Are you looking to streamline your restaurant's food delivery service this year? Setting up a successful foodservice delivery operation can be a game-changer for your business. Here are some expert tips to help you easily set up foodservice delivery for your restaurant in Canada:
1. Invest in a User-Friendly Online Ordering System
Make it easy for your customers to place orders by investing in a user-friendly online ordering system. A seamless online platform can help increase order accuracy and customer satisfaction. According to recent studies, restaurants that offer online ordering experience a 20% increase in order frequency.
Popular Commission-Free / Direct Ordering Platforms
2. TikMe: Provides a comprehensive, no-commission solution with custom branding for various restaurant types.
3. Smooth Commerce: Fixed-fee model with built-in loyalty programs.
Popular POS Systems with Integrated Ordering
1. Lightspeed POS: Strong for customer loyalty features within its POS.
2. Maitre'D POS: Offers a reliable, integrated online ordering platform for sales and customer experience.
3. Toast POS: Popular in Canada, with advanced tools for inventory, labor, and marketing, though hardware is required.
Key Considerations When Choosing an Online Ordering System
2. Control: Do you want to own customer data and branding (iOrders, TikMe, Smooth) or use third-party marketplaces (Skip)?.
3. Features: Look for loyalty programs, marketing, menu management, and delivery integration.
4. Integration: How well does it work with your existing Point of Sale (POS) system
2026 Comparison Table: Direct Ordering Platforms
|
Feature
|
iOrders | TikMe | Smooth Commerce |
| Pricing Model | Fixed monthly subscription (0% commission) | Fixed monthly subscription (0% commission) | No monthly license fee; fee-per-transaction model |
| Current Rates (2026) | $200 – $300+ /month (est.) | $69 – $129 /month | Usage Based |
| Additional Costs | Delivery-as-a-Service: $7–$10 flat fee per courier | Potential add-ons for social media marketing | Standard payment processing fees apply |
| Primary Focus | SMBs seeking an "all-in-one" tech stack (POS, AI reviews, marketing) | Simplicity, low-cost setup, and securing telephone orders | Data-driven growth and high-conversion upsells for expanding brands |
| Delivery Strategy | Integrated "Delivery-as-a-Service" via flat-fee partner fleets | Focuses on takeout/pickup; can integrate own drivers | Supports own fleet or integration with third-party delivery partners |
| Unique Feature | AI Review Management: Automatically manages and improves Google reviews from a central dashboard | TikMe Pay: Sends payment links via SMS for phone orders to prevent "no-shows" | Suggestive Upsell Engine: Analytics-driven prompts that increase average basket size by ~13% |
| Customer Loyalty | Built-in rewards unified across all channels (Web, App, QR) | Integrated points-based loyalty software | Advanced segmentation for personalized push notifications and offers |
| Branding | White-label native mobile apps and branded websites | Custom menus and branded website ordering | Fully customized, premium branded mobile applications and web storefronts |
2. Optimize Your Menu for Delivery
When setting up food delivery, it's essential to optimize your menu for delivery. Choose items that travel well and are easy to package. Consider offering family meal deals or bundled options to increase order value. Research shows that restaurants that offer family meal deals see a 15% boost in sales.
3. Implement Efficient Delivery Logistics
Efficient delivery logistics are crucial for a successful foodservice delivery operation. Consider partnering with third-party delivery services or investing in your delivery fleet. By optimizing delivery routes and tracking orders in real-time, you can ensure timely and accurate deliveries. Studies have shown that restaurants that offer delivery see a 30% increase in revenue.
Popular Delivery Services For Restaurants in Canada
Major Canadians and Restaurants use these apps for delivery:
1. SkipTheDishes: A Canadian-founded platform, very popular across the country.
2. UberEats: Offers food and grocery delivery, quite popular
3. DoorDash: A dominant player, especially in urban areas.
4. Grubhub: Another popular choice for local restaurant delivery.
4. Prioritize Food Safety and Quality
When setting up food delivery, prioritize food safety and quality. Invest in secure packaging to maintain food temperature during transit. Train your staff on proper food handling procedures to ensure that orders are prepared safely. Research indicates that 85% of customers are more likely to order from restaurants that prioritize food safety.
Here's an Ultimate Guide to Sourcing Bulk Packaging Materials in Canada
5. Promote Your Delivery Service
Once you have set up your food delivery service, don't forget to promote it to your customers. Use social media, email marketing, and in-store signage to spread the word about your delivery options. Offering promotions or discounts for first-time delivery orders can help attract new customers. Studies show that restaurants that actively promote their delivery service see a 25% increase in online orders.
By following these expert tips, you can easily set up foodservice delivery for your restaurant and take your business to the next level. Embracing the growing trend of food delivery can help you reach a wider audience and increase revenue in the long run.
