6 Best Online Ordering Systems for Restaurants in 2024

In 2024, online ordering systems have become a crucial tool for restaurants, offering solutions that improve customer experience, increase sales, and streamline operations. These systems are no longer optional but necessary for staying competitive in a fast-paced industry. Whether you're looking for ways to boost customer interaction, automate marketing, or increase tips and revenue, the right system can significantly enhance your restaurant's overall performance.

In this article, we explore the best online ordering systems available today. Each system offers unique features that cater to different restaurant needs. By comparing them, you can find the perfect fit for your business, whether you prioritize customer engagement, branding, or comprehensive online sales.

Top Ordering Systems for Restaurants in 2024

1. GlobalTips – Best for Customer Engagement and Tipping

Key Features:

• QR-based ordering system for contactless transactions: With QR code technology, customers can easily place orders from their smartphones without touching shared menus or interacting closely with staff
• Cashless tipping to enhance employee motivation and service speed: GlobalTips offers a seamless tipping feature that allows customers to tip digitally, ensuring better service and higher earnings for staff
• Integrated QR code review collection with automated promotion of high-rated reviews: Automatically collect feedback from customers and promote positive reviews on platforms like Google and TripAdvisor.
• Advanced QR code menu management for easy updates and seasonal offerings: Effortlessly manage and update your menu for holidays, special events, or seasonal changes

Pros: GlobalTips excels at improving customer experience by making ordering easier and more interactive. The system also encourages larger tips through its cashless tipping feature and helps boost your restaurant's online reputation by automating customer feedback.
Cons: GlobalTips is more focused on dine-in and takeout restaurants, with less emphasis on managing delivery services

2. Owner.com – Best for Boosting Online Sales

Key Features:

• Direct online ordering via a custom website designed to maximize conversions: Owner.com provides a branded online ordering system that reduces the need for third-party apps, allowing restaurants to retain more of their revenue
• Automated marketing tools for email/SMS campaigns: Automatically engage customers with email and SMS marketing campaigns to promote new menu items, events, or discounts.

Pros: Owner.com is perfect for restaurants looking to boost online sales, especially by converting website visitors into customers and eliminating costly third-party app commissions.
Cons: It’s not ideal for restaurants that are just starting with online ordering, as it works better for businesses with an existing customer base.

3. Toast – Best for POS Integration and In-House Operations

Key Features:

• Seamless integration with Toast POS for tableside ordering and payments: Toast's system allows for easy tableside ordering and payments, making in-house operations smoother for both staff and customers.
• Real-time delivery tracking for takeout orders: Manage and track deliveries in real time, ensuring timely orders and happy customers.
• Advanced analytics for monitoring sales, inventory, and labor costs: Toast helps restaurants keep operations on track by offering detailed analytics on everything from sales to labor.

Pros: For restaurants already using Toast POS, the integration is seamless, providing a one-stop solution for both in-house operations and online ordering.
Cons: The setup process can be complex and requires technical support.

4. BentoBox – Best for Custom Branding and Upscale Restaurants

Key Features:

• Custom restaurant websites designed to match your brand’s aesthetic: BentoBox allows restaurants to create beautifully branded websites that reflect the in-person dining experience.
• Built-in online ordering for both pickup and delivery: Manage orders easily with BentoBox’s integrated system, whether your customers want to dine in, pick up, or get delivery.
• Integrated email campaigns and social media marketing: Use BentoBox’s marketing tools to engage with customers through email and social media platforms.

Pros: Ideal for upscale restaurants that prioritize aesthetics and branding, BentoBox helps create an online presence that matches the quality of your in-person experience.
Cons: Lacks advanced loyalty programs and mobile app functionality.

5. Popmenu – Best for Dine-In Restaurants

Key Features:

• Direct in-house online ordering system: Popmenu focuses on improving the in-house ordering process, allowing customers to place orders directly from their devices.
• Integrates with POS systems for simplified operations: Popmenu ensures smooth operations by integrating with existing POS systems.
• Simplified tools for event-specific menus and promotions: Easily create and manage special menus for events or seasonal promotions.

Pros: Popmenu is ideal for dine-in restaurants looking to enhance the customer experience without adding the complexity of delivery systems.
Cons: It doesn’t offer a dedicated mobile app and has fewer automated marketing tools compared to competitors.

6. Square Online – Best for Square POS Users

Key Features:

• Online ordering via social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook: Engage with customers where they spend their time—social media.
• Loyalty programs and automated marketing: Square Online helps retain customers with built-in loyalty programs and marketing features.
• Mobile-friendly ordering for takeout, delivery, and in-house dining: Customers can easily place orders through mobile devices, whether they want to dine in, pick up, or get delivery.

Pros: Square Online is affordable, easy to integrate with Square POS, and offers streamlined operations for restaurants of all sizes.
Cons: Some features require separate purchases, and customer service support can be lacking.

Key Considerations When Choosing an Online Ordering System

Optimizing Customer Experience and Tipping

Systems that prioritize customer interaction often lead to higher tips and repeat business. GlobalTips, for example, offers features like digital tipping and feedback management to enhance the overall experience.

Ease of Use for Staff and Customers

The system should be intuitive and easy for both staff and customers to use. If the interface is complicated, it can lead to errors, longer training times, and a poor customer experience.

Mobile Optimization

In today’s digital landscape, most orders are placed via mobile devices. Ensure that the system is fully optimized for mobile users with a responsive design that loads quickly and offers an easy-to-navigate interface.

Payment Options

A robust online ordering system should offer multiple payment options, including credit/debit cards, digital wallets (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay), and in some regions, local payment methods. Secure payment gateways are essential to protect customer data.

Custom Branding and Menu Flexibility

The system should allow you to customize your online menu with your brand’s colors, logos, and messaging. It should also offer flexibility in menu management, such as easy updates for daily specials or seasonal changes.

Security and Compliance

Ensure the system complies with industry regulations, such as PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) for payment processing. It should also offer strong data security protocols to protect sensitive customer information.

Choosing the best online ordering system for your restaurant depends on your specific goals and customer needs. Whether you’re looking to boost customer engagement, improve tipping, or grow your sales, each system offers unique strengths. By evaluating your needs, you can find the perfect fit for your restaurant in 2024.

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