In the digital age, local restaurants are no longer solely reliant on foot traffic or third-party delivery apps to drive sales. With profit margins under pressure from high commission fees and lack of control over customer data, many eateries are turning to low-commission online ordering platforms that allow them to take charge of the ordering process, foster customer loyalty, and retain data ownership. These solutions emphasize direct orders, enabling restaurants to gain independence and improve their bottom line.
TLDR: Restaurants are increasingly choosing low-commission online ordering platforms that support direct sales and provide control over customer data. These tools reduce the dependency on third-party delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats. This shift helps local restaurants retain more revenue, create better customer experiences, and build long-term consumer relationships through data insights. Below are the top 7 platforms enabling this transformation.
1. Toast
Toast is a powerful cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system with an integrated online ordering capability. Created specifically for restaurants, it offers a suite of tools to manage ordering, payments, and loyalty programs. Toast Direct Ordering allows restaurants to take commission-free orders directly from customers through their own website.
- Commission Rate: 0% on direct orders
- Key Feature: In-house delivery management and customer data insights
- Custom Branding: Yes
- Customer Data Ownership: Full access and analytics
2. ChowNow
Designed to put restaurants back in control, ChowNow emphasizes commission-free direct ordering via branded websites, social media, and Google Search. Their platform is built to foster customer loyalty through data ownership, personalized marketing tools, and integrations with a restaurant’s existing infrastructure.
- Commission Rate: 0%
- Key Feature: Branded apps and loyalty integrations
- Custom Branding: Full website and app branding available
- Customer Data Ownership: Full access, including emails and ordering trends
3. Square for Restaurants
Square is widely known for its simple and elegant payment solutions, but Square for Restaurants adds highly useful online ordering functions tailored for food service businesses. Restaurants can accept direct online orders, manage delivery, and integrate with POS – all with minimal transaction fees and complete data control.
- Commission Rate: No additional commission, only payment processing fee
- Key Feature: Seamless integration with existing Square ecosystem
- Custom Branding: Basic site customization available
- Customer Data Ownership: Complete, stored in a centralized dashboard
4. GloriaFood
GloriaFood is a free online ordering system tailored for restaurants looking to get started without a high upfront investment. With easy setup and widget-based order forms, it allows eateries to embed ordering tabs into their existing websites. While the core is free, upgrades like payment gateways and marketing tools come at a premium.
- Commission Rate: 0%
- Key Feature: Free base system for unlimited orders
- Custom Branding: Uses restaurant logo and colors
- Customer Data Ownership: Full access via dashboard and CSV export
5. Flipdish
Flipdish empowers restaurants and chains to create custom-branded ordering apps and websites while keeping full control over orders and customers. Its system includes marketing automation, loyalty programs, and even customer re-engagement tools. Restaurants pay a small flat service fee rather than a hefty commission.
- Commission Rate: Fixed, low monthly fee
- Key Feature: Branded app creation with loyalty and promotions built-in
- Custom Branding: Yes — full restaurant branding, including menu design
- Customer Data Ownership: 100% ownership with CRM features
6. MenuDrive
MenuDrive allows restaurants to create custom-branded online storefronts where they can accept orders without any commission fees. Equipped with marketing and promotional tools, it supports seamless integrations with delivery partners and POS systems, which helps optimize operations while ensuring brand consistency.
- Commission Rate: 0%
- Key Feature: Integration with POS and third-party delivery APIs
- Custom Branding: Yes
- Customer Data Ownership: Full access for marketing and analysis
7. BentoBox
Aimed at creating premium web experiences for restaurants, BentoBox offers commission-free ordering through fully customized websites. The platform helps restaurants retain customer data, promote events, and sell gift cards, enhancing both user experience and revenue streams.
- Commission Rate: 0% on all direct orders
- Key Feature: Website design, SEO optimization, and integrated online orders
- Custom Branding: Premium customization and responsive designs
- Customer Data Ownership: Full access to customer profiles and activity
Why Choose These Platforms Over Third-Party Apps?
While third-party services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub make it easy to attract new customers, they often come with commission fees ranging from 15% to 30% of the total order amount. Over time, this can eat into profits. Additionally, these platforms rarely share customer contact information with restaurants, limiting the ability to remarket and build customer relationships.
Platforms like the ones listed above help restaurants avoid these pitfalls by:
- Reducing or eliminating per-order commission costs
- Providing full access to customer data
- Allowing restaurants to create branded experiences
- Enabling better promotive and customer retention strategies
Final Thoughts
Restaurants today must compete in a highly digital landscape where customer data and experience matter more than ever. Choosing a commission-free, data-friendly online ordering platform is no longer just an option—it’s a strategic necessity. With tools like Toast, ChowNow, and Square for Restaurants, local eateries are reclaiming ownership over their business and customer relationships.
FAQ
- Q: Why is owning customer data important for restaurants?
A: Customer data allows restaurants to build loyalty programs, send targeted promotions, and analyze ordering trends. This helps improve marketing efficiency and customer retention. - Q: Are these platforms better than third-party apps for small restaurants?
A: For many small restaurants, these platforms can offer better margins and control. While third-party apps provide exposure, the lack of customer data and high fees can be detrimental long-term. - Q: Is it hard to transition from a third-party delivery app to a direct-order platform?
A: Most direct-order platforms provide onboarding support and marketing tools to help you make a smooth transition. Many restaurants run both systems concurrently during the transition phase. - Q: Do these platforms include delivery services?
A: Some, like Toast and MenuDrive, offer integrated delivery or connect with third-party providers, while others let you manage in-house delivery as needed. - Q: What costs should I expect outside of commissions?
A: Even with 0% commissions, most platforms may charge monthly subscription fees, payment processing costs, or premium feature pricing (e.g., custom design, loyalty programs).