Top Third-Party Delivery Services for Restaurants: A Guide by Over Easy Office
At Over Easy Office, we've supported countless restaurants in optimizing their back-office processes, from accounting to third-party delivery reconciliation. We know firsthand how crucial it is to choose the right delivery partner, both for seamless operations and a positive customer experience. To help restaurants navigate this crowded space, we’ve curated a list of the top third-party delivery services. Our recommendations are based on our experiences, restaurant industry insights, and client feedback. Here's a rundown of today’s top delivery services, with a special focus on what makes each unique.
1. DoorDash
Website: https://www.doordash.com/
Headquarters: San Francisco, California
Founded: 2013
Specialties: Local Logistics, Restaurant Delivery, On-Demand Delivery, and eCommerce
Best Delivery Platform for Local Market Reach
DoorDash is one of the largest and most popular food delivery services in the U.S. Many of our clients appreciate DoorDash for its strong presence in both urban and suburban markets, where it reaches a diverse customer base. In one example, a client in a suburban area experienced a 20% increase in delivery orders within the first few months of partnering with DoorDash, largely due to the platform's local market focus.
Key Features:
Extensive network across the U.S., Canada, and Australia
DoorDash Drive allows restaurants to use their own app while still leveraging DoorDash drivers
Marketing programs like DashPass increase visibility with subscribed users
Flexible delivery and pickup options for customers
2. UberEats
Best for Fast and Flexible Service
UberEats is ideal for restaurants seeking a reliable, fast-paced delivery experience. With its integration into Uber’s extensive ride-hailing network, UberEats often has a broader reach in cities and offers quicker delivery times. We've seen clients benefit from UberEats’ ease of integration and the ability to offer “express” delivery options during peak hours.
Key Features:
Large global user base with quick delivery times
Dynamic promotions like “Free Delivery” offers that attract new customers
Integrates easily with POS systems, minimizing manual entry errors
Strong international presence, ideal for multi-location brands
3. GrubHub
Best for Loyalty Programs and Promotions
GrubHub’s strong focus on loyalty programs makes it a popular choice for our clients aiming to boost repeat business. GrubHub’s ecosystem includes GrubHub+ (a subscription-based loyalty program), which encourages frequent orders by offering perks like free delivery. For one of our long-standing clients, this program has been a key driver in increasing order frequency among their regulars.
Key Features:
GrubHub+ loyalty program encourages repeat business
Seamless POS integrations help reduce accounting workload
Order analytics provide restaurants with insights into customer behavior
Direct marketing support, such as emails and push notifications, helps drive traffic
4. Postmates
Website: https://postmates.com/
Headquarters: San Francisco, California
Founded: 2011
Specialties: transportation, logistics, local commerce, and delivery
Best for a Variety of Delivery Needs
Postmates, acquired by Uber, stands out for its flexibility beyond just restaurant food delivery. Many of our clients who also offer groceries, alcohol, or unique menu items find Postmates an ideal choice due to its “anything, anywhere” delivery model. A client who specializes in craft cocktails has particularly benefited from Postmates’ ability to handle specialized deliveries like beverages.
Key Features:
Wide delivery options beyond just food, including alcohol and groceries
“Postmates Unlimited” subscription service promotes frequent ordering
Unique promotions and brand partnerships help increase visibility
Flexible, fast delivery times for customer satisfaction
5. EzCater
Website: https://www.ezcater.com/
Headquarters: Boston, MA
Founded:2007
Specialties: Corporate Catering, Business Catering, and Food for Work
Best for Catering and Large-Scale Orders
Boston-based EzCater is a game-changer for restaurants focused on catering services. It’s an ideal choice for restaurants that want to reach corporate clients and cater large orders, which can bring in significant revenue without high overhead. EzCater was co-founded by Stefania Mallett and Briscoe Rodgers in 2007 and has since grown into the #1 catering growth platform. One of our clients, a mid-size barbecue restaurant, increased their off-premise sales by 68% in the first quarter by joining EzCater’s marketplace.
Key Features:
Marketplace platform that connects restaurants with high-value catering clients
EzManage tools centralize orders, customer details, and delivery logistics
EzDispatch provides a network of professional delivery providers, making sure every order is handled with care
Customizable online ordering solutions that integrate into a restaurant’s website
6. ChowNow
Website: https://www.chownow.com/
Headquarters: Culver City, California
Founded: 2011
Specialties: Restaurant Apps, Custom Mobile Apps, Facebook Ordering Platform, Online Ordering System, Online Food Ordering, Online Food Ordering System, Restaurant Support, and Local Restaurants.
Best Delivery Platform for Fee-Free Ordering
ChowNow offers a unique approach in that it enables restaurants to accept delivery orders without commission fees, focusing on flat-rate pricing instead. Restaurants that partner with ChowNow maintain more control over their customer data and avoid hefty commission rates, making it a popular choice for those looking to boost profits.
Key Features:
Flat-rate pricing instead of per-order commissions
In-house ordering tools allow restaurants to keep customer data
Highly customizable to match restaurant branding
Tools for managing direct delivery, avoiding third-party driver costs
7. Caviar
Website: https://www.trycaviar.com/
Founded: 2012
Best for High-End and Boutique Restaurants
For high-end dining establishments, Caviar provides a polished, curated experience that’s more brand-focused than most mainstream services. Owned by DoorDash, Caviar attracts a more affluent customer base, making it ideal for upscale or boutique restaurants. Several of our fine-dining clients have reported success with Caviar, as it maintains the exclusive feel of dining in-house.
Key Features:
Curated selection of high-end restaurants, appealing to affluent customers
High-quality delivery experience aligned with restaurant branding
Seamless integration with DoorDash for extended reach
Exclusive feel, positioning upscale restaurants for premium orders
Tips for Effective Delivery Service Reconciliation
Choosing the right platform is just the first step. At Over Easy Office, we often assist clients with the complex task of delivery reconciliation, ensuring they receive accurate payouts and have complete visibility into each order. Here are some tips to help streamline this process:
Centralize Data Collection: Work with a delivery platform that integrates with your POS system or accounting software. This cuts down on manual data entry errors and ensures accurate record-keeping.
Regular Reconciliation: We recommend reconciling delivery revenue on a weekly basis, especially during high-volume periods, to avoid discrepancies that are harder to resolve over time.
Account for Fees and Promotions: Many platforms offer promotional discounts or loyalty rewards, which can affect your revenue. We advise clients to track these deductions closely to ensure accurate financial records.
Conclusion
Choosing the best third-party delivery platform for your restaurant is about aligning the service’s strengths with your unique business needs. At Over Easy Office, we’ve seen firsthand how a well-integrated delivery platform can boost profitability, enhance customer loyalty, and streamline operations. Each of the platforms above brings distinct benefits and opportunities. With the right tools and strategic partnerships, restaurants can leverage delivery services to grow their revenue while maintaining efficient, accurate accounting practices.
Our mission at Over Easy Office is to support your restaurant's growth journey. Reach out today to our team anytime for guidance on integrating and optimizing third-party delivery systems or managing reconciliation processes effectively. Let’s make your delivery strategy as seamless as your in-house dining experience!