How to Create a Food Delivery App like Deliveroo

The on-demand food delivery market is thriving, with platforms like Deliveroo and Just Eat serving millions of hungry customers worldwide. In 2025, the global food delivery market is projected to reach $1.91 trillion, growing at a 9.38% CAGR through 2029. For entrepreneurs, creating a delivery app offers a chance to tap into this booming industry, connecting restaurants, customers, and couriers seamlessly. Whether you’re a restaurant owner or a startup founder, building an app like Deliveroo or Just Eat can boost your business and customer satisfaction.

With Appy Pie’s food delivery app builder, you can create a feature-rich, no-code on-demand delivery app without technical expertise. This guide outlines why you should build a delivery app, explores key features, provides a step-by-step process using Appy Pie’s no-code platform, and shares tips for success. Let’s dive in!

1. Why Build a Delivery App?

Food delivery apps have transformed how people order meals, offering convenience and variety at their fingertips. Here’s why you should consider building an on-demand delivery app:

• Market Demand: Over 96.9 million people used food delivery apps in 2024, with growth driven by busy lifestyles and mobile penetration.
• Revenue Potential: Deliveroo reported a gross transaction value of £7,062 million in 2023, showcasing the profitability of the sector.
• Customer Loyalty: A branded app fosters direct engagement, reducing reliance on third-party platforms like Uber Eats.
• Operational Efficiency: Automate order management, payments, and logistics to streamline restaurant operations.

Using a food delivery app maker like Appy Pie, you can launch your app quickly and affordably, competing with industry leaders.

2. Understanding Deliveroo and Just Eat

To create a delivery app, it’s crucial to understand the models of Deliveroo and Just Eat:

2.1. Deliveroo

Founded in 2013, Deliveroo operates in 12 countries with 183,000 restaurant partners and 7 million active users, primarily in urban areas like London. Its dual model combines logistics (own couriers) and aggregation (marketplace for restaurants). Deliveroo charges a 5-15% commission per order and offers premium features like Deliveroo Plus for free delivery.

2.2. Just Eat

Established in 2001, Just Eat is a UK leader with a presence in 20+ countries, serving 100 million users. It operates as an aggregator, connecting restaurants with customers without managing deliveries. Just Eat charges a 10-20% commission and excels in suburban areas with diverse restaurant options.

3. Key Features of a Delivery App

A successful delivery app balances user experience with operational efficiency. Here are essential features, all customizable with Appy Pie’s on-demand delivery app builder:

3.1. Customer App Features

• User Registration: Enable sign-ups via email, phone, or social media.
• Restaurant Search: Offer filters for cuisine, price, ratings, and location.
• Menu and Cart: Display digital menus with customization options (e.g., gluten-free).
• Real-Time Tracking: Integrate Google Maps API for order tracking.
• Secure Payments: Support cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
• Push Notifications: Send updates on order status and promotions.
• Reviews and Ratings: Allow feedback to build trust.

3.2. Restaurant App Features

• Order Management: Accept, reject, or update orders in real-time.
• Menu Updates: Edit menus, prices, and availability.
• Analytics Dashboard: Track orders and revenue.

3.3. Driver App Features

• Order Assignment: Auto-allocate orders based on proximity.
• Navigation: Provide route optimization with GPS.
• Earnings Tracker: Display driver payouts and tips.

3.4. Admin Panel Features

• User Management: Oversee customers, restaurants, and drivers.
• Commission Settings: Set fees for restaurants and customers.
• Analytics: Monitor app performance and user behavior.

4. How to Create a Delivery App with Appy Pie

Building an app like Deliveroo or Just Eat is straightforward with Appy Pie’s delivery app maker. Follow these six steps to make an on-demand delivery app:

1. Sign Up: Create an account on Appy Pie’s on-demand delivery app builder to access the no-code dashboard.
2. Choose a Template: Select a customizable delivery app template tailored for food delivery.
3. Add Features: Use the drag-and-drop interface to integrate features like real-time tracking, payments, and notifications.
4. Customize Design: Add your logo, brand colors, and fonts to align with your identity.
5. Test the App: Leverage Appy Pie’s 7-day free trial to test functionality across customer, restaurant, and driver interfaces.
6. Publish: Submit your app to the App Store and Google Play with Appy Pie’s guided process, optimizing for visibility.

Appy Pie’s on-demand delivery app maker simplifies development, letting you launch in days, not months. Start now to create a delivery app that rivals Deliveroo!

Suggested Read: How to Launch Your App

5. Cost to Make a Delivery App

The cost to create a delivery app depends on complexity, features, and development method:

• Custom Development: Hiring developers can cost $25,000-$60,000 for a basic app, with advanced features pushing costs to $100,000+.
• No-Code Platforms: Using Appy Pie’s delivery app builder, costs start at $18/month, including hosting and support.
• Additional Expenses: Budget for API integrations (e.g., Google Maps, $200 free credit monthly) and app store fees ($25 for Google Play, $99/year for Apple).

Appy Pie’s no-code solution is ideal for startups, minimizing costs while delivering a professional app.

6. Monetization Strategies

Turn your app into a revenue driver with these models, supported by Appy Pie’s on-demand delivery app maker:

• Commission Fees: Charge restaurants 15-30% per order, like Just Eat.
• Delivery Fees: Add $2-$5 per order for customers, as Deliveroo does.
• Subscription Plans: Offer premium plans (e.g., free delivery) for a monthly fee.
• Ads and Promotions: Feature sponsored restaurants for additional revenue.

7. Tips for a Successful Delivery App

Stand out in a competitive market with these strategies:

• Focus on UX: Ensure intuitive navigation and fast load times.
• Partner Locally: Onboard popular restaurants to attract users.
• Market Aggressively: Use social media, SEO, and influencer campaigns.
• Prioritize Security: Implement encrypted payments and GDPR compliance.
• Gather Feedback: Use reviews to refine features and improve service.

8. Conclusion

In 2025, creating a delivery app like Deliveroo or Just Eat is a lucrative opportunity to capitalize on the growing food delivery market. With Appy Pie’s on-demand delivery app builder, you can build a professional, feature-packed app without coding, saving time and costs. From real-time tracking to secure payments, Appy Pie empowers you to rival industry leaders. Start today and launch your delivery app to connect restaurants with hungry customers!