Introduction :
Why Online Ordering Is the New Front Door to Your Restaurant
Remember when the front door was how most customers walked in?
Now, it’s their phone screen.
People aren’t browsing streets anymore — they’re scrolling apps, reading Google reviews, and searching “best pasta near me” while sitting on the couch.
If your restaurant doesn’t have its own online ordering system, you’re invisible.
Or worse — you’re dependent on third-party platforms that charge 20–35% per order, take your customer data, and control the customer experience.
It’s like running a restaurant inside someone else’s building… and still paying the rent.
The Problem with Third-Party Platforms (And What It’s Costing You)
Let’s get real for a second.
Using apps like Uber Eats or Zomato can feel like a lifesaver — they bring orders in. But they also:
- Charge steep commissions
- Limit your ability to connect directly with customers
- Make your loyal fans pay more (delivery fees, markups)
- Compete with you by showing other restaurants alongside your listing
- You’re doing the cooking, maintaining the quality, and running the show
but they’re owning the customer.
One restaurant owner said:
“We made more money from 20 direct orders than 50 UberEats orders.”
That’s how powerful direct ordering can be.
The Solution: Build Your Own Online Ordering System
It sounds technical, maybe even scary. But building your own system doesn’t mean you have to become a developer overnight.
There are easy, affordable ways to set up an ordering system that:
- Lets customers place orders on your own website
- Accepts payments safely and quickly
- Offers pickup or delivery
- Looks great on mobile
Think of it as creating a virtual front counter — open 24/7, with no rent, no staff, and no fees per sale.
Real Story: How One Local Restaurant Took Back Control
“Flame & Fork,” a barbecue joint in Austin, used to rely on Grubhub.
One month, they made $15,000 in orders — but after fees, they only kept $9,800.
So they invested in their own ordering system using a WordPress website and an online ordering plugin. Total setup cost? Around $300.
Within 3 months:
- 65% of all takeout orders came through their site
- They collected 800+ customer emails
- They saved over $4,000 in commission fees
That money went toward better packaging, staff bonuses, and local advertising.
What Your Online Ordering System Really Needs (Just the Essentials)
No need to overcomplicate. You only need 6 things to succeed:
A. A Simple, Mobile-Friendly Website
Customers should land, see the menu, and click “Order Now” within 5 seconds.
Avoid clutter — make it easy.
B. An Easy-to-Use Menu
Photos help. Clear pricing helps more.
Categories (starters, mains, drinks) make navigation a breeze.
C. Built-In Payment Options
Let customers pay online with credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
Use platforms like UPI , Razorpay, or PayPal for smooth integration.
D. Pickup and Delivery Setup
Let customers choose how they want to receive their order.
You can partner with a local driver or manage it in-house to avoid third-party fees.
E. Order Confirmation & Timing
Make sure people get confirmation after they order and know how long it’ll take.
F. A Friendly Thank You Message
Post-checkout, show a warm thank you — maybe with a coupon or offer for their next order.
This tiny touch builds repeat business.
How to Set It Up (Without Hiring a Full-Time Developer)
Here are 3 beginner-friendly options:
➤ GloriaFood
- Free plan available
- Drag-and-drop menu builder
- Ideal for small restaurants just starting out
➤ ChowNow
- Fixed monthly fee
- Branded apps available
- Works best for established restaurants ready to invest
➤ WordPress + WooCommerce (with ordering plugins)
- Most customizable
- Great for SEO
- Requires more setup but looks professional and feels truly yours
Not tech-savvy?
✅ You can easily hire a Fiverr pro to set everything up in 3–5 days.
Just Click : ✅ Hire a Restaurant Website & Online Ordering Setup Expert on Fiverr →
Promote Like a Pro: Driving Traffic to Your New System
Building it is only half the job. The rest is getting people to use it.
Here’s how:
- Add a big “Order Online” button to your homepage
- Post on Instagram, Facebook & Google My Business with the link
- Print the link on your menus, table cards, takeout bags, and receipts
- Offer a small discount or free item for first-time direct orders
Your loyal customers want to support you — give them a way to do it without the middleman.
Final Thought: Don’t Wait to Take Control
Every week you wait is a week of:
- Lost revenue
- Lost customer data
- Lost opportunity to build loyalty
The good news?
You’re not late. You’re right on time — if you act now.
Customers are craving convenience. They want to support the locals.
Make it easy for them.
💡 TL;DR — Here’s What to Do Next:
Pick your platform (GloriaFood, ChowNow, or WordPress)
Set up a clean menu and payment system
Add delivery/pickup options and confirmation messages
Share the link everywhere your customers see you
Celebrate every direct order (you earned it)
🎯 Want Help Without the Stress?
👉 Start Building Your Restaurant’s Online Ordering System Today →