7 Benefits of Offering Online Ordering at Your Restaurant

From shifting consumer habits to tighter margins, modern restaurants face growing pressure to adapt and one of the most impactful upgrades you can make is offering online ordering. Whether you operate a single location or a growing chain, adding a direct ordering option gives you more control, more data, and more revenue.

Here are 7 major benefits of offering online ordering at your restaurant, and why it’s a smart move for long-term success.

1. Higher Sales and Larger Order Sizes

Customers who order online tend to spend more. Studies show that digital tickets are typically 20–30% higher than phone or in-person orders. Why?

• Online menus encourage browsing

• Upsell prompts suggest add-ons (desserts, drinks, upgrades)

• No pressure from a waiting line or rushed staff

With the right platform (like Sauce), you can strategically position upsells, bundle offers, and limited-time deals to increase average ticket value without upselling pressure on your team.

2. Improved Order Accuracy and Operational Efficiency

Phone orders are prone to errors—misheard items, incorrect modifiers, or missed details during busy service. Online ordering removes that friction.

Benefits include:

• Customers confirm orders themselves

• Standardized inputs reduce human error

• Fewer staff interruptions during peak hours

• Integrated systems route orders directly to the kitchen or POS

This not only increases customer satisfaction but also frees up your front-of-house staff to focus on in-person diners and hospitality.

3. Greater Convenience for Customers

Today’s diners expect options. Online ordering lets customers:

• Place orders 24/7 (even outside business hours)

• Schedule future pickups or deliveries

• Skip lines and wait times

• Access the full menu from their phone or desktop

Convenience builds loyalty. Restaurants that offer seamless digital ordering are more likely to retain repeat customers—especially in competitive markets or urban centers like NYC.

4. Valuable Customer Data Collection

Unlike third-party delivery platforms, a direct ordering system gives you full access to first-party customer data:

• Emails and phone numbers

• Order frequency and preferences

• Lifetime value and location

This information powers:

• Email marketing campaigns

• Loyalty programs

• SMS promotions and abandoned cart recovery

Platforms like Sauce help you collect and act on customer data to keep diners engaged and returning—on your terms.

5. Increased Marketing and Loyalty Opportunities

With direct ordering, you can build a loyalty loop around your brand. Use your data to:

• Send promo codes to past customers

• Offer points or rewards for repeat visits

• Promote seasonal specials or new items

• Retarget customers who haven’t ordered in a while

This type of one-to-one marketing is far more effective (and cost-efficient) than marketplace listings.

6. Fewer Third-Party Commissions and Better Margins

Most delivery apps charge 20–30% per order in commissions. While they offer visibility, they eat away at profits—especially on already thin-margin items.

With your own system, you:

• Keep 100% of the revenue (minus card processing)

• Control pricing and fees

• Decide when and how to discount

Platforms like Sauce offer a flat monthly fee, meaning your profitability grows with your volume.

7. Expanded Reach via Search, Social, and Google

Online ordering doesn’t just serve existing customers—it attracts new ones.

• When someone Googles “best Thai near me,” your ordering page can rank in search results

• Social media posts can link directly to your menu

• Google Business Profile can include a clickable “Order Online” button

The more accessible your ordering channel, the more traffic and conversions you can generate—without paying to be listed on someone else’s app.

Online Ordering Pays for Itself—In More Ways Than One

From higher check sizes to deeper customer relationships, the benefits of offering online ordering go far beyond convenience. For restaurants looking to grow profitably and sustainably, investing in a direct digital ordering platform is a must.

With tools like Sauce, it’s easier than ever to launch, manage, and grow your online ordering operation—on your own terms.