Blog → How to Order Food Online Directly from Local Resta...
Everything you need to know about skipping third-party apps and ordering directly from restaurants for better prices, fresher food, and happier communities.
Online food ordering has become a daily habit for millions of Americans, but most people do not realize they have a choice in how they order. The difference between ordering through a third-party app and ordering directly from a restaurant's own website can mean significant savings for you and a lifeline for the restaurant.
Third-party delivery apps like DoorDash, UberEats, and Grubhub charge restaurants commission fees ranging from 15% to 30% on every order. To cover these costs, many restaurants raise their prices on third-party platforms by 10-25%. When you order directly, you bypass these inflated prices and the restaurant keeps more of the revenue.
Consider a $50 dinner order. On a third-party app, the restaurant might pay $7.50 to $15 in commission — potentially wiping out their entire profit margin. On their own ordering platform, processing fees are typically just 2-3%, meaning the restaurant keeps $48.50 instead of $35-42.50.
Most restaurants that offer online ordering have a direct ordering page. Here is how to find it:
Beyond supporting local businesses, direct ordering offers tangible benefits for you as a customer:
Pickup orders are almost always the better value. You save on delivery fees (typically $3-8), tip requirements, and get your food at peak freshness instead of after a 20-40 minute delivery journey. Many restaurants offer dedicated pickup shelves or curbside service that makes pickup as convenient as delivery.
If you do prefer delivery, ordering directly from the restaurant still saves money compared to third-party apps, as delivery fees are typically lower and menu prices are not inflated.
Yes, typically 10-20% cheaper. Third-party apps charge restaurants 15-30% commission, which restaurants pass on through higher menu prices. Direct ordering platforms have processing fees of just 2-3%, allowing restaurants to offer their real menu prices.
Check the restaurant's own website for an 'Order Online' button, search their name on Google (ordering links often appear), or use restaurant directory sites that aggregate direct ordering links. You can also call the restaurant to ask.
Yes. Restaurant ordering platforms use the same PCI-compliant, bank-level encryption as major e-commerce sites. Look for HTTPS in the URL and recognized payment processor logos (Stripe, Square, etc.) for confirmation.
Many restaurants offer delivery through their own ordering platform, either using their own drivers or integrated delivery services. Delivery fees are typically lower than third-party apps. For the best value, choose pickup — it saves on fees and you get food at peak freshness.