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Introduction

The food delivery market is booming, but for small restaurants, relying solely on UberEats can be costly. High commission fees, intense competition, and lack of localized support often make it challenging for independent eateries to thrive. Fortunately, several regional food delivery apps offer lower fees, better customer service, and stronger community engagement.

This article explores the best UberEats alternatives for small restaurants, focusing on region-specific platforms that can help you reduce costs, increase visibility, and build a loyal customer base.

Why Small Restaurants Should Consider Regional Delivery Apps

While UberEats, DoorDash, and Grubhub dominate the food delivery industry, they aren’t always the best fit for small restaurants. Here’s why regional alternatives can be a game-changer:

• Lower Commission Fees – Many local apps charge 10-20% per order, compared to UberEats’ 30% or more.
• Better Customer Support – Smaller platforms often provide personalized assistance.
• Hyper-Local Marketing – Regional apps target nearby customers, increasing repeat business.
• Flexible Policies – Some allow restaurants to set their own delivery fees or delivery zones.

Now, let’s dive into the best regional alternatives.

1. ChowNow – Best for Commission-Free Orders

How It Works

ChowNow is a popular alternative that allows restaurants to accept online orders without paying per-order commissions. Instead, they charge a flat monthly fee, making it ideal for small businesses with tight margins.

Key Features

• No per-order fees – Pay a fixed subscription instead.
• Branded mobile apps – Restaurants get a custom app under their own name.
• Direct customer relationships – No middleman withholding customer data.

Who Should Use It?

ChowNow is perfect for restaurants that want to build long-term customer loyalty while avoiding high third-party fees.

2. Slice – Designed for Pizzerias

How It Works

Slice specializes in helping independent pizzerias compete with big chains like Domino’s and Pizza Hut. It offers a low-cost ordering system tailored for pizza shops.

Key Features

• Low 5-10% commission – Far cheaper than UberEats.
• Loyalty program – Encourages repeat orders.
• Marketing support – Helps pizzerias attract local customers.

Who Should Use It?

Independent pizza restaurants looking for an affordable, pizza-focused delivery solution.

3. Ritual – Ideal for Pickup Orders

How It Works

Ritual focuses on pickup orders rather than delivery, helping restaurants save on delivery costs. Customers order and pay via the app, then pick up their meals without waiting in line.

Key Features

• No delivery fees – Customers pick up, reducing overhead.
• Increased order volume – Encourages office workers and locals to order ahead.
• Loyalty rewards – Drives repeat business.

Who Should Use It?

Restaurants in busy urban areas with high foot traffic can benefit from Ritual’s pickup model.

4. Toast TakeOut – Built for Restaurants Using Toast POS

How It Works

Toast TakeOut is an in-house online ordering system for restaurants already using Toast POS. It integrates seamlessly, allowing direct orders without third-party fees.

Key Features

• No commission fees – Only a small processing fee per transaction.
• Full integration – Syncs with existing POS systems.
• Customer data ownership – Restaurants retain control over customer info.

Who Should Use It?

Toast POS users who want to minimize reliance on external delivery apps.

5. Delivery.com – A Multi-Service Platform

How It Works

Delivery.com offers food delivery, alcohol, groceries, and laundry services, making it a versatile option for restaurants that want to reach a broader audience.

Key Features

• Lower fees than UberEats – Typically 15-20%.
• Diverse customer base – Attracts users ordering more than just food.
• Loyalty rewards – Customers earn points for frequent orders.

Who Should Use It?

Restaurants in cities where Delivery.com operates, especially those offering alcohol or grocery items.

6. GoTab – Best for Bars and Brewpubs

How It Works

GoTab is designed for bars, breweries, and restaurants with a strong beverage program. It allows customers to order food and drinks directly from their phones.

Key Features

• Contactless ordering – Reduces staff workload.
• Integrated payments – Streamlines transactions.
• Custom branding – Restaurants maintain their identity.

Who Should Use It?

Bars, breweries, and casual dining spots with a focus on drinks.

7. Waitr – Serving Smaller Cities and Suburbs

How It Works

Waitr focuses on smaller cities and suburban areas where UberEats may not have a strong presence. It offers a more localized approach to food delivery.

Key Features

• Lower fees – Around 15% per order.
• Targeted local marketing – Helps restaurants stand out in smaller markets.
• Flexible delivery options – Some areas allow self-delivery.

Who Should Use It?

Restaurants in mid-sized towns or suburbs where national apps have limited reach.

8. Hungry – Catering and Large Group Orders

How It Works

Hungry connects restaurants with customers looking for catering and large group orders, making it ideal for businesses that serve events and offices.

Key Features

• Higher average order value – Catering orders are more profitable.
• No upfront costs – Restaurants only pay when they get orders.
• Corporate clients – Targets businesses needing bulk meals.

Who Should Use It?

Restaurants with catering capabilities or those looking to expand into corporate orders.

Strategies to Maximize Success on Regional Apps

Simply joining these platforms isn’t enough—you need a strategy to stand out. Here’s how:

1. Optimize Your Menu

• Highlight bestsellers with high-quality photos.
• Offer exclusive deals for app users.

2. Leverage Local Marketing

• Partner with the app for co-branded promotions.
• Use social media to drive traffic to your profile.

3. Encourage Reviews

• Positive ratings boost visibility.
• Politely ask happy customers to leave feedback.

4. Monitor Performance

• Track which items sell best on each platform.
• Adjust pricing and promotions based on data.

Tools & Resources to Enhance Your Delivery Business

• Canva – Design eye-catching menu images.
• Google My Business – Improve local SEO.
• Yelp for Restaurants – Manage online reputation.
• Square POS – If not using Toast, Square integrates with many delivery apps.

FAQs About UberEats Alternatives

1. Are regional delivery apps really cheaper than UberEats?

Yes, most charge 10-20% per order, compared to UberEats’ 25-30%. Some even offer flat-rate subscriptions.

2. Will I lose customers by switching from UberEats?

Not necessarily. Many customers use multiple apps. Promote your presence on new platforms via social media and in-store signage.

3. How do I choose the best alternative for my restaurant?

Consider your location, cuisine type, and whether you need delivery or pickup-focused solutions. Test a few platforms to see which brings the most orders.

4. Can I use multiple delivery apps at once?

Yes! Many restaurants diversify by listing on 2-3 apps to maximize reach.

Conclusion

While UberEats is a powerful tool, it’s not the only option—and for small restaurants, regional alternatives often provide better profitability and customer engagement. From ChowNow’s commission-free model to Slice’s pizza-focused approach, there’s a platform tailored for every type of eatery.

By exploring these alternatives and implementing smart marketing strategies, small restaurants can reduce fees, increase sales, and build stronger connections with their local communities. The key is to experiment, track performance, and choose the platforms that align best with your business goals.

Ready to take control of your food delivery strategy? Start by testing one or two of these apps and see how they work for your restaurant!