Off-Premise Dining

Rethinking F&B growth with digitalisation and delivery optimisation

From delivery to takeout to curbside pickup, off-premises dining has transitioned from a pandemic lifeline to a staple of the modern F&B industry.

“Online Food Delivery Market is projected to reach $505.50 billion by 2030.”
Source: Grand View Research

With global online food delivery forecasted to grow significantly, the key to maximising this revenue stream lies in a strategic blend of digitalisation and delivery optimisation.

Off-premises dining trends 

Online ordering platforms

Direct ordering through a restaurant’s own website and app is key to ‘owning the customer.’ These platforms facilitate upselling, loyalty programmes, and personalised deals, generating valuable first-party data for revenue growth.

Real-time order tracking

Deliver order tracking has become a critical customer expectation providing transparency and reducing anxiety. It empowers users to monitor their order from placement to arrival, enhancing service reliability and positively impacting customer satisfaction and loyalty.

“Real-time tracking of food delivery orders is preferred by 78% of consumers.”
Source: Moldstud

Mobile applications

Mobile apps are essential for convenience and speed, driving frequent repeat business. They facilitate loyalty programmes, push notifications for deals, and offer features like saved profiles for fast reordering, significantly boosting digital sales volumes.

Integrated Point of Sale systems

Cloud-based POS systems unify in-house and off-premise orders, inventory, and data. Integration with online ordering and delivery partners improves order accuracy, streamlines kitchen operations, and enhances overall efficiency.

“The POS system is the cornerstone of restaurant technology, with 76% of businesses using one.”
Source: National Restaurant Association

Contactless payment

The standard for security and convenience, accelerated by public health concerns. Modern POS systems must support NFC, mobile wallets, and QR code payments, offering flexible and frictionless checkout experiences for all customers.

“The majority of respondents (82%) view contactless as the cleaner way to pay.”
Source: Mastercard

Other Market Trends

  • Ghost kitchens: Dedicated facilities for delivery-only operations, optimising kitchen space and geographic reach.
  • Meal kits and subscriptions: New revenue streams appealing to customers seeking restaurant-quality meals to prepare at home.
  • Menu engineering: Designing specific off-premises menus with items that travel well, often including bundles and alcohol-to-go.
  • AI-powered analytics: Using machine learning to predict sales trends, personalise offers, and optimise staffing needs.