If you’re fulfilling more orders through third-party delivery platforms but working harder and making less money, you’re not alone.
Many restaurant owners feel trapped by this reality.
Orders are coming in, but margins are shrinking.
What makes it worse is the lack of control.
When deliveries are handled by third-party drivers, you’re still judged on the experience—but you no longer control how that experience is delivered.
Delivery platforms are not the problem but dependency on them is
Third-party delivery platforms aren’t inherently bad.
For most independent restaurants, they’re one of the few cost-effective ways to get exposure to new customers nearby.
The problem starts when those platforms become the primary source of orders.
They were never designed to build loyalty or long-term customer relationships.
They’re designed to move transactions.
Restaurants that struggle treat third-party platforms as a daily dependency.
Restaurants that thrive use them intentionally—as a way to reach new customers, not as the foundation of their business.
Used this way, delivery platforms serve a purpose: fulfilling orders for the smaller group of customers who prefer eating at home—without becoming the main engine of your restaurant.
How to use delivery platforms effectively
Use third-party platforms for discovery, not loyalty.
Third-party platforms have reach that most independent restaurants don’t.
They’re effective at helping new customers discover you.
What they’re not built for is turning those customers into regulars.
Let the first order come through a delivery platform.
Just don’t expect the platform to build the relationship for you.
Give customers a reason to order direct next time
If a customer enjoys your food, the next order doesn’t have to come through a third party.
Restaurants that reduce their dependence on delivery platforms give customers a clear reason to order directly—something that feels easier, better, or more rewarding.
Over time, this simple shift is what moves repeat orders away from high-fee platforms and toward more profitable channels.
Build a direct relationship that compounds
Most customers who order from an independent restaurant don’t come back.
The difference between restaurants that struggle and those that thrive is simple: the ones that grow build relationships, not just transactions.
In a digital world, consistent, thoughtful engagement keeps your restaurant top of mind—so when customers are ready to order again, they come back to you directly.
Want this done for you at no risk?
For most restaurants, delivery platforms are unavoidable—especially with today’s tight labor market.
That’s where Joyous comes in.
We help local restaurants get more orders by keeping your restaurant fresh in diners’ minds through continuous engagement—without adding work to your plate.
Over time, this helps shift repeat orders away from high-fee third-party platforms and toward more profitable channels.
No contracts. No risk.
If you don’t make money, neither do we.
