How Restaurants Can Win at Takeout and Delivery Right Now

Let’s face it—ordering takeout isn’t just an occasional treat anymore; it’s become part of everyday life. Whether it’s a quick lunch on a busy day or a cozy dinner at home, more people are turning to takeout and delivery than ever.

For restaurants, this means staying ahead of the game with efficient systems and top-notch service. In this post, we’ll dive into the latest trends shaping customer expectations and show how tools like Curbit can help restaurants deliver an awesome takeout experience.

Convenience Is King

These days, people want their food fast and hassle-free. According to the National Restaurant Association, 52% of customers say takeout is essential to their lifestyle. Millennials and Gen Z are leading the way, valuing quick online orders and seamless pickups.

This makes it crucial for restaurants to manage orders efficiently, especially during peak times. That’s where Curbit’s dynamic order orchestration comes in—it helps prevent kitchen overloads by balancing incoming orders in real time, keeping things running smoothly even when demand spikes.

Customers Expect Top Quality—Every Time

Just because food is ordered to-go doesn’t mean people are willing to settle for less. In fact, 60% of customers say they won’t tolerate lower quality for takeout. On top of that, one of the biggest frustrations is receiving the wrong order, which can quickly ruin a meal experience.

With Curbit’s order throttling feature, restaurants can avoid rushing orders and ensure every dish is prepared with care. Plus, real-time tracking keeps customers informed on exactly when their food will be ready, reducing confusion and keeping expectations clear.

Delivery Fees Matter

We all know how annoying unexpected fees can be. According to recent studies, 87% of customers are only okay with delivery fees under $5. With tight budgets due to inflation, it’s no wonder people are more careful about where they spend their money.

Using Curbit’s data insights, restaurants can make smarter business decisions, like optimizing order schedules to cut costs and avoid unnecessary expenses. Plus, by encouraging customers to order through their own apps instead of third-party platforms, restaurants can offer competitive fees and keep more profits.

Communication Is Key

We’ve all been there—waiting on a delivery with no idea when it will arrive. Today’s customers want real-time updates. Text notifications, mobile chats and clear pickup instructions are now must-haves . In fact, 72% of diners prefer ordering directly from the restaurant, ensuring they’re in the loop from start to finish .

Curbit’s guest update notifications makes this super easy by automatically notifying customers when their order is ready, helping eliminate unnecessary waiting and miscommunication.

Pickup Should Be Smooth and Easy

When it comes to pickup, convenience is key—about 30% of customers prefer picking up their orders inside the restaurant, while 26% love using drive-thrus . The easier it is to grab their food, the happier they’ll be.

By integrating with existing KDS and POS systems, Curbit ensures that pickup protocols are clear and efficient. Staff can stay on the same page with order prioritization, reducing wait times and keeping everything running like clockwork.

The Future of Takeout: Fast, Friendly, and Reliable

The bottom line? Takeout and delivery are here to stay, and restaurants that invest in smart tech solutions will have the edge. With Curbit’s tools for dynamic order management, accurate tracking, and real-time communication, restaurants can create a smoother, stress-free experience for both staff and customers.

As more people embrace takeout as part of their routine, keeping things running efficiently without sacrificing quality will be the key to staying ahead in a competitive market.

With the right tools and strategies in place, restaurants can make takeout and delivery smooth, reliable, and profitable—delighting customers while reducing stress in the kitchen.  Reach out to us and let's discuss how Curbit can help.