To manage online orders without overwhelming the kitchen or staff, treat online demand like extra seats in your restaurant: you only accept what you can deliver with your current people, prep, and equipment. Most restaurants do this by limiting order volume per time window, tightening the menu for delivery, and using clear production priorities.
The real costs of offering online ordering and delivery for a restaurant include commission fees, payment processing, packaging, additional labor, marketing, and operational adjustments. When calculated together, these expenses can significantly impact net profit margins.
Restaurants decide between using delivery apps and running their own online ordering system by comparing reach, control, and long-term profitability. Delivery apps provide immediate exposure and logistics support, while an in-house system offers greater control over margins, branding, and customer data. Most restaurants base the decision on their growth stage, operational capacity, and financial goals.
Online ordering for restaurants is a system that allows customers to browse a digital menu, place an order, and pay electronically for pickup or delivery. It connects the customer’s device directly to the restaurant’s ordering and kitchen workflow. Once payment is confirmed, the order is automatically transmitted to the restaurant’s POS, kitchen printer, display system, or tablet, where it is prepared and handed over for pickup or delivery.