How to Attract Restaurant Partners to Your Food Delivery App

Last Updated on April 5, 2025

The Internet has brought a dramatic evolution to the food industry.

The rise of food delivery apps like DoorDash has led to the commencement of new “platform to consumer” services across the food industry.

Not just restaurants are enthusiastic about these platforms, but customers themselves appreciate the convenience they provide.

According to a survey, over 72% of American adults ordered food directly from their favorite restaurants. In addition, partnering with third-party platforms makes sense if your restaurant does not have a private app.

But the question is:

• Can any restaurant partner with a food delivery app?
• If yes, then how can restaurants partner with food delivery service providers?
• What are the benefits of partnering with a food delivery app?

Well, it would be unfair to keep the audience in suspense that long. So without further ado, let’s help you find the answer:

Who are food delivery service providers?

Reports reveal that over 13% of the US restaurant market was taken up by online food delivery when COVID-19 was at its peak.

Ever since then, almost every third person in the US has a food delivery application installed on their smartphones.

During lockdown, people had to curb their appetite for tasty cuisines, which led them to switch to a food delivery service provider, as it enabled them to eat their food at home.

Eventually, people loved these services!

Post-pandemic, these tempting services have become irresistible. This has resulted in restaurants looking to partner with delivery service companies to adapt to the changing demands of the industry.

But the question is, “Who are the food delivery service providers?”

Well, the short answer is: a company or firm in charge of delivering food orders to customers on behalf of a restaurant.

These service providers are also referred to as “aggregators,” “3rd party suppliers,” or “middlemen.” But the service provided by each can vary. As such, some might be attracting customers on their own platform first to make income from both customers and businesses.

On the other hand, others have a well-defined business model to provide outstanding benefits to customers. 

How to Attract Restaurant Partners to Your New Food Delivery Platform

Build Trust Through Transparency and Reliability

Establishing credibility is crucial when attracting restaurant partners to your food delivery platform. Transparency in operations—such as commission rates, delivery logistics, and payment timelines—sets the tone for a long-term partnership. Many restaurants are hesitant to join new platforms due to horror stories of hidden fees and delayed payments. 

According to a 2023 report, nearly 45% of independent restaurants in North America expressed concern about unfair commission structures on food delivery apps. To overcome this skepticism, provide clear contracts and highlight how your fee structure compares favorably to major competitors like Uber Eats or DoorDash. 

For example, if you charge a 15% commission compared to the industry average of 20–30%, promote this advantage openly. Additionally, showcasing a consistent track record—like a 98% on-time payment rate or successful partnerships with local eateries—helps reinforce reliability. 

Even if you’re just launching, beta partnerships or testimonials from early adopters can add weight to your platform’s credibility. Reliable customer support, timely payouts, and dashboard transparency will be key to earning and maintaining the trust of restaurant owners.

Offer Competitive Commission Structures and Flexible Pricing Models

To stand out in a competitive market, your food delivery platform must offer commission structures that are both sustainable and attractive. Many restaurants feel squeezed by high commission rates—sometimes as high as 30%—which eat into already tight profit margins. 

To make your platform appealing, consider offering tiered pricing models based on order volume or delivery distance. For instance, a 10% base commission for low-volume restaurants with the option to scale down to 5% as orders increase could make the partnership more attractive. Flexible pricing encourages growth and gives restaurant owners a sense of control. 

You can also offer promotional waivers for the first three months or reduced rates for local small businesses. According to a report by Deloitte, 71% of restaurants are more likely to partner with platforms that offer flexible or negotiable rates. 

Providing options for self-delivery versus platform-managed delivery could also influence the commission setup and appeal to different types of restaurants. The goal is to create a structure where restaurants see your platform as a growth partner rather than a necessary burden.

Also read: Why Food Delivery Startups Fail – The Right App Saves You

Empower Restaurants with Marketing and Analytics Tools

Restaurants don’t just want a listing; they want to grow. Your food delivery platform should offer integrated marketing tools that help restaurant partners boost visibility and orders. Features like sponsored listings, customized promotions, loyalty programs, and push notifications enable restaurants to actively engage with users. 

Providing access to real-time analytics—like customer demographics, order trends, and peak hours—can help restaurants make data-driven decisions. According to a 2022 McKinsey survey, 63% of restaurants said access to customer data was a key factor when choosing a delivery partner. For example, a local pizzeria might notice higher order volumes on Friday evenings and use that insight to run a “Buy One Get One Free” offer during that period. 

If your platform can assist with A/B testing of offers or even targeted ads based on customer behavior, that’s a major advantage. These tools make your platform more than just a delivery service—it becomes a business accelerator for restaurants.

Streamline Onboarding and Integration

The smoother the onboarding process, the more likely restaurants are to sign up and stay. Many independent restaurants lack the technical expertise or resources to deal with complex integrations or lengthy approval timelines. Your food delivery platform should offer a frictionless onboarding experience that can be completed within a day or two. 

This includes step-by-step guides, real-time support via chat or call, and plug-and-play integrations with popular point-of-sale (POS) systems like Square, Toast, or Lightspeed. Automation tools that sync menus, update availability, and adjust pricing in real time are especially valuable. 

A 2023 Toast survey found that 58% of restaurant owners consider ease of integration a top priority when evaluating food delivery services. Providing a dedicated onboarding specialist or team to walk partners through the process can reduce drop-offs and build rapport. 

Moreover, offering language support or region-specific tutorials can make a big difference in diverse markets. The faster and easier it is for a restaurant to go live on your app, the more likely they are to recommend your service to others.

Promote Local Partnerships and Community-Centric Campaigns

Emphasizing local pride and community engagement can be a major differentiator. Many consumers today want to support local businesses, and restaurants respond positively to platforms that align with this ethos. Your food delivery platform can spotlight “local favorites” or run campaigns such as “Support Small Saturdays” to attract both consumers and restaurant partners.

For example, a “Neighbourhood Stars” feature that promotes family-owned restaurants each week can significantly increase visibility and foster loyalty. According to a report by Nielsen, 73% of consumers said they prefer ordering from independent or local restaurants over chains when available. By aligning your brand with community support, you not only attract restaurants but also build a loyal customer base. You could even partner with local chambers of commerce or small business associations to amplify outreach. Offering shared benefits like co-branded marketing or community sponsorships will show restaurants that your platform values their role in the local economy.

Provide Logistics Support and Delivery Efficiency

A major pain point for restaurants is unreliable delivery logistics. Long wait times, cold food, or delivery driver no-shows can ruin customer experience and reflect poorly on the restaurant. To attract high-quality partners, your food delivery platform must demonstrate strong delivery capabilities. This could include offering trained delivery personnel, real-time tracking, and temperature-controlled containers. 

According to a 2022 survey by Technomic, 67% of restaurants said reliable delivery was more important than commission rates when choosing a delivery partner. You can also provide options—let restaurants use their own delivery staff or opt into your logistics network. Incentivize timely deliveries by rewarding top-performing drivers and using AI to route them more efficiently. 

Providing a customer feedback loop that helps restaurants and drivers correct mistakes is also beneficial. If your platform gains a reputation for speed and care, restaurants will be far more inclined to join and stay.

Also read: Launching a Food Delivery Business with Readymade App Script

Use Success Stories and Testimonials as Social Proof

In the crowded food delivery market, nothing speaks louder than proof of performance. Restaurants are more likely to join a food delivery platform if they see that others like them have succeeded. Highlight testimonials, case studies, and real-world outcomes from current partners. 

For instance, if a partner saw a 40% revenue increase within the first six months, showcase that on your pitch deck or website. Use video testimonials and social media shout-outs from happy restaurant owners to add a human touch. Platforms like SkipTheDishes and ChowNow effectively use partner stories to build trust. 

According to HubSpot, 88% of people trust online reviews and testimonials as much as recommendations from friends. Tailor your testimonials to specific restaurant types—fast-casual, fine dining, vegan, etc.—so prospective partners can see themselves in your success stories. This strategy creates emotional resonance and builds the credibility of your platform.

Support Sustainability and Ethical Practices

Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a priority for both consumers and restaurants. If your food delivery platform has a green footprint, you’re already ahead of many competitors. Offering eco-friendly packaging, carbon-offset delivery options, or partnerships with composting services can appeal to environmentally conscious restaurants. 

A 2023 NielsenIQ survey revealed that 78% of global consumers value sustainability, and over 60% are willing to pay more for brands with green practices. Restaurants aligned with these values will be more likely to partner with a platform that shares their ethos. You can also support food waste reduction by enabling restaurants to offer surplus meals at discounted rates during non-peak hours. 

Certifications or recognitions like “Green App of the Year” can further reinforce your environmental credibility. By positioning your platform as a champion of ethical food tech, you open doors to partnerships with socially responsible restaurants and environmentally aware customers alike.

Offer Revenue-Boosting Features Like Virtual Kitchens

To attract more partners, your food delivery platform can go beyond logistics and marketing by helping restaurants unlock new revenue streams. Virtual kitchens (also known as ghost kitchens) allow restaurants to create entirely new brands for delivery-only menus without expanding physical space. For example, a burger restaurant could launch a vegan brand using the same kitchen, tailored for delivery customers. 

According to Euromonitor International, ghost kitchens could represent a $1 trillion global market by 2030. If your platform supports this model—through branding, separate menu interfaces, and performance analytics—you provide an innovative edge that many competitors lack. 

This is especially appealing to small or under-resourced restaurants that want to test new concepts without significant investment. Helping restaurants increase their income means you’ll benefit too, through increased order volumes and commission potential.

Engage in Strategic Local Marketing and Events

Grassroots outreach can be as powerful as digital marketing when it comes to onboarding new restaurant partners. Participating in or hosting local food events, pop-ups, or restaurant expos is a great way to introduce your food delivery platform directly to owners and chefs. 

This kind of engagement adds a personal touch and allows you to demo your platform in real time. You can also use guerrilla marketing strategies like branded delivery bikes or community-sponsored billboards in food districts. 

Partnering with food bloggers and influencers to review your app and featured restaurants can provide instant visibility. Even simple gestures, like delivering a welcome kit or customized signage to new restaurant partners, foster goodwill. The more embedded your brand becomes in the local food scene, the more restaurants will view your platform as a key player in their business strategy.

Why Should Restaurants Partner with Food Delivery Service Providers?

Boosting Platform Credibility and Variety

Attracting restaurant partners to your new food delivery platform is essential for building credibility in a competitive market. A platform with diverse and reputable dining options gives customers more reasons to use the service, increasing app downloads and order frequency. Consumers seek variety—whether it’s fast food, vegan options, or high-end cuisine—and the more restaurants on your platform, the more likely users will find what they’re craving. 

According to a 2023 Deloitte survey, 73% of users said that the variety of food options was the top reason they chose a specific food delivery app. By onboarding popular local eateries, your platform builds an image of trustworthiness and inclusivity. For example, partnering with a well-loved local burger joint or an ethnic cuisine hotspot gives your platform an edge and communicates that you’re catering to community tastes. 

These partnerships serve as social proof for new users who are more likely to trust a platform associated with familiar and favorite names. Ultimately, a wide selection of partners is not just about convenience—it’s a strong marketing asset that reinforces the platform’s reliability and relevance.

Driving Revenue and Business Growth

Bringing restaurants onto your food delivery platform not only benefits those businesses but also drives your platform’s revenue growth. The more restaurants that list their menus and operate through your service, the higher your earning potential through commission fees, promotional tools, and premium features. 

A report by Statista shows that the global online food delivery market generated over $1.02 trillion in revenue in 2023, with platforms earning a significant portion from restaurant commissions and advertising. When restaurant partners succeed by receiving high order volumes, your platform benefits directly. 

Moreover, a healthy supply of restaurant options reduces cart abandonment by offering alternatives when one restaurant is too busy or unavailable. For instance, Uber Eats saw a 30% increase in daily active users after expanding its partner network in suburban areas. As your restaurant network grows, your platform becomes more attractive to investors and advertisers. This cycle of mutual growth creates a sustainable ecosystem where the success of restaurant partners feeds directly into the success of your business.

Improving Customer Retention Through Local Favorites

One of the most effective ways to increase customer retention on a food delivery platform is by offering access to beloved local restaurants. Unlike national chains, local restaurants often have a loyal base that is willing to follow them across platforms. If your platform becomes the only or primary digital access point to a fan-favorite eatery, that restaurant’s customers will likely become your app’s users. 

This symbiotic relationship can be particularly effective in smaller cities or communities where residents value supporting local businesses. According to Nielsen research, 66% of consumers prefer ordering from independently owned restaurants, and many will remain loyal to a platform that enables that connection. 

This is why it’s essential to focus not only on onboarding a large number of partners but on selecting key local favorites that hold significant customer loyalty. For example, if a city has a historic pizzeria with 50 years of legacy, partnering with it can be a strategic move to build a lasting user base. These restaurants also help shape the platform’s brand personality, offering something unique compared to mass-market competitors.

Creating a Competitive Edge Over Established Giants

In the current landscape dominated by large players like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, new entrants must offer something different to attract both customers and restaurant partners. One way to gain this competitive edge is by becoming a more restaurant-friendly food delivery platform. 

Many restaurants express frustration with high commission rates—some reaching as high as 30%—and limited access to customer data. A survey conducted by the National Restaurant Association in 2022 found that 62% of restaurant owners felt current platforms did not offer fair terms. By building a delivery platform that prioritizes fair commission rates, transparent operations, and flexible delivery options, you can present yourself as a more ethical and sustainable partner. 

In addition, providing restaurants with tools like customer analytics, targeted promotions, and marketing support creates value beyond simple order fulfillment. Independent restaurants, which account for over 70% of the food service industry globally, are especially receptive to platforms that offer them more control and visibility. Differentiating your offering by aligning with their business goals is a key strategy for long-term growth.

Enabling Data-Driven Decision Making for Restaurants

Data is one of the most powerful tools that a food delivery platform can offer to its restaurant partners. Unlike walk-in traffic, digital orders come with rich data—customer demographics, order preferences, peak hours, and more. By providing access to this data, your platform can help restaurants make informed decisions that boost revenue and operational efficiency. 

According to a 2023 McKinsey report, restaurants using analytics tools saw a 15–25% increase in customer retention and a 20% boost in average order value. By partnering with your platform, restaurants gain insights they might not get from in-house operations alone. You can go further by offering predictive analytics, recommending optimal pricing strategies, or identifying trending menu items.

For example, if analytics show that spicy foods are in high demand during weekend evenings, a restaurant can launch a targeted promotion or limited-time spicy menu. These data-backed insights not only empower your partners but also reinforce the value of remaining on your platform long term.

Also read: How to Launch a Food Waste Management App Like Too Good To Go

Fostering Community Loyalty and Brand Identity

Attracting restaurants to your food delivery platform helps establish a strong sense of community and brand identity that appeals to both customers and businesses. When restaurants feel supported and promoted by the platform, they’re more likely to advocate for it within their own networks. This can result in word-of-mouth growth and community engagement initiatives. 

For instance, platforms like Ritual have built their brand around community-based dining by collaborating with local businesses to offer loyalty rewards and shared promotions. Your platform can follow suit by organizing local food festivals, spotlighting partner stories on social media, and celebrating restaurant milestones. These efforts create a shared narrative of growth and cooperation, which resonates with customers who value authenticity and local culture.

 In a market saturated with impersonal services, forming emotional connections through community alignment can differentiate your brand. Restaurants that see your platform as a community builder are more likely to stay and invest in the partnership, strengthening your overall ecosystem.

Leveraging Co-Marketing and Cross-Promotion Opportunities

Restaurant partners provide valuable marketing channels that can amplify your food delivery platform’s visibility. When a restaurant lists on your app, they often announce the partnership through their own networks—email lists, social media followers, and in-store promotions. This creates organic awareness and user acquisition that doesn’t cost your platform anything. 

Co-branded marketing campaigns can go even further, offering special deals or contests that benefit both the restaurant and your platform. For instance, “Order 3 times from X Bistro via [Your App] and get a free dessert” engages customers and promotes order frequency. 

According to Influencer Marketing Hub, co-branded campaigns achieve 27% higher engagement than standalone efforts. This is particularly effective when working with restaurants that already have a strong online presence or influencer partnerships. In return, you can promote the restaurant within your app—through featured listings, banners, or push notifications, making the partnership mutually beneficial. By turning each restaurant into a micro-marketing partner, you expand your platform’s reach and brand equity cost-effectively and sustainably.

 

Also read: The Best Marketing Tactics to Promote Your Food Delivery Platform

Launch your Food Delivery App with Oyelabs

Launch your own food delivery app with Oyelabs and transform your vision into reality. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, Oyelabs offers end-to-end development solutions to create an app like DoorDash, tailored to your specific needs. With robust features like real-time tracking, secure payment gateways, intuitive user interfaces, and admin dashboards, we ensure a seamless user experience for both customers and restaurant partners. Our expert team specializes in scalable, white-label solutions that help you enter the competitive market with confidence. From ideation to deployment and post-launch support, Oyelabs is your trusted partner in building a high-performing, customized food delivery app. Start your journey today and deliver success—one order at a time.

Conclusion

Now that you have figured out how to make restaurant delivery business partners, you are warmly welcomed on these platforms if you pass the standard criteria for joining and starting a business with them. But make sure you have made the preparations beforehand. Mentally, mathematically, and tech-wise, you must be prepared at your restaurant. Some even provide you with custom selections and the option of selecting between delivery aggregators or hiring your own delivery partners. So consider paying attention to these little things, and go ahead.