14 Oct The Current State of Food Ordering Apps

The restaurant and food delivery markets continue to represent one of the largest and the single most contested opportunities to hit the local and national restaurant industry in recent memory. From fine dining through quick-serve restaurants (QSR), all brands are accomplishing delivery and various digital food ordering feats through the use of self-serving touch screen kiosks, online ordering, food ordering apps, contactless delivery options, available upgrades, and third-party delivery options. 

Why Food Ordering Apps Are Growing in the Wake of the Pandemic

The global COVID-19 pandemic threw the food service industry into a tailspin. Only those who were able to adjust to a more mobile method of food ordering and delivery have survived. The prevalence of delivery orders has skyrocketed as lockdowns were enforced, and social spaces were closed. Even now, people are still limiting their exposure by ordering in with mobile food ordering apps and using contactless delivery rather than eating in at their favorite restaurants. According to QSR Magazine, “The market’s largest segment is restaurant-to-consumer delivery, which figures to $58 billion this year… restaurant digital orders have grown at an annual pace of 23 percent since 2013 and will triple in volume by the end of 2020.”

Food Ordering Integration With the POS Is Now King of Fast Casual and QSRs

Restaurants have had to grow and adapt very quickly and adjust business models and processes on the go to keep up with food ordering integration and customer needs. With advances in online food ordering through websites and digital apps, more and more restaurants are finding ways to adapt and offer ordering and delivery options that meet their customer’s needs.  Customers are searching for food ordering apps and platforms that offer convenience at an ever-increasing rate. The restaurants and other food service operators that can integrate the current POS setup with ordering apps and mobile platforms will be the most successful. It’s a race for many food service operators today to offer everything the customer wants and needs more effectively than their competitors.  

As further explained by a Tacit client, “There was a time when we saw between 1% and 2% in digital ordering. And now, we have digital food ordering apps that have pushed the fringe and generate up to 80% of our business due to COVID. Our ability to integrate and apply these apps for ordering is critical to staying open and profitable.  And as the pandemic wears on, their value will only continue to grow.”

Mobile Ordering Enables Digital Experience

With the way things are today, most restaurants love the digital customer, whether they are ordering from a desktop, mobile, or tablet. This is because these individuals tend to be more loyal to their preferred local eateries.  According to QSR Web, “Digital customers are more valuable… because they’re dedicated to the digital experience, which leads to more cross-selling. Competition for online and mobile consumers is fierce.”  

This loyalty and dedication to virtual ordering and food ordering apps make it easier for businesses to cut costs and save time, money, and resources by focusing on delivery and remote ordering rather than spinning their wheels night after night dealing with in-house customers and orders. According to another Tacit client, “creating new ways to help customers streamline payment management has had the natural benefit of offering us a way to connect customers’ loyalty programs and even upsell menu items. It’s a great opportunity for growth through digital food ordering apps.” Of course, restaurants must be present and ready to meet customers where they are. They must connect to customers, acknowledge their wants and needs, and find ways to deliver that and more.

Apps Give Users the Ability to Embrace Contactless Ordering

In the wake of the pandemic, contactless ordering has become the new normal. Customers are concerned, and rightfully so, their use of traditional ordering and dining options could lead to safety risks. However, companies that create contactless ordering capabilities, letting guests use their own devices and kiosks, can overcome the obstacles. Furthermore, operators are looking for additional ways to increase the accessibility of ordering. 

Forbes touched on the growth of contactless ordering and delivery: “Companies understand the difficult situation people are in right now and want to help instead of actively looking for maximum profit. There has been a sense of togetherness by all the parties involved — the consumers, restaurants, and apps — to make sure food delivery is more accessible.”

Food ordering online is a trend that none can deny is having a considerable impact on the restaurant industry. Restaurants large and small are eager to give customers food options that are more customizable and easier to order and receive. Food ordering apps are just the beginning of the options available to help businesses adapt to contactless ordering and streamlined delivery processes. 

Food Ordering Apps Also Work With Freestanding and Tableside Kiosks to Streamline Activities

Restaurants and food service operators across the country are stepping up their game by embracing new technology to give them a competitive edge and make it easier to provide their customers with what they want. The move towards online order, third-party delivery, and food ordering apps has been in effect for the last five years. However, recent national events have caused this trend to take off. Digital touchpoints can offer competitive data as well as personalize a customer’s order. From table-side ordering, touch screen kiosks, mobile ordering, freestanding kiosks, and reduction of face-to-face interactions, restaurants have utilized the technology available to them in many versatile and powerful ways. Any restaurant that fails to see the signs and keep up will fall in the dust. And Tacit can help make sure that doesn’t happen. Connect with Tacit online to get started and embrace the future of digital food ordering apps.