If you buy something through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more<\/a>.<\/p>\n It\u2019s no secret the food service industry has undergone dramatic change over the past three years. Online food ordering was already growing in popularity before the global pandemic, but it became a necessity in the restaurant industry and a means of survival.<\/p>\n Now, customers have grown accustomed to the convenience offered by online ordering systems, and the feature helps restaurants remain competitive in the current market. In fact, 71% of consumers surveyed<\/a> by Intouch Insights in 2022 said they use mobile apps to complete restaurant purchases.<\/p>\n The first step in choosing the best online ordering software for restaurants is understanding what is an online ordering system. In the most basic of terms, an online ordering system is an automated system that allows a restaurant to process online sales through a branded website or a mobile app.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Customers simply log on to the restaurant\u2019s platform, add their food orders to a shopping cart much like they would when using other e-commerce platforms, then checkout and pay to place their orders. Once an online order is placed, the online ordering system submits it to the restaurant to prepare, package and, if applicable, deliver.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Why should a restaurant website feature an online ordering tool? Online ordering systems offer restaurants a variety of benefits and competitive advantages, including:<\/p>\n Is your restaurant ready to accept online orders? Before you can get your online ordering system up and running, you have to select the right software to fulfill your needs. Be sure and consider the cost and available features from some of the top online ordering systems for restaurants in 2023.<\/p>\n Since ChowNow is commission-free, restaurants using this ordering system can maximize their revenue. The ordering app integrates with an existing POS system, and it features a variety of options. Customers can place orders using a branded app or on a restaurant\u2019s own website, and they can choose in-store or curbside pickup. ChowNow is available for a flat monthly fee that ranges from $99 to $150.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Online ordering is available through the Toast POS system, which is built specifically for restaurants and offers them plenty of money-saving features. In fact, Toast claims restaurants save an average of $36,000 a year when they use Toast Online Ordering. Some of the most popular Toast POS features include a customer loyalty program, the ability to create and accept gift cards and restaurant inventory management. The total cost to adopt Toast POS for online ordering might include the costs to switch to its POS system, but Toast does offer a free calculator to help restaurants estimate their savings on its website.<\/p>\n Customers who select the Square Terminal and Kitchen Display System as their POS system can opt to use Sqaure for Restaurants as their online ordering system, known for being streamlined and efficient. Restaurants can accept orders through multiple platforms such as Postmates, Chowly or UberEats, and the kitchen receives all the orders in a single simple interface. Once they start using Square for Restaurants<\/a>, it\u2019s easy for restaurant owners to activate delivery services, as well. Square for Restaurants is available in three pricing tiers, including free, $60 a month and custom subscriptions.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Restaurant owners hoping to integrate online ordering with the restaurant\u2019s existing website should consider adopting the GloriaFood<\/a> online ordering system. GloriaFood provides mobile ordering and table reservation widgets that businesses can place on their website or Facebook page. Not only is a GloriaFood widget convenient, but it\u2019s completely free. The company charges no transaction fees, commissions or hidden costs, although upgrades to advanced features are available for purchase.<\/p>\n Restaurants that adopt the Clover POS system can accept online orders through two options: a Clover-powered website and app or The.Ordering.app. Clover helps its users set up their online menus and streamline their ordering process, plus the Clover online ordering<\/a> system enhances customer loyalty by tracking rewards, promotions and coupon codes, as well as customer feedback. Clover charges no subscription fees to use its online ordering option, and it\u2019s free to install for customers using a Clover POS, although there is a 3.5% plus 10 cents charge for credit card processing.<\/p>\n Designed for small- and medium-sized businesses, FreshBytes<\/a> offers smaller restaurants many of the same powerful features available to large chains. Lauded as one of the simplest and fastest-growing online ordering platforms, FreshBytes provides users with a branded, mobile-friendly and commission-free experience that includes options like social media ordering, menu item photos, premium website designs and one-touch reordering. Pricing for Freshbytes starts at $89 a month.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Upserve<\/a> is a full-service restaurant management system that also includes options for bars, wineries, coffee shops, bakeries and more. Upserve\u2019s software integrates with online ordering marketplaces like Postmates, DoorDash, Caviar and UberEats, so customers get the best of multiple worlds. Upserve\u2019s software also offers valuable data analytics, so restaurant owners or managers can track their venue\u2019s performance and strategically work toward improved customer satisfaction. Upserve plans start at $59 per month.<\/p>\n MenuDrive adds an extra marketing focus to its online ordering software. Users submit their menus, photos and other information to MenuDrive<\/a>, and the team there builds a custom, branded online menu for the restaurant. The online ordering system also features automated email campaigns and other integrated marketing tools to help restaurants build a dedicated customer base. The basic MenuDrive plan starts with a $99 monthly fee per location, along with one-time setup fees of $99. The service also includes a 3.5% credit card processing fee plus 15 cents per transaction.<\/p>\nWhat Is an Online Ordering System?<\/h2>\n
Why Should Restaurants Use Online Ordering Systems?<\/h2>\n
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Best Online Ordering Systems for Restaurants<\/h2>\n
1. ChowNow<\/h3>\n
2. Toast POS<\/h3>\n
3. Square for Restaurants<\/h3>\n
4. GloriaFood<\/h3>\n
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6. Clover Online Ordering<\/h3>\n
7. FreshBytes<\/h3>\n
8. Upserve<\/h3>\n
9. MenuDrive<\/h3>\n
10. Restolabs<\/h3>\n
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