The global pandemic turned the world upside down, but few industries experienced as dramatic a shake-up as the food and beverage sector. As lockdowns and social distancing measures became the new normal, both consumers and businesses had to think on their feet. Among the most striking changes was the meteoric rise of the takeaway online ordering system. What started as a necessity has now become a staple in how we connect with our favourite restaurants and eateries.
When COVID-19 first began its relentless spread across the globe, governments everywhere responded with strict lockdowns to halt the virus in its tracks. Restaurants, cafés, and other beloved food spots were suddenly faced with a harsh reality- closing their doors to dine-in customers almost overnight. For many businesses, this abrupt halt to normal service was a potential disaster waiting to happen. But then came the saviour: online takeaway ordering systems.
Before the pandemic, online ordering was already catching on, but COVID-19 kicked it into high gear. What was once a nice-to-have feature for convenience quickly became a lifeline. Restaurants that had never even considered online ordering were now scrambling to set it up, while those ahead of the curve saw their systems take off like never before.
As the pandemic wore on, the demand for online ordering in restaurants went through the roof. People stuck at home were craving their favourite meals but wanted to stay safe. Enter the online ordering platforms – whether through a restaurant’s own website or via third-party apps, they quickly became the go-to solution. With just a few clicks, customers could browse menus, place orders, and pay – all without stepping out the front door.
The numbers tell a compelling story: in April 2021, UK food delivery transactions surged by an incredible 171% compared to the previous year. This massive leap shows just how much food delivery has become part of our daily lives.
Restaurants, too, reaped the benefits. By keeping their kitchens humming, they were able to maintain a steady revenue stream, keep staff employed, and build a loyal customer base – even in the most challenging of times.
Technology was the engine driving the success of the takeaway online ordering system during the pandemic. Many restaurants initially turned to third-party delivery services like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat, which offered ready-to-use platforms for online ordering and delivery. While these partnerships simplified the process and expanded restaurants’ reach, they came with a significant downside: hefty commissions that ate into already thin profit margins.
Recognising this, some forward-thinking restaurants decided to take matters into their own hands by implementing their own takeaway online ordering systems. Solutions like Boost emerged as a game-changer – completely free to use, allowing restaurants to offer online ordering directly through their websites, without the financial strain of third-party commissions. By integrating these systems, restaurants gained more control over the customer experience and kept their hard-earned revenue in their own pockets.
Moreover, by owning the ordering process, these restaurants could gather valuable customer data, enabling them to tailor offers, refine menus, and enhance their service in ways that third-party platforms simply couldn’t match.
Innovation didn’t stop at ordering; payment methods also evolved. Contactless payments, already gaining ground before the pandemic, became the norm. Takeaway online ordering systems integrated with digital wallets, mobile payment solutions, and even cryptocurrencies, offering customers a range of secure and convenient payment options.
Technology was the engine driving the success of the takeaway online ordering system during the pandemic. Many restaurants initially turned to third-party delivery services like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat, which offered ready-to-use platforms for online ordering and delivery. While these partnerships simplified the process and expanded restaurants’ reach, they came with a significant downside: hefty commissions that ate into already thin profit margins.
Recognising this, some forward-thinking restaurants decided to take matters into their own hands by implementing their own takeaway online ordering systems. Solutions like Boost emerged as a game-changer – completely free to use, allowing restaurants to offer online ordering directly through their websites, without the financial strain of third-party commissions. By integrating these systems, restaurants gained more control over the customer experience and kept their hard-earned revenue in their own pockets.
Moreover, by owning the ordering process, these restaurants could gather valuable customer data, enabling them to tailor offers, refine menus, and enhance their service in ways that third-party platforms simply couldn’t match.
Innovation didn’t stop at ordering; payment methods also evolved. Contactless payments, already gaining ground before the pandemic, became the norm. Takeaway online ordering systems integrated with digital wallets, mobile payment solutions, and even cryptocurrencies, offering customers a range of secure and convenient payment options.
As the world slowly emerges from the pandemic, the big question is: Will food delivery continue its reign, or will we go back to our pre-pandemic ways? While some people couldn’t wait to return to in-person dining as restrictions eased, the ease and efficiency of online ordering have left a lasting impression on many.
The pandemic broadened the appeal of online ordering, reaching demographics that might not have embraced the technology otherwise – yes, even those who might have been hesitant to use online ordering before. The simplicity and time-saving nature of these systems have convinced many to stick with them, even when dining out is an option again. The pandemic has shifted expectations, too. Customers now demand convenience and flexibility, expecting restaurants to offer multiple ways to access their services, including online ordering and delivery.
Looking ahead, the entire food delivery app industry is on track to reach a jaw-dropping $213 billion market size by 2030. This projection underscores just how deeply online ordering has embedded itself in consumer behaviour and the broader market.
Restaurants have also recognised the power of online ordering. What started as a necessity has evolved into a strategic advantage. As technology continues to advance – think artificial intelligence and machine learning – the future of online ordering is only going to get more personalised and efficient.
The rise of online ordering since COVID-19 has forever changed the food and beverage landscape. What began as a quick fix to an unprecedented crisis has now become a standard expectation for both consumers and businesses. As restaurants keep pushing the envelope and adapting to new trends, online ordering will remain a central part of the dining experience.
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