How Much Does a Restaurant App Cost?
A custom restaurant app costs $20,000-100,000+ for development plus ongoing maintenance. However, platform-based solutions like RestauNax include a branded mobile app for $99-199/month with no development costs. For most restaurants, a platform solution is more cost-effective than custom development.
In This Article
Quick Answer
Option 1: Custom App Development
Option 2: Platform-Based Solutions
What's Included in Platform Apps?
Custom vs Platform: Which Is Right for You?
Hidden Costs to Consider
Quick Facts
Related Questions
More FAQs
Quick Answer
Having your own restaurant mobile app can significantly boost customer loyalty and repeat orders. But the cost varies dramatically based on your approach. Here's what you need to know.
Option 1: Custom App Development
Building a fully custom mobile app from scratch involves significant investment:
| Component | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| iOS App Development | $15,000-50,000 | Native Swift development |
| Android App Development | $15,000-50,000 | Native Kotlin development |
| Backend Infrastructure | $10,000-30,000 | Servers, database, APIs |
| Design & UX | $5,000-15,000 | Professional app design |
| Ongoing Maintenance | $1,000-5,000/mo | Updates, bug fixes |
| App Store Fees | $100-125/year | Apple and Google fees |
Option 2: Platform-Based Solutions
Restaurant platforms include mobile apps at a fraction of custom development cost:
| Platform | Monthly Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| RestauNax | $99-199/mo | iOS + Android app, website, ordering |
| ChowNow | $149-299/mo | White-label app, ordering |
| Owner.com | $349+/mo | Branded app, marketing |
| Popmenu | $149+/mo | App, website, marketing |
What's Included in Platform Apps?
Platform-based restaurant apps typically include everything you need:
• Branded app with your logo and colors
• iOS and Android versions
• Online ordering functionality
• Push notifications for promotions
• Loyalty program integration
• Order tracking for customers
• Automatic updates and maintenance
• App store submission and management
Custom vs Platform: Which Is Right for You?
Here's when each option makes sense:
• Custom: Large chains with unique requirements and budget
• Custom: Need integrations not available in platforms
• Platform: Independent restaurants and small chains
• Platform: Want to be operational quickly (days not months)
• Platform: Prefer predictable monthly costs
• Platform: Don't have technical team for maintenance
Hidden Costs to Consider
Beyond the initial development or subscription, watch for these costs:
• App store fees ($100-125/year for both platforms)
• Payment processing (2.5-3.5% per transaction)
• Push notification services (free tier usually sufficient)
• App updates for new iOS/Android versions
• Bug fixes and customer support
• Marketing to get customers to download
Quick Facts
$20K-100K+
Custom Dev Cost
$99-299/mo
Platform Cost
3-6 months
Setup Time (Custom)
1-2 weeks
Setup Time (Platform)
More Frequently Asked Questions
Is a restaurant app worth the investment?
Yes, for most restaurants. Customers who download your app order 2-3x more frequently than non-app users. With platform solutions at $99-199/month, the ROI is typically positive within the first month.
How long does it take to build a restaurant app?
Custom development takes 3-6 months minimum. Platform solutions can have your branded app live in 2-3 weeks, including app store approval.
Do I need separate iOS and Android apps?
To reach all customers, yes. About 50% of US smartphone users have iPhones and 50% have Android. Platform solutions include both for one price.
Get Your Own Restaurant App for $99/month
RestauNax includes a fully branded iOS and Android mobile app with your logo, colors, and menu. No development costs, no maintenance headaches.