Online ordering is here to stay. A report on Millennial food trends shows that Gen Z and Millennials will continue to utilize convenient food delivery services, even after the impacts of COVID-19 span further away in the rearview mirror. This trend will help many restaurants grow revenue by attracting new customers and increasing revenue from your restaurant's digital ordering system.
If you're new to ordering food online, the number of platforms available can be overwhelming. You might be familiar with food-delivery apps like UberEats and GrubHub, but other options allow orders to go directly through a restaurant. An opportunity like this means you get to keep each sale's total.
Top Three Delivery Systems to Drive Restaurant Sales
Restaurant online ordering software helps you streamline your sales process and increase profits. There are several options to consider: Will you accept online orders for pick up only or delivery? Will you deliver orders with an in-house driver team or use third-party drivers? There are several excellent online ordering systems of all types, many of which integrate with commonly used POS systems.
While there are seemingly endless options for delivery systems, the top four services we commonly hear positive feedback on are Chow Now, Chowly, Touch Bistro, and Door Dash Storefront. Let's look at each one, shall we?
Chow Now
Chow Now sits at the top of our list because we believe it is best in class. Chow Now is a third-party ordering app that integrates with your POS system, offering many options to capture online orders through a branded mobile app or on your website. It also allows for integrations with Yelp, Instagram, and Google to help boost your restaurant's visibility.
Chow Now charges a flat subscription fee starting at $99 per month. Chow Now also offers configurations with in-restaurant and curbside pickup, making it easier for your customers to purchase from you.
Chowly
Chowly brings your third-party ordering platforms like Grubhub, UberEats, Doordash, Caviar, and others on the same platform as your POS system. Chowly is probably an excellent fit for your restaurant if you use multiple third-party delivery services.
Utilizing Chowly eliminates the need for bulky tablets provided from each delivery service you've partnered with by automatically connecting orders from multiple sources directly to your POS system. This integration also means your staff won't have to waste time manually plugging in delivery orders—they'll go straight from the third-party service to your kitchen. Chowly can save time and counter space, two essentials in every food service establishment.
Touch Bistro
Touch Bistro is a restaurant management system that brings operations and guest engagement together in one platform. Restaurant operators can spend less time manually connecting the dots and more time connecting with guests to grow profits.
Touch Bistro's software eliminates the need to rely on third-party services by providing customers options for delivery and takeout via your restaurant's website, Google business page, and social media profiles. It directly sends the order into your POS, meaning your restaurant can immediately accept it and start working on it. It also has a built-in loyalty program to keep customers returning.
The Bottom Line
It's a no-brainer that any restaurant owner wants to see profits climb and maintaining a well-run delivery service is one tool to make that a reality. The good news? Customers also want continued access to streamlined delivery services. According to a report from Open Table, over 90% of customers and restaurants alike want continued offerings for takeout and delivery. If you have yet to consider maximizing your delivery business, now is the time to do so. Which option will you choose?