Why Restaurants Need Their Own Delivery Software
Third-party platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats charge 15-30% per order. Restaurants running their own delivery keep that margin but need software for online ordering, driver dispatching, route optimization, and order tracking. The platforms below help restaurants own the delivery experience.
Quick Comparison
| Software | Best For | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| ChowNow | Direct ordering | $149/mo |
| Toast | Full POS + delivery | $0/mo |
| Olo | Restaurant chains | Custom |
| Square Online | Simple free page | Free |
| Bbot | Marketplace orders | Commission |
| Lunchbox | Growing chains | Custom |
| Owner.com | Commission-free | $399/mo |
Detailed Reviews
1. ChowNow Best Direct Ordering
ChowNow builds your restaurant a branded ordering experience with zero commission fees. Website widget, mobile app, and Google ordering integration. For restaurants tired of paying DoorDash 30%, this is the escape route.
Pricing: $149/mo (Starter), $249/mo (Standard), $399/mo (Premium).
Strengths
- Zero commission on orders
- Branded ordering app and website
- Google Food Ordering integration
- Customer data stays with you
Weaknesses
- Higher monthly fee
- No built-in driver management
- Basic marketing tools
2. Toast Best All-in-One
Toast is a full restaurant POS with delivery management built in. In-house dining, takeout, and delivery in one platform. The delivery module includes driver dispatch, order tracking, and zone management.
Pricing: $0/mo (Starter) - $165/mo (Growth).
Strengths
- Complete POS + delivery
- Free starter plan
- Delivery zone management
- Kitchen display integration
Weaknesses
- Proprietary hardware required
- Processing fees on all transactions
- Locked into Toast payments
3. Olo Best Multi-Location
Olo powers online ordering for major restaurant chains. For 10+ locations, it provides centralized menu management, cross-platform order aggregation, and enterprise-grade logistics.
Pricing: Custom (enterprise only).
Strengths
- Enterprise reliability
- Multi-platform aggregation
- Centralized menu management
- Advanced analytics
Weaknesses
- Enterprise pricing only
- Overkill for single locations
- Dedicated implementation needed
4. Square Online
Best for: Simple free ordering page. Pricing: Free - $72/mo.
5. Bbot (DoorDash)
Best for: Order management + marketplace. Pricing: Commission-based.
6. Lunchbox
Best for: Branded ordering for growing chains. Pricing: Custom.
7. Owner.com
Best for: Commission-free delivery websites. Pricing: $399/mo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way for restaurants to do their own delivery?
Square Online offers a free ordering page. Pair it with simple driver dispatch and you can run basic delivery at minimal cost. ChowNow is the best value for a professional experience at $149/month with zero commissions.
Is it worth it for restaurants to do their own delivery?
If you do 30+ delivery orders per week, the math favors in-house delivery. At $35 average order and 25% DoorDash commission, that is $270/week saved - more than covering driver wages and software.
Can restaurant delivery software integrate with DoorDash?
Yes. Toast, Olo, and others aggregate orders from third-party platforms into a single dashboard. This lets you maintain marketplace presence while building direct ordering.
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