How To Create Online Ordering for a Restaurant in 7 Steps

How much revenue are you leaving on the table by not offering online ordering? And how much are third-party commissions eating into your profits?

If you’re not capturing direct online orders, you’re missing a major opportunity. Getting started isn’t complicated. You just need a clear process and the right setup. We’ve helped thousands of restaurants build online ordering systems, and in this guide, I’ll walk through the steps, key features, and decisions that matter most.

Let’s learn how to set up online ordering for your restaurant. If you prefer video, I also share practical tips on driving more online orders for your restaurant.

1. Identify your online ordering goals

If you’re like us, you’ve probably waded through a bunch of online ordering options—comparing features, pricing, and trying to figure out what actually fits your restaurant.

The reality? Not every restaurant needs a platform packed with every marketing and loyalty feature under the sun. It depends on what you’re trying to accomplish.

Most online ordering tools fall into two buckets:

• Third-party apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash. These let customers order directly through their platforms, making it easy to reach new diners.‍
• Direct ordering platforms like Owner.com that add an ordering portal right to your website—and sometimes even your own branded mobile app.

Third-party food delivery can be a great way to test the waters and get your restaurant in front of new customers.

Direct ordering platforms, on the other hand, give you way more control. You can run promotions, customize your menu, and access valuable restaurant data, all while avoiding those steep third-party commission fees.

When you get this right, it can mean higher online order profits and better customer retention.

2. Pick your tech stack

At this stage, you’re choosing the tech stack that will power your restaurant’s online sales. That usually means finding the right combination of ordering software, POS system, and supporting tools that all work smoothly together.

The best way to evaluate that setup? Book demos and test the platforms yourself.

Most providers offer free demos, and you can try one with Owner.com. During the demo, you’ll get a walkthrough of the system’s backend, see key features in action, and connect with a sales rep who can answer questions about how everything fits into your setup.

When you’re testing platforms, pay close attention to integrations. Make sure the ordering system integrates with your existing POS, website, and hardware so orders flow smoothly from the customer to your kitchen.

Pro tip: Check out local restaurant websites and start a test order. This lets you experience different systems from the guest’s perspective. Notice what feels fast and intuitive and what doesn’t. Most restaurants list their ordering platform in the footer or ordering URL.

Once you’ve found a platform that fits your stack, you’ll move into onboarding. This usually includes:

• Intro to the system: Contracts, pricing, and included features
• System setup: Website or app setup, menu configuration, and POS integration
• Training: Learning how to manage orders, update menus, and track prep times

Setup timelines vary. A basic system plugged into your existing POS and website might take about a week. A more advanced setup, with a new website, mobile app, and built-in marketing tools, can take several weeks.

3. Set up your online ordering menu

Next up, it’s time to turn your restaurant menu into something that works smoothly online. Start by reviewing your current menu and deciding which items actually make sense for takeout or delivery. Some dishes travel better than others, so this is a good moment to tweak descriptions, pricing, or availability. 

From there, organize everything into clear categories—appetizers, mains, sides, drinks—so customers can quickly find what they’re craving.

I suggest making it easy for customers to customize their orders. That means adding modifiers like sizes, toppings, add-ons, and special instructions. Photos of popular or signature dishes help the menu pop and can nudge customers to order more.

Before launching, place a few test orders yourself to make sure everything flows smoothly. You want to make sure that the menu pricing, food options, and instructions all make sense from the customer’s side.

4. Research available online ordering features

Now, I suggest digging into what your platform actually offersMost providers bundle more features than you need, so focus on what actually supports your restaurant. Here’s what you need to ask yourself:

Do you have a fast-performing website?

If you don’t have a website, you need one. If you already have one but it’s slow, outdated, or not driving orders, it’s time to rethink it.

Your website is where direct orders live, so performance, restaurant SEO, and usability directly impact revenue. Slow load times, confusing navigation, or buried ordering buttons can push customers away before they ever check out.

A website built around online ordering should make it easy for visitors to find the menu, customize items, and complete checkout in just a few clicks.

Does your ordering system integrate with POS and other tools?

Your ordering system should connect smoothly with your POS, website, and other software. The fewer disconnected systems you manage, the easier operations become.

If your POS already offers online ordering, start there. Also, review add-ons like marketing tools, delivery features, or mobile apps, but make sure they actually improve efficiency, not just add complexity.

How much does it cost? 

Most platforms charge monthly fees that typically range from roughly $100 to $500, depending on features and scale. Beyond subscription costs, factor in setup fees, development time, hardware, and operational expenses like packaging.

If online orders drive revenue, investing in stronger tools can pay off. If it’s a smaller part of your business, a simpler setup may be enough.

5. Iron out the takeout details before launch

Before going live, lock in the details that directly impact performance. Key decisions should be set early, even if refinements happen during onboarding.

• Optimize your menu: Focus on items that sell well and have strong margins. Promote top performers with better placement and offers. Remove or hide items that don’t travel well or generate enough profit to justify listing, especially when third-party fees apply.
  
• Figure out takeout pricing: Online ordering adds costs, particularly with commission-based platforms. Pricing should account for those fees. Instead of increasing prices across the board, use effective promotion ideas, such as BOGO offers, on high-margin items to balance value and profitability.
  
• Set up safe packaging: Packaging plays a major role in the customer experience. Choose containers that protect temperature, prevent leaks, and reflect your brand. Testing orders internally helps ensure food arrives as intended.

6. Start taking orders

Once the menu is live and staff are trained, it’s time to launch. The best way to improve the system is to start using it, and expect to refine things as real orders come in.

Orders may start slow, which actually works in your favor. It gives you time to spot issues, adjust workflows, and improve the experience without being overwhelmed.

To drive traffic, you need promotion. Loyal customers won’t order online if they don’t know it’s available, so make it visible everywhere.

Start with in-store marketing:

• Hang flyers promoting direct online ordering.
• Offer first-time order discounts or loyalty programs.
• Add table tents explaining the benefits.
• Include flyers in third-party delivery orders to convert those customers.

These tactics reach people who already love your food and are most likely to order again.

From there, expand into broader marketing. Focus on local visibility through SEO and platforms like Instagram to showcase your food. Prioritize reaching people in your area. Visibility matters more than chasing followers who won’t convert into orders.

7. Track performance and optimize

Many online ordering platforms will automatically collect and analyze order data, including sales/profit data, peak hours and customer data.

This is powerful information you can use to improve your customer experience and continue growing online profits. 

First, you have to keep an eye on performance data. You’ll see how many customers are returning, what food items sell best and what hours you’re most popular. You can use this to:

• Adjust your marketing to focus on existing vs. new customers.
• Tweak menu prices and promoted items.
• Update your staff schedule or online ordering availability based on peak hours. 

These systems can also identify trends and behavior patterns for you, revealing customer interests and future forecasts. 

You can help out by encouraging customer feedback after orders are delivered. You’re collecting customer data with each email, so you can email or text them for feedback. 

Loyalty members can also help, and you can offer a coupon for their trouble (though you can’t use offers to influence their reviews). 

Ultimately, this data helps you continuously update your system for peak performance. Based on customer behavior, you can also look ahead to adjust your marketing strategies or expand service locations. 

Get your online ordering up and running today

You have a lot of options, from ready-to-roll, low-cost options to full-feature ordering and optimized sites from Owner.com. Decide how online ordering fits into your overall restaurant strategy and goals, then test what works with a free demo before you commit. 

If your takeout-heavy restaurant is ready to ditch third-party commission fees and own your direct sales, get a free, 20-minute Owner.com demo here.

{{cta-1}}

Restaurant online ordering FAQ

Now that you know how to set up online food ordering, let's get into some other questions you might have about the process.

What are some common integration issues with POS systems?

Integration issues usually occur when systems aren’t designed to communicate smoothly with one another. Common challenges include incomplete data syncing between the online ordering platform and POS, delayed order updates, or mismatched menu items and pricing.

Compatibility gaps between older POS systems and newer ordering tools can also create setup friction. In many cases, proper configuration during onboarding and thorough testing before launch prevent most of these issues.

What should I look for when choosing an online ordering provider?

Focus on platforms that fit your operational needs and long-term growth goals. Key factors include seamless integration with your POS and website, strong menu management tools, reliable uptime, and clear pricing with no hidden fees.

Also evaluate how easy the system is to use for your team and your customers. Look for built-in features that support growth such as marketing tools, analytics, customization options, and upgrade paths.  These features will allow your platform to scale with your restaurant, without forcing another migration later.

Are there any best practices to design a high-converting restaurant menu online?

When building an online menu, the goal is to make ordering fast, clear, and profitable. These practices help improve visibility and increase conversions:

• Promote top sellers: Place high-margin, popular items at the top to drive more orders.
• Write clear descriptions: Highlight key ingredients and benefits without overcomplicating the copy.
• Add strong photos: Use high-quality images to build trust and make dishes more appealing.
• Organize items clearly: Group menu items into logical categories for easier browsing.
• Keep the layout clean: Reduce clutter so customers can focus on what to order.
• Add strategic upsells: Suggest sides, upgrades, and add-ons to increase average order value.