How to create a food delivery app with Appy Pie App Maker?

In this post, we will talk about the concept of online food ordering, types of food delivery business models, and the features you must include in the perfect food delivery app. Apart from this, the blog also addresses the challenges in creating a food delivery app while giving you actionable business tips. The highlight of the blog is the step-by-step tutorial and a video to help you create a restaurant version and the delivery person’s version of the app for on-demand food delivery using Appy Pie’s Restaurant App Builder.

Further Read: Here is a list of the best tools to build a food delivery app.

1. Introduction

It’s a busy world and the two most treasured elements of our modern-day living are convenience and speed.

Did you know, 51% of US consumers use delivery services to purchase meals from casual dining restaurants?

Any business in the service industry must be able to offer the consumer flexibility and options, ease of use, and must be mindful of the app users’ needs. The best on-demand food delivery apps like UberEats, Deliveroo, Postmates, etc. have managed to do this really well and have gone to great lengths in making sure that they deliver only the best experience for their app users.

In fact, according to Taco Bell, their mobile app and website gets orders with 20% higher value than the orders they get in-store. This is a potential and promise that modern entrepreneurs find lucrative, developers find challenging, and consumers benefit from.

The millennials are changing the concept of dining out into dining in, where they enjoy the food coming to them instead of stepping out to eat. They want and expect their favorite restaurants to deliver at the tap of a screen and in such a scenario, food delivery apps are in great demand.

Did you know that 57% of millennials prefer to have their food delivered so that they can watch their favorite shows at home?

In the research, 31% of consumers say that they prefer using third-party apps for food delivery at least twice a week. It is these third-party apps that have the potential to change the face of the food delivery industry as consumers are getting accustomed to hunting for deals in apps of the one-stop-shop variety!

Suggested Read: How to make an app like Zomato?

2. Types of Food Delivery Business Models

There are three basic business models currently known in the business of food delivery. Let us get into the details of each one of them.

2.1. Order Only Model

In this type of food delivery business model, the food delivery app acts as a platform between the customers and the restaurants. The app lets the users or customers place their orders with the restaurant of their choosing. The restaurants benefit from these platforms as they can reach out to a wider audience without having to run promotions or advertise their restaurant anywhere. The customers or the app users can then easily order from their favorite restaurant or a new restaurant they see on the platform.

The consumer can explore the menus, reviews, ratings, and prices only after registering on the app, and then place their order. After the confirmation of the order, the information is passed on to the restaurant by the aggregator and then the food is sent out for delivery. The dispatch and delivery of the food here is taken care of entirely by the restaurant itself. Apps like Grubhub and Just Eat fall under this category.

It is easy to create an on-demand food delivery app with Appy Pie's Restaurant App Maker and it needs no coding.

Enhance your development process by leveraging a robust delivery app builder that streamlines your custom food delivery app creation.

2.2. Order & Delivery Model

The most popular food delivery business model adopted by restaurants, the order and delivery model, has three stakeholders – the restaurant, the customers, and the delivery personnel. It is essentially a marketplace solution where restaurants or food businesses of any kind can register themselves and not have to worry at all about the delivery part of the business.

This model offers a lot of ease and support to start-ups in the food industry who do not have the resources or the bandwidth to have their own delivery system in place. From a restaurant’s point of view, this model brings a horde of benefits. Adopting this model rules out the need to maintain delivery personnel, vehicles, or managing and making the deliveries. Apps like UberEATS and DoorDash fall under this category.

2.3. Fully Integrated Model

This is a relatively new type of food delivery business model and is great for meal delivery start-ups. Here, everything is taken care of by the app owner—from cooking to delivery.

Most of these businesses have a limited menu but offer customers the convenience of getting an entire meal prepared and delivered at their doorstep without having to worry about anything at all. These businesses have kitchens of their own or collaborate with a chef to deliver the meals hot or frozen and ready to be heated and served.

3. Features of a Perfect On-Demand Food Delivery App

So what is needed to build a food delivery app like UberEats? There are a number of common features that determine the future performance and success of the app.

3.1. Access to Data

Data is key—it attracts users by providing menus, cuisines, restaurant details, nutritional information, and more. This information helps consumers decide what they would like to order. In this age of a technical revolution, all this information can be accessed through APIs integrated within the mobile apps.

3.2. Online Payment Integration

It’s not enough to simply place orders; users need to be able to pay for them online. For an app to be truly popular, it is important to incorporate as many payment options as possible. Preferred payment methods include Stripe, Visa Checkout, PayPal, or Square, which allow users to complete payments quickly and securely.

3.3. Delivery Time Estimation

In this fast-paced world, most users expect quick deliveries. It’s wise to include a feature that displays an estimated delivery time, thereby managing user expectations and easing any anxiety related to waiting.

3.4. Real-Time Tracking

Although popularized by taxi apps like Uber, real-time tracking is essential for food delivery apps. With GPS integration, users can track the movement of delivery personnel, while the delivery team can navigate efficiently to the consumer’s location.

3.5. Review & Ratings System

A review and ratings system lets consumers provide feedback on the food, restaurant, and delivery personnel. Apps like Postmates, DoorDash, and UberEats use this feature to enhance service quality.

A solid food delivery app should create different versions for its various user groups: consumers, delivery personnel, and restaurant partners.

3.6. Loyalty Program

A robust loyalty program encourages repeat business. Research shows that 45% of consumers order online more frequently if mobile ordering and loyalty programs are available.

4. Consumer Version Of The App

4.1. Registration

The consumer’s journey begins at registration. Creating an account allows users to log in easily and retain any custom settings they establish, like food preferences or favorites.

• Include social media login options (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.).
• Keep the registration process fast and user-friendly.

4.2. Finding a Restaurant

Once registered, consumers can search for restaurants by name, location, or even specific dishes. They get access to detailed information including cuisine, prices, deals, and reviews.

4.3. Placing an Order

Users must have the ability to add, remove, or edit items in their cart. A summary of the order should be displayed for confirmation before finalizing the purchase. Additionally, offer options for delivery or pickup.

4.4. Payment Process

Safety, speed, and ease in online payment are crucial. Offer multiple secure payment options to accommodate various user preferences.

4.5. Order Tracking

Once the order is placed, consumers should be able to set their preferred delivery address and track their order in real time.

4.6. Rating & Reviewing

After receiving their order, users should have the option to rate and review the restaurant, dish, and delivery personnel.

4.7. Enhanced Features

Advanced features, such as wish lists, detailed order histories, and estimated delivery times, can significantly enhance the user experience.

5. Delivery Personnel Version Of The App

5.1. Registration & Profile Setup

Delivery personnel need to register on their version of the app through mobile number, email, or social media, and provide critical details including a password recovery option.

5.2. Managing Orders

Once registered, delivery personnel can view order details, including pickup and drop-off locations, and approve or reject orders accordingly.

5.3. Updating Order Status

This feature enables delivery personnel to update their status—such as Order Picked, or Order Delivered—so that consumers receive timely notifications.

• Approved/Disapproved
• Order Picked
• Order Completed/Delivered

Once the order is delivered and confirmed by the consumer, payment is processed to the delivery personnel’s account.

5.4. Advanced Features

Consider adding advanced features like in-app navigation, booking history, optimal route calculations, and SOS services to enhance the delivery personnel experience.

6. Partner Restaurant Version

6.1. Admin Panel

The admin panel is a web-based portal that helps restaurants manage orders, content updates (menu changes, photos, contact information), and overall operations.

6.2. Registration

Restaurants register via email and password and have the option for password recovery.

6.3. Managing Content

Restaurants can update details such as their name, contact information, operating hours, menus, and promotional offers.

6.4. Managing Orders

Restaurants can view order details, update order status, and send notifications to both the consumer and the delivery personnel.

• Detailed view of the order
• Order status updates with notifications
• Current orders list view

Once the order is confirmed, it is processed for delivery.

6.5. Receiving Payments

Restaurants receive payment only after the consumer confirms order delivery.

6.6. Enhanced Features

Additional features can include accepting orders only after delivery personnel approval, opting for featured listings, and auto-generating invoices to be sent via email or message.

Suggested Read: Best Tools to Build a Restaurant App in 2025

7. Challenges of Developing a Food Delivery Mobile App

The on-demand food delivery business has unique challenges. Chief among these are fierce competition in the niche and factors that affect customer loyalty.

7.1. Unstable Customer Base

In the food ordering industry, customer loyalty is minimal. Consumers prioritize great food at good prices over brand loyalty.

7.2. Unstable Price Trends

Pricing in the food industry is volatile, influenced by factors such as inflation, rising food costs, and competitive pricing strategies.

7.3. Inconsistency in Food Quality

There can be a notable difference in the quality of food served in restaurants versus the food delivered to a customer’s doorstep.

7.4. Big Players Dominating the Market

As larger companies enter the field, smaller businesses face tougher competition for market share.

7.5. Logistics and Tracking

Coordinating delivery logistics and tracking multiple delivery personnel in real time is a significant challenge.

7.6. User Interface/User Experience (UI/UX)

An intuitive UI/UX is crucial. Features such as simple registration, easy navigation, real-time tracking, and secure payments are essential for success.

7.7. Developing the Restaurant Owner App Version

The restaurant version must allow partners to manage orders effectively, update information in real time, and track payment and delivery statuses.

7.8. Finding the Right Delivery and Restaurant Service Partners

Establishing partnerships with both small and large restaurants is crucial. It may take time to forge the right collaborations, but this effort can yield significant benefits.

7.9. Finding the Right App Development Partners

If you are not familiar with mobile app development, you’ll need to partner with experts. Ensure they have a proven track record, follow agile methodologies, and provide end-to-end services including business analysis, development, testing, and launch.

7.10. The Planning Aspect

Smart planning is key. From hiring staff to contacting restaurants and refining promotional strategies, every detail counts in building a successful food delivery app.

8. Business Tips

Once the technical development side is handled, it’s time to launch your app and drive user engagement. However, even a technically perfect app requires a strong business strategy.

8.1. Delve Deep into Market Analysis

Conduct thorough market analysis to define your target audience and understand competitors. Identify popular cuisines in specific regions to carve out your niche.

8.2. Expand Your User Base

The more users on your platform, the higher the order volume. Utilize multiple advertising channels such as PR, social media, referral programs, and more.

• Start small with a local launch to test your concept.
• Promote via diverse advertising channels.
• Forge partnerships with retailers for mutual benefit.

8.3. Retain Your Consumers

Retaining users is as important as acquiring them. A robust customer support system, attractive deals, and a solid rating system can drive loyalty.

• Establish stellar customer support.
• Offer lucrative deals and discounts.
• Implement a comprehensive rating and review system.

8.4. Retain Your Couriers

Your delivery personnel are crucial to your app’s success. Ensure they remain engaged through fair compensation, flexible work hours, and performance-based incentives.

• Provide good compensation.
• Allow flexibility in work schedules.
• Offer performance-linked rewards.

Boost your service capabilities by utilizing an innovative delivery app maker that streamlines the creation and management of your food delivery solution.

Suggested Read:- Why Does a Food Delivery Business Need an App?

9. Case Study: UberEats

UberEats connects diners with local restaurants and uses freelance drivers for deliveries. Its shared economy model has inspired many entrepreneurs, with development costs varying by feature set and UI/UX considerations.

This app, riding the wave of Uber’s popularity, demonstrates how a well-designed on-demand delivery solution can empower tech-savvy consumers.

9.1. USPs of UberEats

• Shorter delivery times due to freelance drivers.
• A vast range of cuisines and dishes.
• User-friendly ordering process.
• Specialized meal time features (brunch, lunch, dinner, etc.).
• Real-time order tracking to ease waiting anxiety.

10. Case Study: Deliveroo

Deliveroo lets users select restaurants based on their location, delivering food to their doorstep efficiently. Its model benefits consumers with quality food, restaurants lacking delivery infrastructure, and delivery personnel through flexible work options.

10.1. USPs of Deliveroo

• High-quality customer support.
• Focused local restaurant partnerships.
• Lucrative promotions for first-time users.
• Average delivery times as low as 32 minutes.
• Partnerships with premium restaurants.

11. Case Study: Postmates

Postmates creates demand by allowing users to order virtually anything, charging nominal fees based on distance, and providing real-time notifications to ensure quick deliveries.

Its model empowers local communities by enabling delivery from venues that typically don’t offer this service.

11.1. USPs of Postmates

• Order virtually anything from anywhere within the city.
• Nominal delivery fees based on distance.
• Featured section for specialized stores.
• Delivery within one hour by skilled postmates.
• 24/7 availability.
• Real-time tracking of deliveries.
• Expands business reach for non-delivering establishments.

12. Case Study: Grubhub

Grubhub connects hungry diners with a variety of local takeout options, enabling restaurants to broaden their customer base. Its model also supports integrated discount coupons and user feedback.

12.1. USPs of Grubhub

• Extensive restaurant listings.
• Availability of discount coupons.
• User-based restaurant ratings.
• Option for food pickup.
• Own delivery fleet support.

13. Case Study: DoorDash

DoorDash excels by connecting users with local restaurants and managing an efficient delivery network. Its flexible scheduling for delivery personnel enhances operational efficiency.

13.1. USPs of DoorDash

• In-house fleet of Dashers (delivery personnel).
• High efficiency with competitive pricing.
• Broad audience outreach without logistical burdens for restaurants.
• Flexible working hours for dashers.
• Real-time order tracking for enhanced user experience.
• Additional free "Pickup" option for convenience.

14. Step by Step Tutorial

Let's simplify the process of creating a food delivery app like UberEats before you build your own with Appy Pie!

1. Open Restaurant App Builder
2. Enter your app or restaurant name and click on ‘Create Now’ to start building your food court app

3. Click on ‘Save & Continue’

4. If you have an account, log in; otherwise, sign up in one simple step

5. You will be redirected to the ‘Design Customization’ section where you can change the app icon, background, splash screen, etc. Next, go to the ‘My Features’ tab

6. Click on the ‘Restaurant’ feature

7. Then, click on ‘Add Restaurant’

8. A popup ‘Add Restaurant’ will appear. Enter all relevant details like name, summary, cuisine, etc., then click ‘Save’

9. On the dashboard, you will see that a new restaurant has been added. Click on ‘Manage Menu’ to add the restaurant menu

10. To add a new category, click on ‘Add New’ under the ‘New Category’ section

11. Fill in the necessary details in the ‘Add New Category’ popup and click ‘Save’

12. Once saved, a new category appears in your restaurant. To add a subcategory, click on ‘Sub Cat.’ or click ‘Products’ to add products directly. For demonstration, let’s add a subcategory.

13. Click on ‘Add Sub Category’

14. A new subcategory will appear. Then, click on ‘Add Product’ to begin adding products to this subcategory

15. Fill in the necessary details in the popup and click ‘Save’

16. You will see a new product added on the dashboard

17. Now, go to ‘Manage Orders’ to handle your orders

18. Switch to ‘General Settings’ and set the store hours under ‘Store Opening Time’

19. If planning to use FAX and SMS for customer connection, enter the required details here, including the cloud printer and contact number

20. Next, go to the ‘Rules’ tab and click ‘Add New Discount Rule’ to add discount rules

21. To add coupons, go to the ‘Coupons’ tab, then click ‘Add New Coupon’

22. A popup ‘Add Coupon’ will appear. Fill in the details and click ‘Save’

23. Go back to the ‘Configuration Settings’ tab and click on the ‘Select Restaurant’ dropdown

24. Select the ‘Administrator’ option from the dropdown

25. Once switched to ‘Administrator’, manage all restaurant settings like ‘Store Opening Time’

26. Set FAX, Cloud Printer, Contact, and SMS details as required

27. In the ‘Advanced Settings’ section, manage settings like payment methods and delivery/pickup information. Click ‘Save’ when finished

28. Go to the ‘Language Settings’ tab to update any in-app text

29. Next, head to ‘Cuisines’ to add or manage cuisines using the ‘Add New Cuisine’ button

30. Then, go to the ‘Coupons’ tab to manage your coupons

31. Click on the ‘CMS Pages’ tab to add your Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

32. Next, go to ‘App Icon Settings’ if you wish to upload a custom restaurant app icon

33. In the ‘Manage Delivery Boy’ section, click the ‘Add Delivery Boy’ button to add a new delivery boy

34. A popup ‘Add Delivery Boy’ will appear. Fill in the details and click ‘Save to Continue’

35. In the ‘Track Delivery Boys’ section, track the delivery boys, and in the ‘Delivery Boys Report’ section, view their reports

36. Go to the import/export (menu) section to upload or export your menu in CSV or XLS format

37. Check the ‘Sales Report’ section for daily, weekly, or monthly reports of your app's performance

38. To view user reviews, go to the ‘Reviews’ section

39. Click the Cross icon to close the window

40. Finally, click on the ‘Save and Continue’ button to finish building your Food Court app

15. Concluding Note

Appy Pie foresees strong growth for food ordering apps like UberEats and a sizable increase in their popularity in the years to come. The time is ripe to begin your journey toward building a food delivery app like UberEats and making a mark in both the app world and the food delivery industry.