Win more guests with mobile ordering

Why mobile ordering is a must‑have 

Over the past few years, online ordering has changed the game for restaurant delivery and takeout options. But as delivery and takeout continue to grow, offering online ordering isn’t enough to meet the demand. A growing number of consumers want to use mobile ordering options to fulfill their off-premises dining desires, making this an area of opportunity for operators. 

The trend toward mobile ordering is especially relevant for younger diners: Nearly half of Americans prefer to order food through third‑party apps or websites, and one in five U.S. consumers say they’re ordering delivery more often than they did last year¹—clear signs that off‑premise demand continues to grow. 

For operators looking for ways to boost business, online ordering is not only a great way to do so, it’s a must-have. Knowing the trends, as well as the benefits of offering it, can help a restaurant plan and shape its strategy. 

Take a closer look at your customers 

Mobile ordering has become fully mainstream, with 57% of adults using it recently, including 74% of Millennials and 65% of Gen Z adults. While younger consumers embrace digital convenience, older adults still prefer to order in person.² Across the board, takeout remains the most common off‑premise choice, followed by drive‑thru and delivery.

For many diners, delivery is more than a convenience. It’s a form of self‑care, with 78% of Americans saying food delivery contributes to their well‑being. Parents feel this even more acutely, with half reporting they order last‑minute meals at least once a week, nearly twice the rate of non‑parents.¹

For older guests, weather really makes a difference — 41% of those 54+ say it’s what nudges them to order takeout or delivery.³

Appealing to today’s heavy delivery and takeout users often begins with offering simple, seamless mobile ordering. It gives guests the convenience they expect, letting them order on the go or during busy moments. With just a few taps, a late-night craving for chicken strips and fries can be taken care of instantly.

Look beyond popular apps 

Offering easier ordering technology is key to attracting more to-go diners regardless of age or demographic split. New opportunities for mobile ordering include chatbot ordering via social media, which can help users who may have questions as they are placing an order (but who can’t or do not want to call in the order on the phone) and text message ordering, with some restaurants offering the option to save favorite orders to an account and order those items simply by texting an emoji. 

Some consumers prefer online ordering via sites over apps, and by ensuring that their websites are outfitted for orders and optimized for mobile, operators can be sure that anyone who wants to order from them can, without needing to download a special app, for instance. 

Expand your ordering options

Delivery can be a major sales driver, and any operator can benefit from offering mobile ordering. When mobile sites are easy to use, guests looking for a quick, convenient way to place pickup or delivery orders are more likely to choose that restaurant, leading to increased interest and, potentially, more sales.

Another way to encourage mobile orders is by offering small incentives. Mobile‑exclusive appetizers — like loaded fries with unique toppings not available in‑house — along with BOGO deals during certain hours or a free dessert with a minimum purchase can give guests a compelling reason to order through mobile. These simple promotions can help boost check averages and strengthen off‑premise performance.

Value matters, too. Nearly nine-in-ten people say they would use limited‑time, app‑only offers, and 82% of delivery customers say that access to daily specials, discounts or value promotions plays an important role in choosing where to order.² Loyalty programs make a difference as well: 65% of drive‑thru users and more than 60% of takeout and delivery customers say membership influences their restaurant choice.² 

Mobile ordering isn’t just a convenience anymore. It’s a critical part of how guests engage with restaurants. Operators who invest in it today will be better positioned to serve more customers, streamline operations and grow their off‑premise business. 

SOURCES
¹DoorDash; DoorDash for Merchants, 50+ Food and Alcohol Delivery Statistics and Trends for 2025.
²National Restaurant Association; From Trend to Transformation: Off‑Premises Dining Now Essential for Restaurant Consumers, Operators.
³Toast; Food Delivery Trends: 47% Of Respondents Are Willing To Pay $3-$6 In Delivery Fees.