How Local Restaurants Can Take Control of Their Online Orders
In the modern food industry, the ability to manage online orders efficiently can make or break a local restaurant. For many small business owners, delivery platforms seem like the only option. They promise visibility and convenience but often take a large chunk of profits and limit how much control owners have over their brand. The good news is: that’s no longer the only way to grow. Today, restaurants can build direct relationships with their customers and reduce dependence on third-party services.
The Hidden Cost of “Convenience”
At first glance, third-party delivery platforms look like a blessing: they bring in orders, handle logistics, and give exposure to new customers. But behind the curtain, many restaurants face high commissions, limited data access, and an unhealthy dependency that’s hard to break.
Let’s put it simply: if your delivery platform controls your orders, it also controls your customers. They get the data. They set the fees. You do the work.
“If you don’t own the relationship with your customer, someone else will own it for you.”
And that “someone else” will likely be a platform whose interests don’t align with yours.
Why Taking Control Matters
When restaurants handle their own orders, they regain control over three crucial things:
1. Customer data. Knowing who orders, how often, and what they prefer allows for smarter decisions and personalized offers.
2. Margins. No commission means more money stays in your business, not in someone else’s pocket.
3. Brand experience. Instead of being “just another restaurant on a list,” you build your own image and customer loyalty.
Real Example: From Platform-Dependent to Independent
Take the story of a small burger place that relied entirely on third-party platforms. They were losing up to 30% of each order in commissions. When they decided to set up their own ordering system, it wasn’t overnight magic — but within six months, their direct orders grew to 60% of their total volume.
They used flyers in delivery bags, QR codes on tables, and gentle reminders from staff to get customers to order directly next time. This simple shift increased their profit margin and gave them data they could actually use.
Modern Tools Make It Easier Than Ever
A few years ago, setting up your own ordering system required coding, integrations, and a lot of patience. Today, modern platforms like https://delivety.com/white-label-food-delivery
give restaurants a ready-to-use digital infrastructure — like having your own tech team, but without the headaches.
This kind of solution lets restaurants accept and manage orders from multiple channels — website, mobile, delivery — all in one place. It also helps automate processes, keep customer data safe, and build real relationships with people who love your food.
Practical Tips to Start Transitioning
If you’re thinking about taking control of your orders, here’s a simple way to start:
• Begin small. Set up your own system alongside the delivery platforms.
• Communicate clearly. Encourage customers to use your direct ordering channels.
• Reward loyalty. Offer small perks to people who order directly.
• Use your data wisely. Track what works and refine your strategy.
The Bigger Picture
Food delivery isn’t just about logistics anymore — it’s about owning the relationship with your customer. Platforms can be useful, but they shouldn’t be the only door to your business. By using modern tools and smart communication, local restaurants can grow on their own terms, without giving away their identity or margins.
PS: The shift doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Start small, learn fast, and build a system that works for you, not the other way around.
→ Your customers are already online. The question is: will they order through you, or through someone else?
