1. Why Online Ordering Is No Longer Optional
Off-premise dining—including online ordering, takeout, and delivery—is no longer a trend—it’s a revenue cornerstone. Since the pandemic, the market has exploded, with online food delivery projected to reach $1 trillion in 2025. Restaurants leveraging these channels report higher average checks, boosted profits, and brand loyalty — and Toast POS restaurants see 23% more online sales than those without .
2. Choosing the Right Platform: Why Toast POS Stands Out
Toast POS offers a fully integrated, commission‑free system built for restaurants:
- Real-time menu updates, order throttling, and automated quote times keep your kitchen on track.
- Orders flow seamlessly from your branded online storefront directly to the kitchen or KDS.
- Optional “Toast Delivery Services” uses local drivers, complete with order tracking.
3. Step-by-Step Setup
To get your online ordering up and running:
- In Toast Web, go to Takeout & delivery → Availability → Online Ordering, then toggle it on.
- Set up delivery options via Takeout & delivery → Availability → Takeout/delivery — configure service areas, minimums, and fees.
- Fine‑tune your online‑ordering hours, quote times, and payment methods.
- Test everything: take your first orders and adjust staffing rhythms.
4. Menu & UX Tips for Conversion
- Build a streamlined delivery/takeout menu—simpler than your dine-in version.
- Highlight high-margin items and upsells like combos or sides.
- Incorporate promo codes, loyalty, and gift-card features to encourage repeat orders.
5. Operations & Staff Training
- Integrate with your KDS so all online orders go straight to the kitchen.
- Use Toast’s “snooze” throttling to control order flow during peak times.
- Train staff on packaging, delivery protocols, and handling first-party delivery orders efficiently.
6. Marketing & Launch Best Practices
- Add clickable “Order Online” buttons across your site and social media.
- Promote via email blasts, push notifications, and loyalty campaigns.
- Enable local discovery through Google and the Local by Toast app.
7. Analyze & Iterate
- Track performance with Toast’s analytics tools to uncover top-sellers, peak times, and customer behavior .
- Gather feedback, adapt your menu, and test different promotions to optimize ROI.
8. Avoid Common Pitfalls
- Watch your order volume—missed deliveries create bad reviews.
- Manage delivery zones, fees, and minimums to maximize revenue.
- Keep your menu current to prevent customer frustration from unavailable items.
9. Ghost Kitchens & Contactless Demand
Consider a virtual restaurant (ghost kitchen) or tap into contactless dining, especially if your off-premise demand is high.
Conclusion
Adopting a robust, integrated online ordering system like Toast POS is a must-have. It streamlines operations, boosts sales, and elevates your brand. With easy setup, smart marketing, and strong analytics, you can turn delivery into one of your top growth channels. Ready to transform your business?
