busy areas is a great way to reduce the average wait time. After all, the closer you are to the customer, the faster you will be able to deliver ordered meals.

Many experts state that time is an essential factor for a customer seeking to order food, and most will choose earlier delivery over quality.

Safer expansion with a dark kitchen

A dark kitchen makes expanding to a new market easier and safer because of modest upfront costs, which make expanding less threatening to business finances. Having a smaller team is also easier to hire for a separate location, and the absence of a dine-in area reduces interior design costs.

Lastly, you can rent space in less desired areas to decrease real estate spending. Ghost kitchens provides an excellent opportunity to acquire new sales channels, without committing to a full-scale eatery.

How to open a cloud kitchen?

You only need a premises with proper kitchen equipment, a team of chefs or cooks, and facilities to start your cloud kitchen. You can rent a workspace at specialized facilities like Cloud Kitchens or Kitchens United. Moreover, you can easily set up your own food preparation site at the rented premises, home, or food truck.

Lastly, you will need to hire kitchen staff to maintain food production and acquire sales channels to collect orders from customers.

Sales channels for restaurants

You have several options for getting for orders from clients, which include:

• direct phone calls or text messaging
• 3rd party online ordering platform
• online ordering system on the website
• mobile app

Direct phone call and text messaging

This option seems to be the easiest to implement. All you need is a work phone assigned to receiving phone orders from clients. And that’s exactly the worst flaw of this method. Phone ordering is time-consuming both for you and your customers.

Additionally, this method is prone to human-induced mistakes. A typo, confusion or static interference while on a call can cause credibility crushing mistakes for your business.

3rd party online ordering platforms

In recent years, online ordering platforms (like Grubhub, DoorDash, etc.) have sprung up and claim to raise the number of orders by even 20%, but at what cost? Despite the increase in orders, commission fees can eat up to 30% of an entire order, thus reducing how much you earn.

Furthermore, when restricted solely to the food ordering system, you lose control over your online presence. When this happens, your brand gets placed on the 3rd party sites, and is entirely out of your control.

Online food ordering systems

fully-featured online food ordering systems are the best solution for your restaurant. Thanks to integrated systems, you’ll be able to conveniently receive orders on any device. Additionally, as you have total control over your website and published content, you can gain better internet visibility, which means more clients and more revenue in your pocket.

Better placement in organic search results will also drive more customers to your brand. Furthermore, you can set up an ordering system with ease in just 5 minutes.

Mobile apps

Mobile apps have been on the rise in recent years and provide a great way to attract customers. An easy to use and downloadable mobile app can help clients better familiarize themselves with your brand. And best of all? UpMenu lets you customize your own food ordering app, so clients have it easy when ordering their favorite meals, and you’re not stuck paying huge commission fees.  Order and customize your own app with UpMenu’s free trial account.

Cloud kitchen during coronavirus pandemic

The cloud and dark kitchen trend came to life during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing regulations and nation-wide dine-in restrictions accelerated the customer shift to food delivery orders. According to NPR, this trend is going to continue to rise, which will grow online ordering revenue from $27B to $240B by 2024.

Some experts state that cloud kitchen brands have worked better during the coronavirus crisis – however, that isn’t necessarily the case. Storefront-free kitchens don’t require the additional costs brick-and-mortar locations have to pay, but also wait times for food are cut in half, since all orders are delivery only. 

Are cloud kitchens the best way to start a restaurant?

Although there are many great benefits to the ghost kitchen model, there are still a few drawbacks. The absence of a storefront means no additional marketing value – marking is solely focused on your meals. Also, when advertising online you compete with a wider selection of brands than you would be selling from a brick-and-mortar location. 

To get ahead of the competition, utilize marketing tools that come with online ordering systems. Use push notifications, e-mail marketing, and SMS campaigns to communicate with customers directly. Utilize promotions and coupons to draw in new clients, and analyze initiated actions to determine the best course of action.

Cloud kitchens are a cost-effective business model, ideal for new food concepts, if you’ve got marketing down.

How UpMenu supports ghost kitchens?

You’re thinking about opening a ghost kitchen. You looked over all the pros and cons of this business model, handled the rental and furnishing of the preparation site also hired the necessary staff. What now?

Focus on attracting clients. But how? E-marketing is the answer. Online promotions are the key element for a ghost restaurant brand since they don’t have a physical storefront.

But is that also a huge flaw? Not necessarily. People tend to spend almost 30% of their day online, which exposes them to a number of ads. Creating an online presence should be your first main goal for your ghost kitchen.

How to build a responsive restaurant website

Creating a website on your own can be quite challenging and time-consuming. Sure, there are plenty of website-creation tools that can assist you, like WordPress, Squarespace of WiX. However,  they’re not designed to get you more food orders and new clients.

But with UpMenu’s online food ordering system,  you’re able to attract new clients, increase food orders, track revenue, and design your own food ordering app for easier ordering.

Why you should choose UpMenu for your ghost restaurant?

UpMenu uses the best WordPress restaurant themes with an in-depth website-creation tool to create astonishing user-friendly restaurant pages. All templates are created with high optimization and responsiveness in mind.

UpMenu also provides you with effective marketing tools like promotion engine, loyalty programs, and advertising campaigns. And if you need to send a direct message to clients, opt in for UpMenu’s  push notification messaging to communicate with customers and send your interactive menu for instant online food ordering. Furthermore, these tools help boost sales through your website and enhance its position in organic search results.

Moreover, UpMenu’s online ordering system has a quick and simple setup process allowing you to start selling right away.

How to start a ghost kitchen with UpMenu?

You’re now ready to start taking online orders, promoting your restaurant, and running things your way. What’s next?

Learn how to make sure of social media tools and sell on Facebook with UpMenu.

Boost your online presence with a comprehensive guide on restaurant marketing ideas.

A fast casual restaurant is a type of restaurant that offers quick, made-to-order food in a casual setting. Fast casual restaurants are often less expensive than traditional sit-down restaurants, and they typically have a more limited menu. 

What is a fast casual restaurant?

The term “fast casual” is a relatively new one, and it is used to describe a variety of restaurant concepts. Fast casual restaurants can be found in most major cities, and they are popular with people who are looking for a quick, affordable meal. 

There are a few things that set fast casual restaurants apart from other types of restaurants. First, fast casual restaurants typically have a counter or ordering system such as UpMenu online food ordering system that allows customers to order and pay for their food without having to wait in line. Second, fast casual restaurants often have open kitchens, so customers can see their food being prepared. 

Third, fast casual restaurants typically use high-quality ingredients and offer a variety of healthy options. And fourth, fast casual restaurants typically have a casual atmosphere, which means they are not as formal as traditional sit-down restaurants. 

So, what is a fast casual restaurant? It is a type of restaurant that offers quick, made-to-order food in a casual setting. If you are looking for a quick, affordable meal, a fast casual restaurant may be the perfect option for you.

How do fast casual restaurants differ from fast food restaurants?

If you’re looking for a quick, affordable meal, you might find yourself choosing between a fast food restaurant and a fast casual restaurant. But what’s the difference between the two? 

Fast food restaurants are typically cheaper and offer a limited menu of items that are quick and easy to prepare. Fast casual restaurants are a step up in terms of price and quality, offering fresh, made-to-order dishes that are often healthier than fast food options. 

Here are some other key differences between fast food and fast casual restaurants:

· Fast food restaurants are typically part of a national or global chain, while fast casual restaurants are usually local or regional. 

· Fast food restaurants are usually drive-thrus or walk-ups, while fast casual restaurants usually have seating. 

· Fast food restaurants focus on speed, while fast casual restaurants focus on quality. 

· Fast food restaurants typically have a limited menu of burgers, fries, and other fried foods, while fast casual restaurants often have a wider range of options, including salads, sandwiches, and pasta. Remember, that some of the features on Upmenu.com might easily help you with preparing a menu for a fast casual restaurant include the ability to creating an online menu, adding photos and descriptions of dishes, and setting prices.

· Fast food restaurants are typically open late, while fast casual restaurants are usually open during the daytime. 

If you’re looking for a quick meal that’s also healthy and affordable, a fast casual restaurant is a great option. And with so many fast casual chains to choose from, you’re sure to find one that suits your taste.

The rise of the fast casual restaurant

The rise of the fast casual restaurant is a relatively new phenomenon, one that has only gained popularity in the past few years. These types of restaurants are defined by their focus on fresh, healthy food that is prepared quickly and served in a casual setting. Many fast casual chains have become extremely popular, and they are often seen as a healthier alternative to fast food restaurants. While there are some similarities between these two types of eateries, there are also some major differences. 

One of the biggest differences between fast food and fast casual restaurants is the quality of the food. Fast food restaurants are typically known for their processed, unhealthy fare, while fast casual eateries focus on fresh, made-to-order dishes. This difference is often reflected in the prices, with fast casual meals usually costing a bit more than their fast food counterparts. 

Another key difference is the atmosphere. Fast food restaurants are typically very brightly lit and noisy, while fast casual restaurants tend to be more relaxed and subdued. This difference is often due to the fact that fast casual dining is meant to be a more leisurely experience, while fast food is designed for quick, on-the-go meals. 

Finally, fast food restaurants are usually part of a chain, while fast casual restaurants are often independent businesses. This means that fast casual restaurants have more freedom to experiment with their menus and create unique dining experiences. 

The rise of the fast casual restaurant is a welcome change for many people who are looking for a healthier, more relaxed alternative to fast food. These eateries offer fresh, healthy food at a reasonable price, and they provide a more relaxed atmosphere than their fast food counterparts. With so many advantages, it’s no wonder that fast casual restaurants are growing in popularity.

The popularity of fast casual restaurants

The popularity of fast casual restaurants is on the rise. These restaurants are seen as a healthier alternative to fast food and provide a more casual dining experience. Some of the most popular fast casual chains include Panera Bread, Chipotle, and Shake Shack. 

There are several factors driving the popularity of fast casual restaurants. First, health-conscious consumers are looking for alternatives to fast food. Fast casual restaurants typically offer healthier options than their fast food counterparts. 

Second, the rise of the millennial consumer has spurred demand for more casual dining experiences. Millennials are more likely to frequent fast casual restaurants than traditional sit-down eateries. 

The fast casual restaurant industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. This growth will be driven by the continued popularity of health-conscious eating and the rise of the millennial consumer.

The benefits of fast casual restaurants

As the world becomes more and more health conscious, people are looking for healthier dining options. Fast casual restaurants are a great option for those who want a healthier alternative to fast food. Fast casual restaurants offer a variety of fresh and healthy food options, as well as a relaxed dining experience. 

There are many benefits to dining at a fast casual restaurant. One benefit is that you have more control over what you eat. When you dine at a fast casual restaurant, you can choose from a variety of healthy options. Another benefit is that fast casual restaurants are usually less expensive than traditional restaurants. 

Another great benefit of fast casual restaurants is that they are typically more convenient than traditional restaurants. Fast casual restaurants are often located in busy areas, making them easy to get to. Additionally, fast casual restaurants usually have shorter wait times than traditional restaurants. 

If you are looking for a healthier alternative to fast food, then dining at a fast casual restaurant is a great option. Fast casual restaurants offer a variety of fresh and healthy food options, as well as a relaxed dining experience.

The drawbacks of fast casual restaurants

The popularity of fast casual restaurants has been on the rise in recent years. These restaurants are seen as a healthier alternative to fast food chains, and they offer a wider variety of options. However, there are some drawbacks to these types of establishments. 

One of the biggest drawbacks of fast casual restaurants is the price. These restaurants are typically more expensive than fast food chains, and they often don’t offer discounts or coupons. This can make them a less affordable option for budget-minded diners. 

Another downside to fast casual restaurants is the quality of the food. While these establishments typically use better ingredients than fast food chains, they often don’t have the same level of culinary expertise. This can result in dishes that are less flavorful and satisfying. 

Finally, fast casual restaurants can be less convenient than fast food chains. These establishments often have longer lines and shorter hours than fast food chains. This can make them a less convenient option for busy diners. 

Overall, fast casual restaurants have some drawbacks that should be considered before patronizing them. However, these establishments also have some advantages that make them worth considering. These restaurants typically offer healthier options and a wider variety of dishes. They can also be a more affordable option for budget-minded diners.

The future of fast casual restaurants

As the world changes, so do our eating habits. We’re now more health-conscious and environmentally aware, and we’re looking for restaurants that reflect our values. That’s where fast casual comes in. 

Fast casual restaurants are a step up from fast food, offering fresh, made-to-order dishes that are usually healthier and more sustainable. These restaurants are becoming more popular, and they’re here to stay. 

Here’s what you need to know about the future of fast casual restaurants: 

1. They’re only going to get more popular. 

As more and more people become health-conscious, they’re looking for restaurants that offer fresh, healthy food. Fast casual restaurants are the perfect solution, and they’re only going to become more popular. 

That’s why a professional looking website is important for any type of restaurant, but it is especially important for fast casual restaurants. This is because fast casual restaurants are typically more upscale than fast food restaurants and a well-designed website can help convey this to potential customers. Additionally, a website is a great way to showcase the menu and dishes that are available at a fast casual restaurant. Upmenu.com can help restaurant owners create a professional looking website for their fast casual restaurant.

2. They’re becoming more sustainable. 

Fast casual restaurants are already ahead of the game when it comes to sustainability. Many use environmentally-friendly packaging, and some even source their ingredients from local farms. As awareness of the importance of sustainability grows, fast casual restaurants will only become more sustainable. 

3. They’re getting more creative.

Fast casual restaurants are known for their creative, made-to-order dishes. As the industry grows, we can expect to see even more creativity from fast casual chefs. 

4. They’re expanding into new markets. 

Fast casual restaurants are no longer just for urbanites. These days, you can find fast casual restaurants in small towns and even rural areas. As the demand for healthy, affordable food grows, fast casual restaurants will continue to expand into new markets. 

5. They’re here to stay. 

Fast casual restaurants are changing the way we eat, and they’re here to stay. These restaurants offer a convenient, affordable, and healthy alternative to fast food, and they’re only going to become more popular in the years to come.