Phone Ordering Remains Important For Small, Independent Restaurants & Older Consumers

Despite all the recent technological advancements in restaurant ordering, phone ordering remains key to small, independent restaurants that do not have the means or desire to offer online or mobile ordering via in-house or third-party platforms.

Third-party restaurant ordering platforms charge fees to businesses that can make offering third-party ordering for delivery and pickup a costly ordeal. Offering in-house delivery is also expensive and may require investing a lot of time to develop a delivery program, so many independent restaurants may offer carryout as their only away-from-home meal option due to the high costs associated with delivery.

A significant number of older consumers also prefer to order food for takeout or delivery via the phone. Many older consumers do not have access to a computer with internet or smartphones or are uncomfortable with using these devices to order food. Thus, restaurants should offer phone ordering to reach this large demographic, even as younger consumers tend to prefer the convenience of ordering online or via a mobile app.

This blog is based on findings featured in the May 2020 market research report Food Carryout & Delivery published by Packaged Facts.