In the fast-evolving restaurant industry, staying competitive means adapting to consumer demands while protecting your bottom line. The 2025 State of the Restaurant Industry report by the National Restaurant Association highlights the growing importance of off-premises dining, with 51% of consumers considering takeout an essential part of their lifestyle. For restaurant owners, leveraging online ordering systems, particularly commission-free platforms, is a powerful strategy to meet this demand, enhance customer satisfaction, and boost revenue without sacrificing profits to third-party fees.

The Rise of Online Ordering in 2025

The 2025 State of the Restaurant Industry report underscores that off-premises sales, including takeout and delivery, now represent a significant portion of restaurant revenue. Half of all restaurant operators report that off-premises sales are a larger share of their business compared to 2019, with 90% of customers willing to order a wider variety of menu items if packaging maintains food quality. This trend is especially pronounced among younger demographics, with 67% of Gen Z adults and 64% of Millennials relying on takeout as a core part of their dining habits.

Online ordering is no longer just a convenience—it's a necessity. Consumers value ease of ordering, quick service, and high-quality food, with 93% of delivery customers satisfied with the ease of ordering and paying online. However, third-party delivery platforms often charge hefty commissions, eating into already tight margins. This is where commission-free online ordering systems come in, offering a cost-effective way to meet customer expectations while retaining more revenue.

Why Commission-Free Online Ordering Matters

Third-party delivery apps can charge commissions as high as 15-30% per order, significantly impacting profitability. For restaurants operating on slim margins—where food and labor costs have risen over 30% since 2019, according to the report—these fees can be unsustainable. A commission-free online ordering system allows you to:

• Retain More Profits: By eliminating third-party fees, you keep more of every dollar earned from online orders.

• Control the Customer Experience: Direct online ordering systems let you customize the ordering process, ensuring it aligns with your brand and meets customer expectations for convenience and speed.

• Build Customer Loyalty: The report notes that 61% of delivery customers value loyalty programs when choosing a restaurant. A commission-free platform can integrate loyalty programs, encouraging repeat business without sharing customer data with third parties.

• Enhance Data Ownership: Owning your customer data allows you to personalize marketing efforts, such as targeted promotions or value deals, which 82% of delivery customers say influence their restaurant choice.

Strategies for Implementing Commission-Free Online Ordering

To capitalize on the off-premises trend while maximizing profitability, consider these actionable strategies inspired by the 2025 State of the Restaurant Industry report:

Invest in a User-Friendly Online Ordering Platform

The report highlights that 83% of operators believe technology provides a competitive advantage, with 60% planning to invest in tools to improve front- and back-of-house efficiency in 2025. A commission-free online ordering system should be intuitive, mobile-friendly, and integrated with your POS system to streamline operations. Ensure it supports features like real-time order tracking and payment processing, as 93% of delivery customers prioritize ease of ordering and paying.

Focus on Packaging to Maintain Quality

Consumers are more likely to order diverse menu items if packaging preserves food quality. The report notes that 90% of off-premises customers would order more if restaurants used upgraded packaging to maintain temperature, taste, and quality. Invest in high-quality, sustainable packaging to enhance the online ordering experience, justifying a slight price premium to cover costs without relying on commission-based platforms.

Promote Value Deals and Loyalty Programs

Value is a top priority for consumers, with 82% of delivery customers seeking daily specials or discounts. Use your commission-free online ordering platform to offer value deals, such as combo meals or limited-time offers, which 51% of quick-service operators found successful in 2024. Pair this with a loyalty program—75% of limited-service operators with loyalty programs reported increased traffic in 2024—to drive repeat orders and build a loyal customer base.

Optimize for Speed and Convenience

The report identifies reducing wait times as a top customer priority for both takeout and delivery. A commission-free online ordering system can help by allowing you to manage order flow, prioritize curbside pickup (expected to grow among 51% of operators in 2025), and provide accurate delivery time estimates. This aligns with consumer demands for convenience, especially among Gen Z and Millennials.

Leverage Social Media to Drive Traffic

With social media being a primary source for consumers to discover restaurants, promote your online ordering platform through platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Highlight value deals, showcase high-quality food images, and encourage customers to order directly through your website to avoid commissions. The report notes that 86% of consumers see restaurants as a place to explore new flavors, so use social media to showcase unique menu items available for online order.

Getting Started with Commission-Free Online Ordering

Transitioning to a commission-free online ordering system doesn’t have to be complex. Start by researching platforms that integrate with your existing systems and offer customizable branding. Many solutions provide affordable monthly subscriptions, far less costly than recurring third-party commissions. Train your staff to promote direct ordering to customers, and consider offering exclusive value deals for orders placed through your platform to incentivize adoption.

Conclusion

As the restaurant industry navigates a challenging landscape in 2025, commission-free online ordering is a game-changer for restaurant owners. By aligning with consumer preferences for convenience, quality, and value—backed by the insights of the 2025 State of the Restaurant Industry report—you can drive off-premises sales, retain more profits, and build stronger customer relationships. Invest in a commission-free online ordering system today to stay ahead of the competition and ensure your restaurant thrives in the digital age.

For more insights on optimizing your restaurant’s operations, visit restaurant.org to access the full 2025 State of the Restaurant Industry report.