Main distribution channels for the catering industry - overview
Main distribution channels for the catering industry - overview
There are 4 restaurant sales channels through which the restaurant can publish its menu and through which food customers can place orders.
1. The restaurant's website
This is the most important channel for receiving online orders. The website generates the majority of orders across all channels, so it's crucial to have a great, sales-optimized website.
This means, among other things, that the "View menu and order" button is placed in a visible position (homepage and relevant web pages), contact information is readily available, relevant online platforms link to the website (e.g., Yelp, Facebook), optimal quality and quantity of food images, etc.
This allows the restaurant to publish the ordering widget on a website.
2. The restaurant's Facebook page
The "Shop Now/Start Order" button, which leads to the restaurant's menu, expands the options for food customers to reach the restaurant and place an order.
Furthermore, Facebook is a popular social media channel through which the restaurant can draw attention to its menu and special offers.
This allows the restaurant to publish the ordering widget on its Facebook page.
3. Shared mobile app/restaurant marketplace (FoodBooking)
This is an ordering app where restaurants are listed in a database of food customers who search for places to order from based on their proximity to the restaurant. Any restaurant can apply to be added to the app, but there are some publication criteria that must be met to be accepted and listed, such as:
- Publication of the order button on the restaurant's website
- Have the menu inserted into the platform
- A good internet connection (>90%) is required for the app to accept restaurant orders.
Here are the steps the restaurant must take to get published.
4. Branded mobile app
The restaurant can also have a unique mobile app that offers customers a personalized ordering experience. The app is optimized for ordering and includes the restaurant's logo, background, and slogan.
Follow these instructions to gain access to a branded mobile app for the restaurant.