Today's hungry patrons expect more than just great food: they want convenience, personalization, and a seamless mobile experience.
Case in point: 96% of consumers have ordered food delivery to satisfy a craving. No surprise, then, that more and more restaurants are launching their own apps.
But is it the right move for your business?
We're sharing what a restaurant app actually does, why smaller businesses are jumping on board, telltale signs you might be ready, and how the DoorDash Commerce Platform makes it easy to get started.
What is a mobile restaurant app and what does it do?
A restaurant app is a custom-branded mobile app (iOS and Android) that lets your customers order directly from you.
But it's more than just digital ordering. A great mobile ordering app for restaurants includes features like:
Commission-free* online ordering with in-store, pickup, or delivery options
Loyalty rewards that keep customers coming back
Push notifications to promote deals, new menu items, or limited-time offers
Customer data and insights so you can understand what's working
A fully branded experience that reinforces your restaurant's identity
The takeaway? A branded restaurant app gives you full control over your digital relationship with guests, from how they order to how often they return.
Explore the branded mobile app
Why merchants are investing in branded restaurant apps in 2025
Third-party platforms have made it easier than ever to reach new customers. But as your business grows, sometimes it makes more sense to branch out and build first-party relationships with your customers.
In 2025, restaurant digital ordering isn't a luxury, it's an expectation. 71% of guests want to interact with their favorite spots the same way they do with major brands: on their phones, with easy reordering and tailored offers. A restaurant loyalty app meets that demand while helping you grow your business on your terms.
5 signs you might be ready to launch a restaurant app
Wondering if now's the right time? If any of these sound familiar, you might be ready to launch your own app for restaurant customers.
1. You have loyal repeat guests
If your regulars know your menu by heart, a branded app can make reordering frictionless and reward their loyalty in return.
2. You're spending on paid marketing without data insights
Running ads but not sure what's working? An all-star app is built to collect first-party data, so you can make smarter decisions about where to spend and how to connect with guests.
3. You want to diversify your income streams
Third-party platforms are great for discovery, but your own app lets you drive direct orders and keep more of your profits.
4. You need to streamline digital orders
Too many platforms, too much confusion? A branded app creates a single, streamlined experience for guests and staff.
5. You want to promote directly to customers via mobile
Push notifications are a powerful tool. Whether it's a lunch special or a holiday deal, you can reach your audience instantly with the right message.
How DoorDash helps restaurants launch a branded app quickly
Thinking a custom app sounds complicated? It's not, at least not with DoorDash.
With the DoorDash Commerce Platform Pro package, you can launch your very own branded mobile ordering app for restaurants without the heavy lifting. We'll build it for you, help you customize everything (think: your colors, fonts, photos), and even guide you through marketing it to your customers.
Restaurants with apps see 150% more repeat customers,** and app users order 30% more often than web-only guests.*** Just ask bb.q Chicken. Since launching their branded app with DoorDash, they've grown their year-over-year sales by 40%, with a 10% increase in loyalty sales within just three months.
"The combination of making the switch to Online Ordering and adding the app allows us to provide a more accessible, reliable service for our customers which led to a significant boost in sales. A total game-changer for the business."
From setup to support, our team is with you every step of the way so you can stay focused on what you do best: serving great food.
Ready to build your own restaurant app?
Partner with DoorDash to launch your branded restaurant app today.
Get started with the DoorDash Commerce Platform
* 2.9% + $0.30 payment processing fee applies
** Based on internal DoorDash data from September 2024 to June 2025
*** Based on internal DoorDash data from February 2024 to March 2025
