Alternatives to DoorDash for Restaurants

Many restaurant owners ask how to reduce big fees and keep control of online orders. You might feel stuck with big delivery apps. You see hidden costs and less direct contact with your loyal guests. Now you wonder if there are alternatives to DoorDash that can help your business. Today, we will explore some different online ordering methods. This is not complicated. You just need a way that suits your restaurant style. In this post, we will look at how you can offer direct ordering from your own site, or through smaller platforms that give you more control. By the end, you will have a clearer idea of what path looks good for you. Let's dive in.

Lots of people search online for “alternatives to DoorDash for restaurants.” That is a common question. Some folks also look for “ways to lower food delivery fees” or “how to keep all customer data.” You are not alone in this. You have improved your menu, raised your staff morale, and tried to offer great service. But high fees on every order slow you down. Or maybe you lose track of your repeat customers, since the big platforms do not share that info. If you want direct contact with your customers, new solutions can help. Let’s discuss them now.

The Problem with DoorDash

You know DoorDash. It is a large service. Many restaurants join it because they want more orders. But you pay fees every time. And when you rely on DoorDash, you do not always get your customers' information. You might lose the chance to send them special offers later. Also, you have little control over how your brand appears there. Some owners see wrong menu items listed, old prices, or slow updates. That can harm your image. You want a better way. So let's look at the alternatives.

Direct Online Ordering from Your Website

One option is to have your own online ordering on your website. This way, your customers can place orders directly, without going through a big third-party. You set up a clear menu. You can show your daily specials. You control the schedule. You do not pay extra per-order fees. You can gather your customer emails to stay in touch. This might sound hard, but solutions exist that are made for restaurant folks. They handle the technology, so you do not have to learn complicated stuff. Your site can be simple. But it can also be your own digital front door.

When you have direct ordering, your loyal guests will quickly pay with basic online payment tools. Some platforms let them pay in under half a minute. When your guests trust the process, they come back more often. You can also offer your own loyalty deals. For example, you might reward a free drink after ten orders. You set the rules, and you keep the data. That helps you see who your fans are. This approach is powerful if you do not want to share your profit with big third-party companies.

Niche Online Marketplaces

Apart from DoorDash, there are smaller food delivery platforms. Some focus on local communities. Some specialize in certain cuisine. You might explore these if you feel your food has a specific appeal. They could highlight your unique flavors. They take a commission, but sometimes rates are lower. Also, you might find the user base is smaller, so results vary. Before jumping in, check their fees, check how they present your menu, and see if they let you keep your customer data. While they might not be as big as DoorDash, these smaller spaces can have a loyal following in your area.

You can try local websites that gather restaurants from your town. They often have strong connections with local diners. Some encourage folks to support local businesses. That could be a plus for you. But be sure to read the fine print. Some still keep your customer information away from you. If that is a big concern, ask them first. Also, see how they handle refunds and disputes. A smooth policy helps your guests feel safe. In the end, you want more control, not just another big middleman. So choose wisely.

Delivery by Your Own Team

Another alternative is to handle deliveries yourself. Yes, that can be extra work. But for some places, it can be smart. You keep full control. You decide how your food is handled. You know how your drivers treat your customers. That personal touch can impress. You also keep the delivery fees for yourself. You can pay your driver, but not a big outside service. If you already hire staff who can handle short trips, this might be easier than you think. Or you can schedule drivers only for peak hours. Consistency matters. If your own drivers arrive fast, with a smile, people might order more.

But be ready for the logistics. You need to plan routes, track mileage, and handle insurance. You also need a good order system. Phone calls can work, but they can be messy. Online ordering with your own system is more reliable. It goes directly to your kitchen. The guest knows the total cost. You text or email the delivery time. Everything is simple. Some restaurants even brand their delivery cars or staff shirts. That makes the restaurant look professional and friendly. Over time, you build relationships with your community. They see your drivers often. That can lead to bigger loyalty.

In-House Kiosk or Tablet Options

Sometimes, restaurants prefer to offer a neat kiosk or tablet ordering station. This is more common in bigger cities, but even small places can try it. This helps customers place orders quickly when they walk in, or schedule a pickup from your site. You do not need to rely on big apps. However, you still need the right software. Some systems install easy touchscreen menus. People can tap to customize their meal. Then you can handle the order right away. This is more of an alternative to phone orders, but it also keeps the process direct and simple. No third-party is involved. Just you and the hungry diner.

• Less reliance on outside services
• More direct customer contact
• No hidden menu listings
• Clear and consistent brand image
• Potential savings on fees

These benefits come from having control over your ordering setup. If you can manage it well, you build trust with customers. They feel they are dealing with the real restaurant, not a faceless platform. That can influence them to come back and spread the word. Word-of-mouth is still strong, especially for local spots. People talk about friendly service. They talk about easy ordering. They mention quick pickup or delivery. All of that starts with how you present your online ordering.

A Quick Look at Possible Alternatives

Let’s look at a few well-known options. There are services like Uber Eats, Postmates, and Grubhub. They are similar to DoorDash. They do help you reach many people, but they may also charge fees. Some might let you feature your restaurant more attractively, or share some data. But read carefully. Then we have Square Online or Shopify tools, which let you set up an online store. That can be good for handling orders if you are comfortable with extra steps. Some restaurants also look at smaller local apps. These exist in smaller regions, so you should check in your town. Then, we have platforms like Dinevate. We are a team of former restaurant people. We help you keep all your data, keep your brand strong, and let you offer loyalty deals. This post is to guide you and show you that big third-party apps are not the only route.

A question you might ask is “How much time will it take me to set all this up?” or “Will I lose customers if I leave DoorDash?” The truth is, you can keep using DoorDash if you like, but you can direct your faithful customers to your own site. That way, you keep them close and cut down on fees. You can still appear on multiple platforms, so new folks can discover you. Then, after their first order, you can encourage them to order direct next time. Positive experiences can shift more online traffic your way.

In the table above, you can see how different methods stack up. Each option gives you a different degree of control over data, fees, and how you organize everything. If your priority is to keep customer data, you might prefer your own website or in-house delivery. If you want to reduce costs, you might not want to rely on large platforms. If you like a quick setup, maybe you use a known third-party. Everyone’s situation is different, so think about your restaurant’s size, location, and staff. That helps you decide which route is best.

Some folks worry about the technology side. They might say, “I’m not a tech person.” That is fine. Many modern platforms are easier than they used to be. You often get guided menus, simple instructions, and support from real people who know restaurants. The key is to partner with a service that sees you as a valuable client, not just another listing. You have spent years growing your business. You should not have to risk your good name on a site you do not control. Stand out with your own solutions.

Also, keep in mind that times have changed. People now expect quick and hassle-free online ordering. They want to see your menu, pick items, pay fast, and either get it delivered or pick it up. If your own website can do that in thirty seconds, many folks will use it instead of DoorDash. They like saving time. They also like dealing directly with the restaurant. They might feel that helps their favorite spot earn more. In turn, you keep more of your profits. That money might help you expand your menu, hire staff, or improve your dining area.

Setting up your own platform also helps you rank on Google. When people search “best pizza near me” or “home-cooked meal for pickup,” your site can appear. If your website is well-built, you might see more people coming in. This leads to even more direct orders. You start to form a positive cycle. People find you online, they place an order directly, you get their info, you see their repeat orders, and you grow your community of loyal fans. That is how you stay strong in the modern restaurant world. Big apps are not the only way.

Compare Fees and Control

DoorDash and similar platforms might ask for up to 30% fees on each order. That is a lot of your hard-earned money. You also lose the chance to reconnect with your customers because the data sits with them. On the other hand, your own online site might only cost a small monthly fee or a setup cost. Then each order is yours. You keep the entire payment, minus standard credit card processing. That difference can be huge at the end of the month. More cash in your pocket means more power to grow. It also means less stress. You do not have to run big promotions just to cover fees. You can use that extra money to buy better ingredients or pay staff more. That can raise morale in your kitchen. Then your food might taste even better. Happy staff often make happier meals.

The control side is also vital. When something changes in your menu, you update your website in minutes. You set the prices that make sense. You track which dishes sell best. You see which customers order them. That data might guide your next decision. Maybe you remove a dish that barely sells, or you push a new dish that is trending. You do not wait for a third-party to fix your listing. You make changes as you see fit. That is the beauty of being the boss of your own online ordering.

Plus, you can build a loyalty program that is yours. Maybe you reward points for every visit. Maybe you offer a free dessert on birthdays. The platform you choose can make that easy. Some let you automate loyalty rewards. Guests see their points when they log in. That encourages them to return. Over time, you build a pattern of repeat orders. That can keep your revenue steady. You do not have to guess who your best customers are. You know exactly who they are.

In this simple graph, you see how your weekly online orders can rise, but so do app fees if you rely on a big third-party. As your online orders go up, you might pay more in fees, so that can eat into your profit. That is why many owners look for options that let them keep that money. If you can redirect some or all of these orders through your own channel, you might keep more profit. Sure, you might still want to appear on a big app for marketing. But you do not let it swallow your entire online presence. Use it carefully. Meanwhile, build your direct channel.

Another question people ask is “What if I do not have advanced computers?” But you do not need fancy systems. Often you only need a tablet or phone to confirm orders. A good online ordering platform will let you receive orders on a simple device. You can get notifications, confirm an order, and pass it to the kitchen. It can be even easier than managing a phone order with someone who might misunderstand. The customer types in their request, so the instructions are clear. The risk of mistakes drops. You can cut down on wasted time. That is how direct ordering helps you and your team focus more on cooking, less on confusion.

Some owners also worry about marketing. They say, “DoorDash shows my place first. If I leave them, fewer people might see my menu.” But you can still sign up with them if you want. You just steer your returning customers to your own system. You run small signs in your restaurant: “Order direct next time for faster service.” You keep your website link on receipts. Over time, more people will use your direct platform. Eventually, if it goes well, you can decide how big your presence on third-party apps should be. That is your choice. You hold the power.

Give Yourself More Flexibility

When you control your online ordering, you can adapt to changes faster. Maybe you decide to launch a kid-friendly meal combo next month. You can do it. Maybe you see that your area has big demand for late-night snacks. You can extend your hours for online orders. Each decision can be done on your schedule. No need to wait for approvals or complicated steps. This sense of freedom can be a relief. Many restaurant owners say that direct ordering is like having your own front desk, without extra staff. It greets your customers and helps them order at any hour.

Yes, you will face a small learning curve at first. But it is not scary. Most people learn these tools in a few days. Once you see your first few orders come in, you will feel proud. You will see your customers’ names and their favorite items. You might chat with them when they pick up. You can thank them for using your new system. This personal touch is what many giant platforms do not offer. Meanwhile, if a friend asks them, “How do you order from that restaurant?” they might say, “Just go to their website. It is quick.” That word spreads. Then you get more direct business.

Also, in times of restaurant promotions, you can push deals right away. You do not need to pay for special placement on an app. You control your own site. If you want to feature your grilled salmon all week, you do it. You can add a pop-up on your site or a highlight on your ordering page. This helps you test new ideas. If it works, you see the results quickly. If not, you can try something else. That is the advantage of flexible control.

How Dinevate Can Help with Online Ordering

Here at Dinevate, we understand your day-to-day because we worked in restaurants, too. If you want to offer direct ordering, keep your customer data, and give your guests a fast checkout option, we can help. Our team will guide you through the process, so you do not have to wrestle with complicated steps. We also include loyalty features. That way, each time a customer visits your site to order, they feel special. With Dinevate, you stay in control of your brand, your customers, and your profit margin. That is the key to growth in the future.