09 Reasons Why Restaurants are Using Food Ordering Plugins Online for Straight Growth [2024]

Since COVID, food ordering online from restaurants has become one of the game-changer trends in the food industry.

That means technology is getting so much easier at hand.

In these times of quick change, restaurant owners like you need to adapt to the trends that can shape the market, like having an online food ordering plugin.

But why should a restaurant use a food ordering plugin?

In this article, let’s find out.

What is the objective of using an online food ordering system?

Online ordering systems in restaurants offer tons of benefits, such as simplifying the ordering process, tapping new revenue streams, automating the major tasks, rapid-fast service delivery, crafting a user-friendly interface, and serving out improved customer experience.

You can change the entire dynamics of your restaurant with an online ordering system plugged in, giving you a new way to operate.

Dottie’s Donuts saw a remarkable 200% increase in sales after implementing an online ordering system.

There are more purposes for an online ordering system for any restaurant out there:

• Having an online presence: Online ordering systems enable restaurants to establish a robust online presence, reaching customers beyond their physical location and expanding their market reach. Dottie’s Donuts in Philadelphia experienced a remarkable 200% increase in sales post-implementation, showcasing the power of having an online ordering system.

• Automating half of your work: With online ordering systems in place, restaurants can automate a significant portion of their operations, freeing up valuable time and resources. Mama Mia’s Pizzeria saw a 60% reduction in phone-call orders while allowing their staff to focus on delivering exceptional in-store experiences while the system handled incoming orders automatically.

• Manage your food & staff: By streamlining the ordering process and automating tasks, online ordering systems empower restaurants to manage their food inventory more efficiently. Additionally, staff can be allocated more effectively, maximizing productivity and enhancing overall operational efficiency.

• Improved Customer Convenience: Convenience and accessibility are paramount with online ordering. Gone are the days of waiting on hold or standing in line. Customers can meet their cravings 24/7, whether it’s a midnight snack or a lunchtime rush. Picture a weary traveler stumbling upon a quaint café, able to order a hot cup of coffee and a croissant with just a click.

• Contactless ordering: Contactless ordering has become the norm post-COVID, offering customers peace of mind. Imagine placing an order without exchanging physical currency or touching a menu, transforming fear into confidence.

• Marketing with Customer Data: Customer data becomes a goldmine with online ordering systems, providing insights into food likes and behaviors. Joe’s Bistro utilized such data to launch targeted marketing campaigns, resulting in a 25% increase in repeat business.

09 Reasons Restaurants Need an Online Food Ordering Plugin

Now let’s jump into finding out why most restaurants are using online food ordering plugins, and why you most certainly need one:

1. 10x Revenue and Sales

Picture this: A cozy café nestled in the heart of town, bustling with activity as customers line up to place their orders. Now imagine that same café, but instead of lines, there’s a continuous flow of online orders flooding in from near and far. That’s the prime example of online ordering, turning cute cafés into delightful powerhouses.

✋ So how well can you handle a long line of customers on your restaurant?

By using an online food ordering plugin, cafés tend to have more market promotions, more reach, and a neat short tour on the plugin front end with a great user experience to impress their customers.

2. Save Time and Money

In the restaurant industry, time is the most precious commodity, and wasted time is wasted potential. With an online ordering system, restaurants can streamline operations, leverage the saved time, and maximize efficiency, all while saving time and money.

📌 For example, Lou’s Diner, where online ordering reduced wait times by 50% and cut down labor costs by 30%.

From order accuracy to inventory management, every aspect of the restaurant’s operations benefited from the digital dining revolution.

3. Improved In-store Experience

In the frenetic world of restaurants, every second counts, and every customer matters. With an online ordering system, restaurants can streamline operations, minimize wait times, and maximize customer satisfaction.

📌 Like Sarah’s Sandwiches, where online ordering reduced phone orders by 40% and freed up staff to focus on delivering exceptional in-store experiences.

From faster service to happier customers, the benefits were as palpable as they were profound.

4. Easy Menu Design and Management

In the ever-growing world of restaurants, adaptability is key, and nothing is more adaptable than an online ordering system. With user-friendly interfaces and customizable options, restaurants can design and manage menus within a few clicks, ensuring that every dish delight and every order satisfies.

Tony’s Tacos, for example, where online ordering allowed for real-time menu updates and seasonal specials. From daily deals to limited-time offers, the possibilities were as endless as the appetites they inspired.

5. Fast Online Ordering on the Go

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is king, and nothing is more convenient than online ordering on the go. With mobile-friendly interfaces and lightning-fast processing times, restaurants can cater to customers’ cravings wherever they may roam.

📌 Consider the case of Dave’s Diner, where mobile ordering became the new norm, allowing corporate customers to place orders with just a few taps on their smartphones.

And when they arrive, they just see the food ready on the counter and pick it for takeaway. That gives both parties a saved time, and better experience.

6. 10x Marketing Efforts & Increased Reach

Nowadays marketing is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. With integrated online ordering systems, restaurants can leverage social media and marketing tools to reach new customers and engage existing ones like never before.

📌 For instance, Lisa’s Lounge, where targeted promotions and personalized offers resulted in a 20% increase in online orders.

From social media campaigns to email newsletters, your restaurant can easily integrate your online food ordering plugin with your marketing channels.

7. Available 24/7 & No Time Restrictions

In a busy world that never sleeps, neither should your restaurant. With an online ordering system, eateries can cater to customers’ cravings around the clock, no matter the hour or occasion.

Imagine a late-night snack craving or a last-minute dinner party. That time, restaurants become beacons of hope with a food ordering plugin installed, ready to meet satisfaction whenever hunger strikes the stomach.

8. Stand Out from the Crowd with Online Ordering

In a crowded marketplace, differentiation is key, and nothing sets restaurants apart like an online ordering system. With seamless interfaces and innovative features, restaurants can stand out from the crowd and capture customers’ attention like never before.

📌 It’s just like Mike’s Bistro, where online ordering became the new standard, setting the restaurant apart from its competitors and attracting a loyal following in the process.

Customers love to follow a brand that offers them a personalized experience every day, and food ordering plugins have the perfect features to make a personalized ordering experience.

9. A strong, loyal customer base

As you serve your customers the best there is, they become gradually brand loyal to your restaurant. With a habit loop built by serving them with the food ordering system online, the customer audience starts promoting your food, shares them on social media, talks to their loved ones about your delicious items, and recommends anyone who’s looking for a good bite.

And that is how you get word-of-mouth, social promotion, user-generated content, and lots of ratings and referrals on the plate.

05 Ways Food Ordering Plugins like WPCafe can help your restaurant grow Online

If you think you need a food ordering plugin to skyrocket your restaurant just like others at half the price, WPCafe can be a great solution with all the features you need for online. What are those features? Let’s see:

• Delivery/Pickup: With WPCafe’s intuitive delivery and pickup options, restaurants can cater to customers’ preferences and streamline order fulfillment.

• Reservation: WPCafe’s reservation feature allows restaurants to manage bookings with ease, ensuring that every table is filled and every customer is satisfied.

• Table Layout: With WPCafe’s customizable table layout feature, restaurants can optimize seating arrangements and maximize capacity, ensuring a seamless dining experience for customers.

• Live Order Notification: WPCafe’s live order notification feature keeps restaurants informed in real-time, allowing them to respond quickly to incoming orders and minimize wait times for customers.

• Customizable Mini Cart: With WPCafe’s customizable mini cart feature, restaurants can tailor the ordering process to their brand and enhance the customer experience from start to finish.

Wrapping Up

Restaurants aren’t just about the food; it’s the vibe you serve it with. Pop an online food ordering system on your restaurant, and watch your simple food items turn into crowd-pleasers.

Whether you’re selling in a cozy café or a lively dining restaurant, it’s time to get in on the food ordering online biz. So, cheers to your next step to food ordering online, and here’s to many more years of your success, one order at a time.