The Commissions Killer: Why Restaurants Need a Website Even If They Use Food Apps
If you run a restaurant in 2026, you know the drill. The tablet on your counter pings incessantly with orders from third-party apps. On the surface, it looks like success—your kitchen is busy, and food is moving out the door.
But then you look at the end-of-month statements. Between the 15% to 30% commission fees, the "delivery adjustments," and the lack of access to your own customer data, you start to realize: The apps are eating your profits before your customers eat your food.
At Softwara, we talk to restaurant owners every day who feel trapped by these platforms. Here is why a dedicated website isn't just a "nice-to-have"—it’s your restaurant’s financial lifeline.
1. Stopping the "Commission Bleed"
Let’s be honest: Food delivery apps are great for discovery, but they are terrible for your bottom line. When a customer orders a $50 dinner through an app, you might only see $35 of that after fees.
By having your own website with a Direct Ordering System, you bypass those middleman fees.
- The Math: If you move just 10 orders a day from a third-party app to your own website, you could save over $15,000 a year in commissions. That’s enough to hire a new server or upgrade your kitchen equipment.
2. Owning the "Digital Table" (Customer Data)
When someone orders through a big delivery app, they aren't your customer—they are the app’s customer. You don't get their email, you don't know their ordering habits, and you can't invite them back for a Tuesday night special.
A website designed by Softwara allows you to:
- Build a Marketing List: Collect emails or phone numbers (with consent) to send out weekend specials.
- Personalize the Experience: Remember that "Table 4" always wants the dressing on the side.
- Loyalty Programs: Offer a "10th Meal Free" deal that only works through your site, keeping them coming back to you, not the app’s "recommended" list.
3. The "Menu Psychology" Advantage
Third-party apps standardize every restaurant. Your gourmet bistro looks exactly like the fast-food joint next door because the interface is the same. You have zero control over the "vibe."
On your own website, you own the experience:
- High-Res Visuals: Use large, steaming videos of your signature dishes.
- Storytelling: Tell the story of your chef, your locally sourced ingredients, and your heritage.
- Upselling: Program your site to suggest a wine pairing or a dessert as the customer checks out—something delivery apps often hide or do poorly.
4. Search Engines vs. App Algorithms
In 2026, people ask their AI assistants: "Where is the best Italian place with outdoor seating near me?"
If you only have a profile on a delivery app, you are at the mercy of their algorithm. If you don't pay for their "preferred" placement, you disappear. However, a website optimized by Softwara uses Local SEO and Schema Markup to tell Google and AI assistants exactly what you offer. This brings customers directly to your door (and your website) without you having to pay for "sponsored" rankings on an app.
5. Managing Your Reputation
Delivery apps are notorious for bad customer service. If a driver is late or the food arrives cold, the customer often leaves a 1-star review on your profile, even if it wasn't your fault.
Your website is a place where you can provide direct support. Whether it's an AI chatbot to handle order status or a direct "Text the Manager" line, providing a human connection reduces friction and saves your reputation.
The 2026 Strategy: Use the Apps, but Own the Site
We aren't saying you should delete your delivery apps tomorrow. They are excellent for finding new customers. But once a customer has tasted your food, your goal should be to migrate them to your website for their second order.
The "Softwara" Approach for Restaurants:
- The Discovery Phase: Customer finds you on a delivery app.
- The Hook: You include a small flyer in their bag: "Save 10% on your next order by visiting www.yourrestaurant.com."
- The Conversion: The customer orders directly next time, you keep 100% of the profit, and you now have a direct line to your fan base.
Is Your Menu Working for You or for the Apps?
Don't let third-party platforms dictate your success. Let’s build a digital storefront that keeps your profits in your pocket and your customers coming back for more.
Contact Softwara for a Restaurant-Specific Tech Audit Today →