In an era where convenience often trumps all, it’s no surprise that 8.3 million Australians are turning to meal delivery services to satisfy their culinary cravings. With just a few taps on a smartphone, platforms like Menulog, Uber Eats, and Deliveroo are bringing restaurant meals straight to our doors. However, despite the widespread use of these services, some top local restaurants are choosing to stay off these apps. What’s behind this decision?
According to Andrea Abbondanza, a restaurant expert and CEO of SEO for Restaurants, the decision to avoid third-party delivery apps is strategic. Abbondanza explains that many quality restaurants are committed to sustainability and prefer to control their business and food delivery standards.
Here’s a deeper dive into the reasons why your favourite local eateries might be giving the big delivery giants a miss:
One of the primary reasons is the unsustainable commission fees charged by Australian delivery platforms, which can range from a hefty 25% to 35% per order. For restaurants operating on already thin profit margins, these fees can be the difference between staying afloat or sinking. Many simply cannot afford to give away such a large slice of their earnings and still remain in the black.
In response to this, a direct ordering revolution is taking place. More and more Australian restaurants are investing in their own online ordering systems, which offer better control over customer data, delivery quality, and branding. Innovations like Square’s self-ordering kiosks, BYTO’s web browser ordering, and Eats365’s comprehensive online solutions are empowering restaurants to bypass commission fees while gaining valuable insights into customer preferences.
Another concern for top-tier restaurants is the protection of food quality and reputation. The journey from kitchen to customer’s door can be fraught with risks, and many chefs have seen their carefully crafted dishes arrive cold, damaged, or altered. To avoid such disappointing experiences and potential negative reviews, these restaurants prefer to serve guests in-house, ensuring the food is enjoyed exactly as intended.
The operational strain on kitchens, especially amidst Australia’s ongoing hospitality staffing crisis, is another factor. Busy restaurants often struggle to manage both in-house service and a flood of delivery orders. The additional workload can overwhelm kitchen operations during peak times, leading to a decline in service quality.
Abbondanza emphasises that moving away from third-party apps is not about ignoring the convenience that many Australians rely on. Instead, it’s about rethinking the delivery process to maintain high standards without sacrificing profits. ‘Delivery remains essential,’ he says, ‘and restaurants are finding ways to offer this convenience without compromising their standards or surrendering their profits.’
As establishments invest in their own systems or partner with community-minded platforms, the goal is to preserve both accessibility and food quality, supporting the local restaurant scene that contributes to Australia’s vibrant dining culture.
For those who wish to support their favourite eateries, the best course of action is to order directly from the restaurant’s website, call in for takeaway, or, when possible, dine in for the full experience.
Abbondanza offers a final point to consider: ‘Quality-focused restaurants aren’t just avoiding delivery giants—they’re redefining convenience on their own terms. By prioritising food quality, protecting their margins, and building direct relationships with their customers, these businesses are creating more sustainable models. Many diners are also embracing the shift—choosing to order directly from restaurants they value.’
As Australian restaurants adopt direct ordering systems to reduce commission fees, it’s clear the industry is moving toward more sustainable practices. While third-party platforms offer convenience, many are finding ways to maintain quality and protect profits.
What do you think of the shift towards direct ordering by restaurants? How do you feel about the rising costs and their impact on the dining experience? Which delivery platform do you prefer when ordering from restaurants? Share your thoughts and engage in the conversation in the comments below.
Also read: Australia’s 5 most popular restaurants of all time, according to Google
