Win more off‑premise orders with the right tools

Setting up for seamless off‑premise success 

Restaurants today are seeing high demand for takeout and delivery as consumers increasingly opt for the convenience of enjoying their favorite meals at home or on the move. 

As off‑premise dining has grown, it’s become a major part of how guests interact with restaurants. Operators are rapidly adopting a mix of tools designed to simplify off‑premise orders. From apps that save favorite orders to streamlined digital payments and integrated ordering systems, technology has become essential for making off‑premise operations efficient, consistent and reliable. 

Here’s what restaurants should have in place.

Prioritize digital ordering and payment options 

Consumers want a high-quality experience when they order takeout or delivery. And that experience starts when they order, not just when they get the food. Digital ordering and payment options are critical. In fact, three-quarters of delivery customers value tech-enabled ordering and payments, highlighting the importance of seamless online experiences.¹ 

For operators, that means it’s no longer just an option or a bonus to offer digital ordering and payment capability; for many consumers, it’s non-negotiable. 

Keep digital menus current at all times 

Of course, the high-quality experience consumers are looking for includes the food. And to keep customers satisfied, it’s crucial to have an up-to-date menu. Digital menus that include sold-out items, past-limited-time offers or items no longer offered mislead customers and can cause upset before they ever get to checkout. 

Operators should be sure they’re using software, apps or third-party options that give them the ability to update their menus on a moment’s notice.

Leverage third-party support 

Takeout and delivery are a lot for operators to handle on their own, so many restaurants have opted to utilize partnerships with third-party ordering or delivery partners. By doing this, operators no longer have to worry about finding their own delivery drivers, and they can also update their offerings in seconds — tying into the need to have updated menus at all times. Infrastructure provided by third-party providers can also help restaurants expand their reach — and, in turn, expand their sales. 

Put back-of-house automation to work 

The online ordering habits that have accelerated in recent years show no signs of slowing down. One in five U.S. consumers say they’re ordering delivery more often than they did last year, and one-in-four Millennials have even ordered delivery three or more times within a single 24‑hour period.² With more people deciding what to eat in minutes — and ordering multiple times a day — online ordering is making it easier than ever for diners to satisfy cravings fast. 

With numbers like these, it will be important for operators to ensure their food production times are low so they can get a high volume of orders — both for off-premise diners as well as those who are dining in — out of the kitchen quickly. For this, tech including combi ovens and pickup lockers can be helpful. Combi ovens help produce a large amount of food quickly, while pickup lockers minimize the amount of labor involved in fulfilling carryout orders — staffers need only put the order into a locker and let the customer know the code for their order, eliminating the need to stand by waiting for customers at the pickup window. 

As off‑premise ordering continues to flourish, embracing the right technologies will empower restaurants to work smarter, serve faster and stay ahead of what guests want next. 

SOURCES
¹National Restaurant Association; From Trend to Transformation: Off‑Premises Dining Now Essential for Restaurant Consumers, Operators.
²DoorDash; DoorDash for Merchants, 50+ Food and Alcohol Delivery Statistics and Trends for 2025.