Restaurants Reclaim Control of Delivery with New Software Solutions
As demand for food delivery continues to surge, restaurants are increasingly seeking ways to bypass the high commission fees charged by third-party platforms and take control of their own delivery operations. A growing number of software solutions are emerging to help restaurants manage the entire delivery lifecycle in-house, offering a path to increased profitability and brand control.
The “delivery dilemma,” as described by MenuTiger, has reached a breaking point. While consumers appreciate the convenience of door-to-door service, restaurant owners are frustrated by the erosion of their margins due to hefty commission fees. Over 70% of consumers actually prefer to order directly from restaurants, signaling a significant opportunity for businesses to shift towards first-party delivery.
However, simply adding a driver and a bicycle is no longer sufficient. Restaurants need a robust system capable of rivaling the efficiency and tracking capabilities of major delivery tech companies. Food delivery management software provides that system, centralizing order processing, dispatching, real-time logistics, and business intelligence.
Unlike relying on external platforms, these systems allow restaurants to maintain full independence, leveraging their own teams and controlling their branding, customer data, and dispatching processes. Key features of these software solutions include streamlining incoming orders and assigning them to drivers instantly, utilizing GPS tracking and route optimization for speed and efficiency, and accessing direct data, customer reports, and operational costs to protect profit margins.
The market for this type of software is rapidly evolving. According to a report from Fresh Technology, restaurant margins are notoriously thin, often falling between 3-5%, and disconnected systems contribute to significant financial losses. Implementing the right software stack can reduce food waste by 15-25%, cut labor costs by 2-4%, and increase repeat visits by 20-35%.
Point of Sale (POS) systems are central to this transformation, capturing every sale, routing orders, syncing menus, and feeding data to other systems. Leading POS providers like Toast, Square, and Lightspeed offer varying strengths, from all-in-one ecosystems to ease of use and advanced reporting. Implementation typically takes 4-6 weeks, including setup and training.
Several companies are specifically focused on delivery management. Vromo, for example, positions itself as the world’s #1 software for restaurant food delivery, promising full control over the delivery process and the ability to operate at scale. Toast also delivers key delivery features, including the ability to set delivery zones, aggregate orders, dispatch drivers, and manage schedules and menus.
The Restaurant HQ highlights Toast as a particularly strong option, praising its low-cost Starter Kit and comprehensive delivery features. The shift towards in-house delivery is not merely a cost-saving measure; it’s about regaining control of the customer experience and building stronger brand loyalty. As more restaurants embrace these technologies, the landscape of food delivery is poised for significant change.
