Running a brick-and-mortar restaurant used to be all about dine-in service, but times have changed. Food delivery apps and online ordering platforms have made it easier for everyone to get food without leaving home.

Offering delivery can help you increase sales, attract new customers, and keep existing customers coming back. But where do you start?

Should you use third-party delivery services, or is an in-house delivery model better? What makes a restaurant's online ordering system work?

This guide will walk you through how to set up a food delivery service for your restaurant, choose between third-party services and an in-house delivery team, and build a successful delivery-only restaurant strategy.

Why Food Delivery Services Matter

Restaurants that offer takeout and delivery reach more people, increase sales, and stay ahead of competitors.

More Revenue Opportunities

Many customers order food online because it saves time.

A brick-and-mortar restaurant can only serve a limited number of people at a time, but a restaurant with a delivery system can reach many more customers.

By offering a delivery option, you can serve hungry customers who may not have the time to visit in person.

Expanding Your Restaurant Business Beyond Your Location

Food delivery apps and online ordering platforms allow you to serve people outside of your usual walk-in traffic.

If your restaurant is in a small town or tucked away in a quiet street, delivery can help you reach customers who might not have found you otherwise.

People Want Convenience

These days, customers expect a convenient delivery option. With mobile ordering apps, they can order online in seconds.

A smooth online ordering solution keeps them coming back, increasing repeat business.

More Ways to Sell Your Food

A delivery system allows you to test new options to sell your food. 

Some restaurants have even launched delivery-only kitchens, known as ghost kitchens, where they prepare food just for delivery without a dining area.

Staying Competitive

Many restaurants are now offering delivery and those that don’t risk falling behind.

If similar restaurants in your area have delivery options, you need to keep up. Not offering delivery could mean losing potential customers to other businesses.

How to Set Up Your Restaurant Delivery Service

Setting up a food delivery service requires more than just adding an online ordering button to your website. You need a clear strategy to manage orders, deliveries, and customer expectations.

The steps below will guide you through the process.

Step 1 - Decide on Your Food Delivery Model

Before launching your delivery service, you need to decide how the orders will be fulfilled. There are three primary options:

1. In-House Delivery (Own Delivery Service)

With this option, you manage everything, including hiring delivery drivers, maintaining vehicles, and setting up an online ordering system.

In-house delivery gives you full control over customer experience, delivery times, and service quality.

Pros:

• No commission fees to third-party services
• More control over delivery times and food handling
• Direct customer relationships and access to customer data

Cons:

• Requires hiring and training a delivery team
• Higher upfront costs for vehicles, insurance, and technology
• Managing logistics, route planning, and delivery tracking

2. Third-Party Food Delivery Service

Restaurants can partner with third-party delivery platforms such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. These services handle the logistics, so you don’t have to manage delivery drivers or vehicles.

Pros:

• No need to hire drivers or invest in a delivery fleet
• Access to a large customer base through food delivery apps
• Easy integration with online ordering platforms

Cons:

• High commission fees (can be 15-30% per order)
• Less control over delivery experience and service quality
• Limited access to customer data for marketing

3. Hybrid Delivery Service

Some restaurants use both in-house delivery and third-party services. This allows them to keep their own delivery service for local customers while using third-party apps to reach more people.

Pros:

• Flexibility to use both in-house and third-party delivery options
• Increased revenue potential by reaching local customers and app users
• More control over direct orders while still benefiting from third-party exposure

Cons:

• Potential inconsistencies in delivery experience between in-house and third-party services
• Additional costs from maintaining a delivery fleet while paying third-party commissions
• Require management of both in-house and third-party logistics 

Step 2 - Set Up an Online Ordering System

Once you have chosen your delivery model, the next step is to set up an online ordering system that allows customers to place orders easily.

A smooth ordering process increases online sales, improves customer experience, and helps you track and manage delivery orders.

Choose an Online Ordering Platform

Your restaurant needs a way for customers to order food online.

You can either use your own restaurant website with a built-in online ordering menu or work with third-party online ordering platforms.

Option 1: Using Your Own Website for Online Orders

Many restaurants prefer having their own online ordering system to avoid third-party commission fees and control the ordering process.

This allows existing customers to place orders directly from your website instead of through third-party delivery platforms.

• Use a restaurant website builder.
• Add an online ordering menu with clear descriptions and prices.
• Offer secure payment options (credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal).
• Allow customers to create accounts or guest checkout for fast ordering.

Benefits of using your own system:

• Keep 100% of the profits without paying third-party fees.
• Get full access to customer data for marketing.
• Improve brand loyalty with direct customer interaction.

Option 2: Using Third-Party Online Ordering Platforms

If you don’t want to manage your own ordering system, you can use food delivery apps such as:

• Uber Eats
• DoorDash
• Grubhub
• Postmates

These platforms already have a large customer base, helping you attract new customers who may not know about your restaurant.

However, they charge high commission fees (15-30%), which can reduce profit margins.

Benefits of using third-party ordering platforms:

• No need to set up and manage your own ordering system.
• Access to a built-in audience searching for restaurants.
• Integration with mobile ordering apps for fast food delivery.

Make Your Online Ordering Menu User-Friendly

A poorly designed delivery menu can lead to lost sales. Customers need to see clear options, simple descriptions, and appealing images.

Some best practices to consider:

• Use high-quality images – Customers order based on how the food looks.
• Write clear menu descriptions – Avoid long descriptions; keep it simple.
• List prices clearly – Hidden costs can lead to abandoned carts.
• Highlight popular items – Make your best-selling dishes stand out.
• Offer upsells and add-ons – Allow customers to add drinks, sides, and extra toppings.

Integrate Your Ordering System with a POS System

If you are taking online orders, you need a way to manage them efficiently.

A restaurant POS system can sync your online ordering system with your kitchen operations.

It can automatically send orders to the kitchen, track delivery times and fulfillment status, and analyze order data to improve your menu and pricing. 

Offer Multiple Payment Options

Customers expect fast and secure payment options when ordering online. You should offer:

• Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
• Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
• PayPal or Venmo
• Cash on delivery (if using in-house delivery drivers)

Step 3 - Optimize Your Menu for Delivery

Your delivery menu is not the same as your dine-in menu. Certain foods travel well, while others lose quality during transit. A well-optimized menu ensures customers receive fresh, delicious meals that match their expectations.

Choose Foods That Travel Well

Some dishes lose texture, taste, or presentation when delivered. To increase customer satisfaction, deliver food that stays fresh during transport, such as:

• Burgers, wraps, and sandwiches – Easy to package and stay intact.
• Rice and pasta dishes – Hold heat well and don’t become soggy.
• Grilled meats and roasted vegetables – Less risk of spills and mess.
• Pizza and flatbreads – Designed for takeout and delivery.
• Salads (with dressing on the side) – Keeps ingredients crisp.

Foods that don’t travel well include:

• Fried foods – Can become soggy in transit.
• Ice cream and frozen desserts – Melt quickly.
• Delicate plated dishes – Fine dining meals lose visual appeal.
• Overly saucy dishes – Risk of spilling and sogginess.

If your restaurant specializes in dishes that don’t deliver well, consider using better packaging to improve food quality during transport.

Adjust Portion Sizes and Packaging for Delivery

Food delivery orders should be easy to handle and eat. Adjust portion sizes, packaging, and presentation to suit delivery customers.

• Use sealed, spill-proof containers – Prevents leaks and keeps food fresh.
• Separate hot and cold items – Keeps salads, dressings, and desserts fresh.
• Use ventilated packaging for fried foods – Reduces steam buildup to prevent fogginess.
• Offer smaller portions or meal bundles – Customers may prefer combo meals or family-sized portions.

Price Your Delivery Menu Correctly

Pricing delivery orders can be tricky. Restaurants need to cover delivery costs without making prices too high for customers.

Adjust prices to cover 15-30% commission fees if using third-party services. To encourage large orders, offer combo deals and value meals with drinks and sides.

If using your own delivery team, calculate costs and set a reasonable delivery charge.

Test Your Restaurant Menu Before Launching

Before making your online menu available, run tests to check food quality and customer experience.

• Prepare sample orders and simulate delivery times.
• Check food temperature, freshness, and packaging durability.
• Ask employees or friends to provide feedback on presentation and taste.
• Make adjustments based on real-life delivery conditions.

Step 4 - Organize Delivery Logistics

A reliable delivery service requires well-planned logistics, including hiring drivers, managing delivery times, and choosing the right equipment.

Hiring and Training Delivery Drivers (For In-House Delivery)

If you plan to manage deliveries yourself, you will need to hire reliable delivery drivers.

Drivers are responsible for picking up food, ensuring safe transportation, and providing good customer service upon arrival. To hire delivery drivers:

• Post job listings on hiring websites and job boards.
• Ask existing employees if they know potential candidates.
• Look for gig workers who can work flexible hours.
• Check driving records to ensure safe and responsible drivers.

Don’t forget to train your delivery team about the following:

• Teach safe driving practices and food handling techniques.
• Show how to use delivery apps for navigation and order tracking.
• Emphasize customer service (friendly greetings, handling complaints).
• Set expectations for delivery times and professionalism.

Choosing the Right Delivery Vehicles and Equipment

The type of delivery vehicle depends on the distance, location, and type of food being delivered. Vehicle options for food delivery include:

• Cars – Best for long-distance and high-volume deliveries.
• Scooters/motorbikes – Ideal for busy urban areas with traffic.
• Bicycles – Great for short-distance deliveries in local neighborhoods.
• On-foot couriers – Works for deliveries within walking distance.

Some essential equipment for safe food delivery:

• Insulated food bags to maintain temperature.
• Drink carriers to prevent spills.
• GPS or mobile navigation apps for efficient routes.
• Branded packaging for a professional look.

Determining Delivery Zones and Fees

Your restaurant needs to decide how far you will deliver and whether you will charge a delivery fee. Setting clear delivery boundaries helps prevent delayed deliveries and cold food.

Start by covering nearby areas and expand gradually based on demand and available drivers. 

Use heatmaps and customer data to identify popular delivery zones and adjust them based on traffic conditions.

When setting delivery fees, you can offer free delivery for orders over a certain amount or charge a small fixed fee based on distance.

Another option is to slightly increase menu prices to cover delivery costs. You can also use third-party delivery apps to handle pricing automatically.

Ensuring Food Quality During Transit

Even if food is prepared well, poor packaging and handling can lead to mushy fries, spilled drinks, or cold meals.

Proper food storage ensures that customers receive their meals in the best condition.

Use heat-retaining packaging to keep meals warm. Hot and cold items should be packed separately to maintain temperatures.

Sauces and dressings belong on the side to avoid fogginess. 

For accurate order handling, label the bags with customer names.

Managing Delivery Time Expectations

Customers expect fast and accurate deliveries. If food arrives late or in bad condition, they may leave negative reviews or stop ordering from your restaurant.

Consider the following to improve delivery times:

• Use GPS and traffic tracking to find the fastest routes.
• Limit delivery zones to ensure quick service.
• Have multiple drivers available during peak hours.
• Use real-time order tracking to update customers.

Step 5 - Promote Your Online Ordering and Delivery Service

Many restaurants fail because they don’t market their food delivery service effectively.

A strong marketing strategy will help you reach new customers, have more sales, and build loyalty among existing buyers.

Below are the best ways to promote your restaurant delivery service.

Update Your Website and Social Media Pages

Your restaurant website should clearly display that you offer delivery. If customers visit your site and don’t see an easy way to order, they might leave and choose another restaurant.

Ways to improve your website for online orders include:

• Add an “Order Online” button on the homepage.
• Display your delivery menu with prices and photos.
• Use a website builder that supports online ordering options
• Optimize for mobile ordering so customers can order from their phones.

Common social media marketing:

• Post food photos and videos to encourage orders.
• Announce delivery promotions (free delivery, discounts).
• Run paid ads on Facebook and Instagram targeting local customers.
• Engage with customers by responding to comments and messages.

Offer Special Promotions

People love deals and discounts, especially when trying a new restaurant for the first time.

Running promotions can encourage repeat business and help you attract new online orders. For example:

• “Get 20% off your first online order!”
• “Spend $30+ and get free delivery!” 

Optimize for Local Searches and Google My Business

Many people look for restaurants by searching “food delivery near me” or “best pizza delivery” on Google. Being visible in local search results helps attract more customers without spending money on ads.

To increase your visibility, you need to optimize your restaurant for local searches.

Claim your Google My Business profile and include delivery details. Use keywords like “restaurant delivery service” on your website to improve search rankings.

Encourage customer reviews to build credibility and boost visibility. Adding high-quality photos of your food and restaurant can also attract more customers.

Use Paid Ads to Get More Online Orders

Online ads can target customers in your area who are looking for a restaurant delivery service.

Some of the best platforms for restaurant ads:

• Google ads – Appear when people search for food delivery.
• Facebook & Instagram ads – Target local audiences with food photos and promotions.
• TikTok & YouTube ads – Show video ads of your most popular dishes.

Partner with Food Influencers and Local Bloggers

People trust recommendations from influencers and bloggers. Partnering with local food reviewers can help you reach a larger audience.

Do the following to work with influencers:

• Send free meals in exchange for a review or social media post.
• Ask them to post photos or videos of your food.
• Offer discount codes for their followers.

Step 6 - Monitor Performance and Improve the Process

Successful restaurants analyze order data, customer feedback, and delivery times to optimize their online ordering system and increase sales.

Monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) helps identify bottlenecks, improve customer experience, and boost efficiency.

Track Key Performance Metrics

Keeping an eye on delivery performance and customer satisfaction helps you understand what’s working and what needs improvement.

Metrics to track:

• Order accuracy rate – How often do customers receive the correct order?
• Delivery time – How long does it take for food to arrive?
• Customer satisfaction ratings – Are customers happy with their orders?
• Repeat customer rate – How many people order again?
• Average order value (AOV) – How much does a typical customer spend per order?

Use Customer Feedback to Improve Service

Customer reviews provide valuable insights into what’s working and what needs improvement.

Some ways to collect customer feedback:

• Send a follow-up email or SMS asking about their experience.
• Encourage reviews on Google, Yelp, and social media.
• Offer a discount on their next order for completing a survey.
• Monitor complaints and refund requests to spot recurring issues.

Common customer complaints often include late deliveries, incorrect orders, or cold food. By addressing these problems, you can improve service and increase repeat business.

Adjust Menu Items Based on Order Data

Analyzing which dishes sell the most can help you refine your delivery menu. For example:

• Remove low-selling items that slow down service.
• Feature best-selling dishes more prominently.
• Test new menu items to see what performs well in deliveries.
• Offer combo deals to increase the average order value.

Grow Your Restaurant with Buildify Builds

Buildify Builds provides everything you need to grow your food delivery service and reach more customers, from creating a restaurant website to integrating mobile payments and delivery options.

Instead of paying for a mobile app that takes months to develop, you can get a website and downloadable app in less than 10 days for $399 per month. 

The platform includes features like customer rewards, order tracking, and community deals to boost sales and retention.

For early-stage businesses, Buildify Builds also offers idea validation services starting at $8 per month. These include market reports, SWOT analyses, and landing pages to help businesses refine their strategies while saving on tech costs.

With user-friendly tools and a simple setup process, Buildify Builds helps restaurants, ghost kitchens, and delivery-only restaurant models compete in the growing online market.

Ready to set up food delivery the right way? Connect with Buildify Builds today.

FAQs About How to Set Up Delivery for Your Restaurant

How much does it cost to put your restaurant on DoorDash?

DoorDash charges restaurants a commission fee of 15% to 30% per order, depending on the plan you choose. Additional fees may apply for marketing boosts, delivery services, and credit card processing. Some restaurants increase menu prices on DoorDash to offset these costs.

How to set up a meal delivery service?

To set up a meal delivery service, start by creating a delivery-friendly menu with items that travel well. Then, choose an online ordering system that integrates with your POS system. Decide whether to use third-party delivery services or hire your own drivers. Finally, promote your service through social media, ads, and local marketing.

How much does it cost to start a delivery service?

The cost of starting a restaurant delivery service depends on factors like hiring drivers, investing in packaging, and setting up an online ordering system. If using third-party apps, costs include commission fees and marketing expenses.

Restaurants that build their own delivery team must cover driver salaries, vehicles, and insurance. On average, startup costs can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the scale of the operation.

How to set up online ordering for a restaurant?

To set up online ordering, first, choose a restaurant's online ordering system. Add an online menu with high-quality images and clear pricing. Ensure that your ordering platform integrates with your POS system to avoid errors. Lastly, promote your online ordering solution through Google My Business, social media, and paid ads to drive more sales.

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