The Restaurant Operator’s Guide to Restaurant Apps in 2025

The restaurant industry is going mobile, and restaurant apps are at the center of this transformation. If your business isn’t keeping up with the changes, you risk falling behind and not meeting modern customer expectations.

Diners want the convenience of ordering, booking, and engaging with their favorite restaurants straight from their phones.

For operators, restaurant apps mean higher sales, greater customer retention, and smoother day-to-day operations.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• Why restaurant apps matter in 2025 and how it’s the consumer driving the changes
• The different types of restaurant apps
• How to make the most of your own branded restaurant app and its many benefits

Let’s take a closer look at why every restaurant should use apps in 2025.

Why Restaurant Apps Matter in 2025

Consumer habits are evolving, and convenience is at the heart of it. 

In the last five years, customers have come to expect the ordering experience to be completely frictionless, taking them from “I’m hungry and want something to eat” to “I’ve ordered something, and it’s on its way” in a matter of minutes with just a few taps of their phone.

Mobile ordering has become the preferred method for customers, with 71% saying they would rather use a restaurant’s branded mobile app over third-party platforms because it’s more affordable, easy to use, and personalized due to loyalty programs. 

Beyond mobile ordering, restaurant apps support operations in ways that were never available before. 

They help with reservations and table management, staff scheduling and time management, inventory tracking, rewards programs, automated marketing, and more. 

Without these operational restaurant apps, operators would be forced to return to doing these tasks manually, which is extremely expensive compared to the cost of an app, error-prone, and time-consuming, taking operators away from the more pressing matters, like helping their customers.  

With 76% of operators saying using technology gives them a competitive edge, these mobile tech tools are no longer a “nice-to-have” but an absolute necessity to stay competitive with restaurants in your area.

The Different Types of Restaurant Apps (With Examples)

Each of these restaurant apps serves a very specific purpose that will make operating your business significantly easier. 

These tools are built to save you time, money, and effort—eliminating the stress of whether critical tasks are done correctly. Once set up, they run seamlessly in the background, like the ideal employee who never calls out, takes a day off, or makes costly mistakes. 

Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of restaurant apps and how they support your business.

1. Online ordering and delivery apps.

Online ordering has become a core part of restaurant operations, allowing customers to place takeout and delivery orders with just a few quick touches of their screen. These apps make it easier to manage digital orders, streamline kitchen operations, and reach more customers.

There are two main types of ordering apps: third-party platforms and restaurant-owned branded apps. 

Third-party platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats offer built-in customer bases and handle logistics, but come at a cost, charging huge commissions that cut into restaurant profits—often as much as 30%.

Restaurant-owned branded apps allow restaurants to accept orders directly, negating the need for a third-party, giving operators more control over pricing, customer data, and rewards programs. 

Here is an example of a restaurant’s branded app. 

From the app, customers can browse the menu, place orders, and learn about the restaurant more easily than third-party apps, giving operators a stronger connection with their guests and making them more likely to become repeat customers.

2. Reservation and table management apps.

Managing reservations and walk-in traffic can be one of the trickiest parts of running a restaurant. 

A packed dining room is great, but without the right system, long wait times and disorganized seating can lead to frustrated customers and lost business. 

That’s where reservation and table management apps come in.

These apps help restaurants accept reservations online, organize their waitlists, and even optimize seating arrangements to maximize table turnover. Instead of juggling phone calls and paper lists, your team can manage everything in one place. 

Some apps even send automatic reminders to customers to reduce no-shows, helping you keep tables full and business running smoothly.

Popular platforms like OpenTable, Resy, and Yelp Guest Manager provide different levels of functionality, from simple online booking to full-scale table management with customer insights and marketing features. 

Choosing the right app depends on the restaurant’s needs—whether it’s a high-volume spot that requires sophisticated reservation tracking or a smaller venue that just needs an easy way to manage seating.

3. Staff scheduling and management apps.

Scheduling and managing staff is a constant uphill battle—with scheduled time off, sick days, accidental clock-ins and clock-outs, overtime, and shift swaps, it takes hours every week to maintain, and if you’re lucky, there are only minimal mistakes. 

Staff scheduling and management apps eliminate the guesswork in shift planning, payroll tracking, and team communication so you can focus on running your business instead of worrying that people are in the right place at the right time. 

Instead of relying on spreadsheets or last-minute shift swaps, these apps allow managers to quickly assign shifts, set labor cost targets, and notify employees of schedule updates in real-time. Many platforms also include built-in messaging features, making it easier for teams to communicate, trade shifts, and stay informed about important updates.

Popular options like 7shifts, Homebase, and Schedulefly cater to different types of restaurants, from small independent spots to multi-location operations.

4. Inventory and supply chain apps.

It’s difficult to build a solid foundation of repeat customers if the kitchen is constantly 86ing popular menu items. Running out of key ingredients can lead to frustrated customers while over-ordering can result in wasted food and lost profits. 

Inventory and supply chain apps help restaurants track ingredient usage, monitor stock levels, and manage supplier orders with ease.

These apps automate inventory tracking, so you always know what’s in stock and what needs to be reordered. Some even integrate with point-of-sale (POS) systems to update inventory levels in real-time as orders are placed. This helps reduce food waste, control costs, and ensure you’re never caught off guard during a busy service.

Popular platforms like MarketMan, BlueCart, and xtraCHEF offer features like automated ordering, cost tracking, and supplier management. Choosing the right inventory app depends on a restaurant’s size, menu complexity, and purchasing volume, but having a reliable system in place can lead to better margins and smoother operations.

How to Choose Which Restaurant Apps Are Right for Your Business In 7 Steps

With so many restaurant apps available, choosing the right one depends on your specific needs, budget, and business goals. Here’s how to determine which apps will provide the most value for your restaurant:

1. Identify Your Priorities

Start by deciding what you need the app to do. Do you want to streamline online ordering, improve reservations, manage staff schedules, or build a loyalty program? Focus on the core features that will have the biggest impact on your operations.

2. Consider Ease of Use

The app should be intuitive for both your staff and customers. Complicated systems slow down service, frustrate users, and lead to abandoned orders or inefficient workflows. Choose an app with a simple interface and reliable customer support.

3. Check for Integration Compatibility

If you already use a POS system, online ordering platform, or staff management tool, make sure the app integrates smoothly with your existing setup. The right app should enhance your workflow, not create extra steps.

4. Assess Costs and Fees 

Some apps charge flat monthly fees, while others take a percentage of every order. Be sure to understand the pricing structure and how it fits into your budget. A more expensive app with better features may save money in the long run by improving efficiency and customer retention.

5. Choose an App That Keeps You on Brand

If the app is diner-facing, pick an app that allows you to maintain your restaurant’s unique identity rather than blending into a generic platform. The right app should reflect your brand’s look, feel, and customer experience, helping to strengthen recognition and build long-term loyalty.

6. Read Reviews and Get Recommendations

Learn from other restaurant owners by checking online reviews or asking industry peers about their experiences. First-hand insights can help you avoid apps with hidden issues or poor customer support.

7. Request a Demo Before Committing

Many apps offer a free demo so you can see how well the platform fits your needs before making a long-term commitment. Take advantage of this because you can also ask any questions you have about the app. 

Not every tool will be a good fit for your restaurant, but by going through these steps, you’ll narrow down your options considerably.

The Benefits of Your Own Branded Restaurant Ordering App

Having your restaurant’s own branded mobile app isn’t about keeping up with the latest industry trends—it’s about owning your customer relationships and making the most of your profits. 

Yes, third-party platforms can help you reach new customers, but they take a monumental cut of every order and limit your control over marketing and promotions.

With a branded direct ordering app, you get not only the direct guest connection every restaurant needs but also full control over the customer experience.

Here are several benefits to launching your own branded mobile app. 

Easily increase your direct sales.

70% of consumers say they’d rather order directly from a restaurant, stating that they prefer the money going straight to the restaurant. Branded restaurant apps give customers the direct link to your business they’re looking for. 

With a dedicated app, restaurants can control pricing, menu updates, and promotions without restrictions. It also reduces dependency on delivery platforms that often prioritize their own branding over the restaurant’s, ensuring that customers associate their dining experience with your restaurant—not a go-between service.

Build stronger customer relationships.

A branded restaurant app eliminates the third-party barrier so you can stay engaged with customers and build longer-lasting relationships.

When customers order through a third-party service, the platform—not the restaurant—controls the data, making it harder to track repeat guests, tailor promotions, or build long-term loyalty.

With a restaurant’s own app, customer data stays in-house, allowing operators to understand ordering habits, send personalized offers, and reward frequent visitors. This level of insight helps restaurants create better marketing strategies, improve guest retention, and turn occasional diners into loyal regulars.

More control over promotions and discounts.

When you use third-party ordering platforms, they decide which promotions you can run, how discounts are applied, and whether or not your deals get prime placement. 

With your own branded restaurant app, you take back control, allowing you to offer exclusive deals, run targeted promotions, and experiment with discounts that actually make sense for your business.

Push Notifications for Marketing & Engagement

One of the biggest advantages of having your own restaurant app is the ability to connect with customers in real-time—and push notifications make that possible. Unlike emails or social media posts that might get overlooked, push notifications go straight to your customers’ phones, making them a powerful tool for engagement. 

The key to successful push notifications is balance—you want to stay top-of-mind without overwhelming customers. When used strategically, they create a sense of urgency that no other marketing channels can duplicate. 

How to Make the Most of Your Restaurant App

A branded mobile app is an amazing digital asset, but its success is directly tied to how well you can integrate it into your daily operations.

By making the app super easy to use, leveraging action-inspiring features like push notifications and rewards programs, and continuously improving the user experience, you’ll see the limitless possibilities it has for impacting sales and customer retention. 

Make it easy for customers to download and use. 

Having a branded restaurant app is pointless if customers don’t know it’s available or find it too complicated to use. The goal should be to make it as easy as possible for people to download and start using it right away. 

Promote is across all customer touchpoints, including: 

• Website: Add a clear call-to-action (CTA) on your homepage with direct download links.
• Social Media: Regularly post about the app’s benefits, including exclusive offers and features.
• In-Store Signage: Use table tents, posters, and digital displays to encourage downloads.
• Receipts & Takeout Packaging: Include QR codes linking directly to the app store.

In addition, you should offer incentives to first-time users—customers are more likely to download your app if there’s immediate value in doing so. 

For example, a simple offer like—$5 or 15% off your first order can drive downloads and get people using the app right away.  You should also inform customers they get their first points or stickers in their rewards program, getting them that much closer to another discount.

The easier it is for customers to see the value in your restaurant app, the more likely they are to use it regularly. 

Leverage push notifications without overwhelming customers. 

We touched on these briefly, but let’s take a closer look. Push notifications can be a very powerful way to engage customers, but if overused, they can become annoying, causing customers to outright ignore them or sometimes even delete your app. 

The trick is to use them strategically to add value without overloading your audience. Here are the four times you should use push notifications:

• For exclusive promotions: Send limited-time discounts or app-only deals to encourage repeat orders.
• To remind customers to reorder: A well-timed nudge (like a reminder about a popular dish) can drive sales.
• To share important updates: Notify customers about holiday hours, special events, or new menu items.
• To engage loyalty program members: Let users know when they’ve earned a reward or have points expiring soon.

The best approach? 

Keep notifications relevant and occasional. 

A couple of well-placed messages per week can boost engagement, while too many can push users away. When done right, push notifications help keep your restaurant top of mind without feeling like spam.

Offer customers a loyalty and rewards program to keep them engaged. 

A highly efficient restaurant app isn’t just about ordering convenience—it should also keep customers coming back. 

Integrating a loyalty and rewards program into your app encourages repeat business by giving diners an incentive to order directly from you instead of a third-party platform.

Loyalty programs don’t just benefit customers—they increase revenue by encouraging repeat visits and larger order sizes. 45% of consumers say that a rewards program would encourage them to use online ordering services more often. 

For example, with the ChowNow Rewards program, restaurants can offer digital punch-card style rewards on orders placed through their branded mobile apps. Customers can unlock discounts once they reach their goal.

When customers know they’re earning something extra every time they order, they’re more likely to choose your restaurant over competitors.

Make the user experience feel effortless.

A restaurant app should make life easier for your customers—not frustrate them with slow load times, confusing menus, or clunky navigation. 

A smooth, intuitive experience ensures customers keep using your app instead of abandoning it for a competitor’s.

What Makes a Great User Experience?

• Fast loading times: No one wants to wait for a laggy app; speed keeps users engaged.
• Simple, intuitive navigation: Ordering, reservations, and rewards should be easy to find in just a few taps.
• Mobile-friendly design: The app should look great and function flawlessly on any device.
• Secure and seamless checkout: Reduce friction with saved payment options and one-click ordering.

A well-designed app doesn’t just improve customer satisfaction—it also increases conversions. For example, here are two screenshots of Renegade Buritto’s ordering menu on their branded mobile app. 

The first image clearly shows customers’ “Fav’s” and that they’re available all day—after being selected, customers will see the second image, where it’s very intuitive on how to choose tortillas and modify their menu items. 

Renegade Burrito saw a 6X increase in online orders through their ChowNow branded mobile app. 

Track performance metrics and make adjustments based on insight. 

A great restaurant app isn’t just a tool for orders and reservations—it’s also a goldmine of valuable data. By tracking key metrics, you can see what’s working, what’s not, and make smarter business decisions to improve customer engagement and sales.

Key metrics to keep an eye on:

• App downloads: A high download rate means strong interest, but low engagement could indicate usability issues.
• Repeat orders: Are customers coming back? If not, consider offering exclusive deals or improving the app experience.
• Loyalty program participation: Track how many customers are using rewards and whether it’s driving repeat visits.
• Push notification engagement: See which messages lead to more orders and adjust your strategy accordingly.

By regularly reviewing these insights, you can fine-tune your promotions, improve the user experience, and get the most value out of your restaurant app, keeping it an essential part of your business. 

9 FAQs About Restaurant Apps

1. What is a restaurant app?

A restaurant ordering app is a mobile application that allows customers to place orders, make reservations, earn rewards, and interact with a restaurant digitally. Some apps also help restaurant owners manage staff, inventory, and operations.

2. Do all restaurants need an app?

Not all restaurants need an app, but having one can improve customer convenience, increase repeat business, and streamline operations. If your restaurant relies on online orders, reservations, or loyalty programs, an app can be a valuable tool.

3. What are the benefits of having a branded restaurant app?

A branded restaurant app gives you direct access to your customers, helping you build loyalty, offer personalized promotions, and avoid third-party fees. It also improves operational efficiency by integrating with ordering, reservations, and payment systems.

4. Can restaurant apps integrate with my existing POS system?

Many restaurant apps are designed to integrate with popular POS systems, streamlining order management and payment processing. Before choosing an app, check for compatibility with your current setup.

5. Do restaurant apps support loyalty programs?

Yes, many restaurant apps include built-in loyalty programs that allow customers to earn points or digital stickers, redeem rewards, and receive personalized offers, encouraging repeat visits.

6. How do restaurant apps handle reservations and waitlists?

Reservation and waitlist features let customers book tables in advance and receive real-time updates on wait times, helping restaurants manage seating and reduce no-shows.

7. Are restaurant apps secure for payments?

Most restaurant apps have built-in security to keep customer payments safe. Look for a trusted app provider that takes extra steps to protect customer information and transactions.

8. Can restaurant apps help with staff management?

Yes, some apps include scheduling and communication tools that allow employees to swap shifts, receive schedule updates, and track hours, making workforce management easier.

9. How do I choose the right restaurant app for my business?

Consider your restaurant’s needs, budget, and existing technology. Look for an app that integrates with your current systems, offers features that align with your goals, and provides a user-friendly experience for both staff and customers. 

The Future of Restaurant Apps

Restaurant technology is growing at an incredible rate with restaurant apps being at the forefront of this revolution. 

With 92% of top-performing restaurants offering mobile app online ordering compared to only 31% of low-performing restaurants using apps, restaurant tech companies are working hard to meet the demand of both operators’ and restaurant customer expectations as they evolve. 

Restaurants that embrace these innovations will gain a competitive edge, offering customers faster, smarter, and more engaging experiences—restaurants that don’t will get left behind. 

Contact ChowNow to learn how a branded mobile app can help your restaurant increase direct online orders and boost customer retention.