10 Tips for Quality Restaurant Delivery Menus and Meals
Delivery and togo services are vital revenue streams for restaurants. Online food delivery revenue is predicted to increase by over 9% in the next two years. But there are a few important things to consider before setting up a delivery service for your restaurant — from what kind of packaging you’ll use to what menu items will be on the menu. Even menu development has a few additional steps, both in how the food is presented once it arrives at its destination and how customers are able to view and order it online. To help, we’ve put together tips and tricks that will aid in delivering quality menus and meals.
What To Consider Before Implementing Delivery
Who will be delivering the food?
There are two options when it comes to food delivery. Your restaurant can hire delivery drivers to meet the demands of delivery orders, or you can hire a third-party to handle things once the food is ready to be delivered. If your restaurant will be delivering, ensure you have the proper insurance as well as enough delivery drivers to keep up with the demands of delivery orders.
There are many third-party options available when it comes to delivery, and this is the more common option. It’s important to note the fees that third-party services will take, as well as reading their terms to fully understand who will be taking responsibility for the food after it leaves your restaurant.
Run The Numbers
There are several fees and costs to consider before implementing a delivery menu. Third-party delivery fees or insurance for on-site drivers, credit card processing fees (both on the delivery platform or if your restaurant is hosting the menu online), packaging cost for the carryout containers, and additional labor that may be required for the increased traffic for both the front and the back-of-house.
Don’t Disrupt the Flow
It’s important that your delivery and carryout service doesn’t disrupt the flow of dine in service. Both are an experience and taking the time to treat them both equally will not only increase the number of orders but will also make things easier for your staff. Designate parking, if necessary, create a pick-up location for drivers and those that have placed a carryout order, and ensure the kitchen and bar are able to handle the extra demand. Especially at peak service. Knowing this ahead of time will help prepare your hours of operation when it comes to delivery, and help you communicate if it becomes unavailable in times of high volume.
Create a Menu Fit for Delivery
Keep The Ride in Mind
Not every meal on your restaurant menu is delivery friendly. You’ll want to treat your delivery and carryout menu as its own and choose meals that capture the essence of your business. But that can also survive the delivery radius and don’t leave guests disappointed upon arrival. Some menu items may require everything to be packaged separately.
Include Extras and Sides
What do guests typically order extras or sides of in your restaurant? Make sure those are listed on your online ordering menu. Extra dressing, add-ons for specific menu items, and even plasticware are items to consider having small fees on. Having the option to select “no” for certain items can save your restaurant money.
Cool Off, Or Warm Up, With Beverages
Don’t forget the beverages. They’re an easy option to include and depending on your location and licensing — togo alcoholic beverages may be an option to add as well.
Give Customers the Restaurant Experience
Choose Proper Packaging
Packaging has a few jobs. It keeps the food at the correct temperature, keeps food separate, may have the food reheated in it, and presents the restaurant branding. It’s an opportunity to create a user experience. It’s also important to consider if your restaurant would like to select packaging that is eco-friendly, recyclable, compostable, or plastic. Don’t forget to think about everything down to the napkin and utensils.
Delivery Radius
Consider how your food will hold up in a box if it’s delivered. By creating a mapped-out radius around your restaurant, you’ll ensure drivers can reach their locations in an appropriate delivery time after factoring in the prep and cook time required for your take-out items. By doing this, you’re ensuring a good experience for customers who order from your delivery service.
Make A User-Friendly Delivery Menu
Our eyes eat first. By creating an online menu with photos and accurate descriptions, you’re helping guests know exactly what they’re ordering. Also, keeping stock updated in real-time is crucial and helps eliminate potential mistakes and refunds if items run out.
Presentation Is Key
And it is everything when it comes to delivery. From the photos presented on the online menu, to the bag the packaging is pulled from, and to the presentation of the food itself and how it held up within the delivery radius — by presenting the experience to the best of your availability, you’ll set high standards and little room for error.
Quality Food Travels Best
Riveria Produce has wholesale food that is great for delivery menus. Browse our online catalogue and order fresh ingredients that will become a staple on your delivery menu.