Elevating 10 industry-leading direct online ordering systems for restaurants
What are the challenges of third-party delivery apps?
Many restaurants opt for third-party ordering apps like Grubhub, UberEats, or Postmates for online ordering and delivery. These apps provide quick setup and access to a wide audience, but they come with a major drawback: high fees, typically around 30 percent of each order total. This means that restaurants may only pocket around 70 percent of their revenue from these apps, impacting their overall profitability.
What to Consider When Choosing a Restaurant Online Ordering System
When assessing which of these options is suitable for your restaurant, consider these factors:
- Cost: Third-party apps may charge a subscription fee or a sales percentage.
- Visibility: These apps can help reach new customers, despite higher costs.
- Ease-of-use: Choose a platform that’s easy for your staff and doesn’t disrupt operations.
- Compatibility: Ensure the solution integrates with your current system.
- Customer loyalty: Marketplace apps may limit customer data for loyalty marketing.
- Customer experience: Consider how easy it is for customers to use your menu and pay.
An online ordering system might appear costly initially, but it’s an investment that will generate revenue long after the pandemic. According to some predictions, global restaurant delivery sales could increase by over 20% annually, reaching $365 billion by 2030. Considering these points, here are the top ten online ordering systems for restaurants in 2024.
Best Online Ordering Systems for Restaurants
Milagro
Intro
Milagro’s Restaurant Online Ordering system is an important tool for managing restaurant orders more efficiently and cost-effectively. The Milagro platform is designed to improve your online ordering experience using advanced technology and user-friendly features. This ensures that your restaurant not only keeps up with the digital age but also maximizes its revenue potential and saves up to 30% compared to other 3rd party delivery systems.
Features
- Seamless Integration
- Order Control
- Customized Operation
- POS Compatibility
- Insights and Notifications
- Upselling Opportunities
- Reduced Advertising Costs
- Quick Setup
Best for
For all restaurant types
Image source – https://www.milagrocorp.com/restaurant/online-ordering-system/
Weaknesses
All of the services were very user-friendly, and Milagro’s staff was what made it so unique. They are constantly working to improve all aspects of their platform.
Menufy
Intro
Menufy offers online ordering websites for restaurants, equipped with various digital and print marketing tools. Customers can place orders directly through the website, the Menufy portal, or the app. However, the customer experience is outdated and not optimized for the web. Menufy prioritizes functionality over design to a certain extent. For restaurants seeking a consistent brand experience, Menufy may not be as adaptable or customizable as other competitors. Furthermore, Menufy imposes a 12% commission fee on delivery orders and charges $99 per month for email marketing services.
Features
- Integration with Third-Party Services
- Ideal for Start-ups and Small Restaurants
- Offline Order Alerts
- Integrations with other platforms
- Customizable Features
Best for
Fast Casual, Neighborhood Spots, Takeout Restaurants
File Source – https://www.capterra.com/p/113368/MenuDrive/
Weaknesses
Menufy clients pay a 12.5 percent commission fee for each delivery. Although this fee is more than some competitors, consumers will only pay for the services they use.
Toast
Intro
Toast online ordering offers a reliable restaurant online ordering system, allowing you to establish and enhance your restaurant’s online presence. As a comprehensive restaurant POS software, Toast integrates internet ordering features seamlessly. By directly connecting you with customers at every stage of the process, the Toast online restaurant management system reduces errors. This system enables you to send notifications, control the number of orders you handle simultaneously, and manage the menu anytime.
Features
- In-house and third-party delivery driver management
- Customer arrival notifications
- Custom branding
- Multiple device support
Best for
For all restaurant types
Image source – https://www.jotform.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Screen-Shot-2021-10-06-at-08.59.40-2.png
Weaknesses
- Cost may be higher for small businesses.
- Complex features may require additional staff training.
ChowNow
Intro
ChowNow is an online ordering platform that links customers with restaurants. Restaurants can subscribe monthly to take orders via their website or a custom mobile app. ChowNow supports in-store, curbside pickup, and delivery through partners. It’s commission-free, integrates with your POS system, and helps capture online orders. It also connects with Yelp, Instagram, and Google to boost your restaurant’s visibility and order volume.
Features
- Order Management
- Dispatch Management
- Menu Management
- Delivery Tracking
- Integrations with Yelp, Instagram, and Google
- Configurations for in-restaurant and curbside pickup
Best for
Fine dining, cafe & coffee shops, fast-casual
Image Source – https://www.jotform.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ChowNow-Curbside-Pickup-Admin-e1595970864537-2048×926.png
Weaknesses
-
Some users find the platform lacking advanced analytics tools.
-
Integration with certain POS systems may be challenging.
Upserve
Intro
Upserve is a suitable option for cafes, coffee kiosks, bars, wineries, coffee shops, and bakeries. Its restaurant management system integrates with various online ordering marketplaces such as Postmates, DoorDash, Caviar, and UberEats, providing a fully-branded ordering experience and the visibility of a third-party delivery partner. Additionally, the ordering system offers analytics to track restaurant performance and make adjustments to enhance guest satisfaction scores.
Features
- Inventory management
- Order analytics
- Customer loyalty program
- Simple to set up
- Integrated loyalty program
- Integration with website
Best for
For all restaurant types
Image source – https://www.jotform.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Screen-Shot-2021-10-06-at-09.06.45.png
Weaknesses
- The initial setup and learning curve may be steep.
- Customization options could be more extensive.
GloriaFood
Intro
GloriaFood is a cloud-based online ordering system that offers restaurants various options for online orders. Customers can place delivery or pickup orders directly from the restaurant’s website, Facebook page, or mobile app. This software includes online payment processing, order tracking, and automated printing of kitchen tickets to streamline the ordering process for restaurant staff, making it an excellent choice for restaurants. Additionally, it enables restaurant owners to manage their online menus, inventory, and customer data. GloriaFood also provides marketing and promotional tools, including email campaigns, loyalty programs, and online reviews, to help grow the number of loyal customers.
Features
- Free Website Ordering Widget
- Free orders with Facebook smart links
- Customized Services Option
- Multi-Template Receipt Customizations
Best for
Small and medium-sized restaurants
Image Source – https://www.jotform.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/57383713-3710-4899-87e6-9eeae9bac897.webp
Weaknesses
- Limited support for large-scale restaurant operations.
- Integration capabilities with other systems may be restricted.
Bbot Smart Ordering
Intro
Bbot’s online ordering system works for many food businesses like take-out, delivery, dining-in, catering, etc. It’s all online, so owners can change their digital menus and add their brand. Customers can order easily with their phones, and safe payments mean no need for cards or paper receipts. Bbot takes NFC payments, ApplePay, GooglePay, and QR codes. There’s a monthly fee, but businesses can try it for free first.
Features
- Digital menus
- Multi-menu ordering
- POS integration available
- Multi-payment integration option
Best for
Take-out, delivery, in-venue dining, catering business
Image source – https://images.ctfassets.net/h81st780aesh/2F3ucY4kHM97sZ1pqaDMMB/c8a2d0f573e0c3127317b1a11b30840d/42581BBot.png?fm=webp&w=1219&fit=fill&f=center&q=50
Weaknesses
BBOt is the next generation of POS systems. It’s portable, fits in your pocket, and it’s quick. It is an excellent choice for any food service operation.
Clover Online Ordering
Intro
Clover’s Online Ordering System lets restaurants accept orders through a Clover web page or app. It helps restaurants make an online menu, be more visible to customers, and send orders straight to the kitchen. It also keeps customer info, so businesses can offer rewards, promos, and feedback programs to loyal customers.
Features
- ACH Payment Processing
- Clover supports multi-languages
- Electronic signature
- Safe and Secure app
Best for
All types of restaurants
Image source – https://www.getapp.com/customer-management-software/a/clover/features/
Weaknesses
-
Limited third-party integrations.
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Some users find the platform’s fees relatively high.
Square
Intro
Square for Restaurants is a widely used online ordering system designed to assist small businesses and individuals in processing credit card payments using a mobile device or tablet. In addition to payment processing, Square also enables businesses to accept online orders, manage inventory levels, collect customer data, and generate reports. Unlike other POS systems, Square includes an online ordering option, and curbside pickup, and offers an online ordering app available on both Android and iOS platforms.
Features
- Easy-to-use website builder
- Integration with 200 third-party apps
- POS system integration
Best for
All Restaurants types
Image source – https://www.jotform.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Screen-Shot-2021-10-06-at-09.47.24.png
Weaknesses
- Limited support for more complex restaurant operations.
- Some users report challenges in customizing certain features.
FreshBytes
Intro
FreshBytes is a mobile ordering and customer service tool that offers branded apps and websites for small and medium-sized restaurants. It has powerful features usually found in large chains. It also offers full online ordering services. Unlike others, FreshBytes doesn’t just share customer info in an Excel sheet. It uses automated marketing to personalize customer interaction, syncing customer data with marketing software to keep customers engaged with the restaurant’s brand.
Features
- Menu pictures for every item
- One-touch reordering
- Real-time order status
- Easier to use
- Smart messaging
Best for
Small and medium-sized restaurants
Image source – https://www.freshbytes.io/
Weaknesses
- The platform might not be as suitable for larger restaurant chains.
- Customization options for menus could be more robust.
Ultimately, the online ordering system you select depends on the features you prioritize. According to restaurant consultant Hamed M., there are four key aspects to consider during your research:
- Customization options for branding
- Seamless integration of the online ordering system with your POS system
- Cost structure and its alignment with your budget
- Marketing assistance
Considering these factors will aid in determining the most suitable tool to fulfill your online ordering requirements and prepare you for future success.
Conclusion
The best online ordering system for your restaurant in 2024. If you want to provide online ordering and delivery, consider a third-party solution. If you manage deliveries yourself or want a simple way for customers to order online for pickup, the Milagro all-in-one POS system is a perfect option for your restaurant. Compare the options to find the best fit for your restaurant.
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