How to Set Up Online Ordering for Your Restaurant?

Quick Answer

Setting up online ordering for your restaurant is easier than you might think. Most restaurants can be fully operational within 1-2 weeks. Here's a complete guide to getting started.

Step 1: Choose Your Platform

The platform you choose impacts your costs, features, and customer experience. Consider these options:

• • Third-party apps (DoorDash, UberEats): Quick setup but 15-30% fees

• • Commission-free platforms (RestauNax): Flat monthly fee, own your data

• • Website builders (Wix, Squarespace): Limited restaurant features

• • POS-integrated solutions (Toast, Square): Good if you use their POS

• • Custom development: Expensive and time-consuming

Step 2: Prepare Your Digital Menu

Your online menu is critical for conversions. Invest time in getting it right:

• • Photograph your top dishes (phones work, good lighting essential)

• • Write appetizing descriptions (not just ingredient lists)

• • Set up modifiers for customization (toppings, sizes, sides)

• • Organize into logical categories

• • Price appropriately for the online channel

• • Consider a smaller menu for delivery (items that travel well)

Step 3: Configure Order Fulfillment

Decide how customers will receive their orders and set up accordingly:

• • Pickup: Set prep times, pickup instructions, parking info

• • Delivery: Define delivery zones, fees, minimum orders

• • Curbside: If offered, set up process for car identification

• • Dine-in ordering: For QR code table ordering if desired

• • Schedule orders: Allow future ordering for convenience

Step 4: Set Up Payment Processing

Accept the payment methods your customers expect:

• • Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover)

• • Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay)

• • Cash on delivery/pickup (if you want to offer it)

• • Ensure PCI compliance for secure transactions

• • Understand your processing rates (typically 2.5-3.5%)

Step 5: Integrate with Your Kitchen

Orders need to flow smoothly to your kitchen team:

• • POS integration: Orders appear in your existing system

• • Kitchen display: Dedicated screen for online orders

• • Tablet: Standalone device for receiving orders

• • Printer: Thermal printer for order tickets

• • Audio alerts: Sound notifications for new orders

Step 6: Train Your Team

Staff training is often overlooked but critical for success:

• • Order receiving and confirmation process

• • Handling special requests and modifications

• • Packaging for pickup and delivery

• • Customer service for online order issues

• • Promoting online ordering to dine-in customers

Step 7: Launch and Promote

Get the word out about your new online ordering:

• • Announce on social media with direct links

• • Add QR codes to receipts, menus, and signage

• • Email existing customers about the new option

• • Offer launch promotions to drive initial orders

• • Train staff to mention online ordering during service

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