Mobile Apps for Restaurants: How to Increase Delivery Orders by 30%

In 2025, mobile apps for restaurants have become essential for the restaurant industry, particularly for food delivery. According to research, the online food ordering market reached $182 billion by 2023, with continued growth in 2025 driven by digital transformation and demand for convenient services. Mobile apps enable restaurants to not only streamline operations but also increase delivery orders by up to 30% through loyalty programs, personalization, and automation. This article explores how restaurants can leverage mobile apps to boost sales, attract customers, and optimize food delivery.

Why Mobile Apps Are Critical for Restaurants

Mobile apps have transformed how restaurants interact with customers. Per Deloitte, restaurants with dedicated apps can increase revenue by 20–30% through simplified ordering and personalized offers. Key benefits of mobile apps for restaurants include:

• Customer convenience: Ordering via a mobile app takes just a few clicks, saving time.
• Automation: Integration with POS systems (e.g., Poster, Syrve) streamlines order processing.
• Customer loyalty: Loyalty programs and push notifications boost order frequency.
• Analytics: Apps collect data to optimize menus and customer engagement.

In 2025, food delivery through apps like Glovo, Uber Eats, or proprietary restaurant apps dominates the market, with virtual restaurants (ghost kitchens) intensifying competition.

1. Creating a User-Friendly Ordering Interface

Optimizing UX/UI Design

A user-friendly interface is the cornerstone of a successful restaurant mobile app. Customers prefer apps with intuitive navigation and fast order placement. According to Ipsos and Google, 59% of users order food via apps weekly.

• Interactive menu: Enable customers to browse an online menu with photos, descriptions, and filters (e.g., vegan options).
• Quick ordering: Implement a one-click reorder feature.
• Dish modifiers: Allow customers to customize orders (add ingredients, adjust portions).

SEO Tip: Use keywords like "food delivery app", "order food online" in App Store and Google Play descriptions.

Payment System Integration

Integrating Google Pay, Apple Pay, or local payment systems (e.g., LiqPay) simplifies payments, boosting conversion rates. Seamless payment reduces abandoned carts.

2. Implementing Loyalty Programs

Loyalty programs are among the most effective ways to increase delivery orders. According to LoyaltyPlant, apps with bonus programs increase order frequency by 2.5 times.

How It Works

• Point accrual: Customers earn points per order, redeemable for discounts or free items.
• Referral programs: Encourage customers to invite friends with bonus incentives.
• Personalized offers: Use order history to create tailored promotions (e.g., discounts on favorite dishes).

Example: The “NAZHYVO” restaurant chain uses Poster POS to integrate loyalty programs, boosting average order value and frequency.

3. Leveraging Push Notifications and Geolocation

Push Notifications

Push notifications are a powerful tool for customer engagement. They remind users of promotions, menu updates, or abandoned carts. For instance, a notification like “20% off pizza today!” can drive sales during off-peak hours.

• Personalization: Use customer data for targeted notifications.
• Timing: Send notifications during lunch or evening hours when users are likely to order.

Geolocation

Geolocation enables location-based offers for customers near the restaurant. For example, an app can send: “You’re near our restaurant! Order delivery with a 10% discount.”

4. Optimizing Delivery Logistics

Integrating with Courier Services

Efficient logistics are key to fast delivery, enhancing customer satisfaction. Integration with in-house couriers or platforms like Glovo On-Demand or Poster Courier optimizes routes and order tracking.

• Real-time tracking: Customers can monitor order status and courier location on a map.
• Route optimization: Use AI to predict delivery times based on traffic or weather.

In-House Delivery vs. Aggregators

While aggregators like Glovo or Uber Eats charge up to 40% commission, a proprietary app saves up to 35% per order. Investing in an in-house delivery service is cost-effective for mid-sized and large restaurants.

5. Analytics and Personalization

Customer analytics help restaurants understand preferences and optimize menus. Mobile apps collect order data, enabling:

• Identifying popular dishes.
• Analyzing peak hours for promotions.
• Creating personalized offers based on order history.

Tools: Poster POS, Firebase Analytics, Mixpanel.

6. Social Media Integration

Social media is a channel for promoting offers and attracting new customers. Integrating a mobile app with social platforms allows:

• Sharing promotions on Instagram or Facebook.
• Encouraging customer reviews.
• Running contests to boost engagement.

7. Testing and Optimization

App testing ensures stability and performance. Key steps include:

• Functional testing: Verify order processing, payments, and notifications.
• Performance testing: Ensure fast operation across devices.
• Security testing: Protect customer data.

Tools: TestFlight (iOS), Firebase Test Lab (Android).

Mobile App Trends for Restaurants in 2025

• Artificial intelligence: AI predicts customer preferences and optimizes logistics.
• Augmented reality: AR menus let users preview dishes in 3D.
• Voice ordering: 38% of users use voice commands for orders.
• Sustainability: Apps offer options to reduce plastic packaging.

Mobile apps for restaurants are a powerful tool to increase delivery orders by 30% or more. Through user-friendly interfaces, loyalty programs, push notifications, geolocation, and analytics, restaurants can attract new customers, retain regulars, and streamline operations. Investing in a proprietary app saves on aggregator commissions and builds direct customer relationships. To boost sales and elevate your restaurant, partner with a professional development team to create a custom mobile app tailored to your needs.

Take a step closer to the future today by ordering a mobile app for HoReCa from QB Tools. It’s the perfect solution for your restaurant, casual café, sushi bar, or pizzeria to organize food delivery and implement a loyalty system for guests. Visit https://qbtools.com.ua to order your app.