Upgrading the restaurant delivery platform: 12 Must-Have Capabilities for the Year Ahead

In the rapidly changing landscape of digital ordering, customers demand quick service, precision, customization, and an effortless experience.
As global need for online food ordering expands—expected to reach over $466 billion by 2027—startups must remain competitive by upgrading their mobile delivery apps with the necessary mix of functionalities, user-centric design, and cutting-edge tech.
Whether you are developing a food delivery app like UberEats or launching your own white-label food delivery platform, understanding what drives retention and backend performance is non-negotiable.
1. Effortless Onboarding and Account Creation
First impressions matter. A simple sign-up process sets the tone for a frictionless user journey. Allow users to register using social logins, and offer smart customizations like order history to personalize future menus.
2. Real-Time Order Tracking with GPS
Today’s users need transparency. By building in live location updates, you increase trust. Let users to monitor:
- Live courier position
- Estimated delivery time
- Order progress updates
3. Advanced Search and Filter Functions
An effective search system is vital as your ecosystem scales. Use segmentation like:
- Food type
- Health filter
- Delivery time
- Budget
Pair it with AI recommendations for a unique user experience.
4. Secure In-App Payments
To streamline checkout, integrate:
- Debit/Credit
- UPI
- Rewards
Ensure security with industry standards. Contactless payment is a must.
5. Loyalty Programs & Referral Bonuses
User loyalty is more cost-effective than new acquisition. Add:
- Gamified incentives
- Membership clubs
- Invite bonuses
This can amplify customer stickiness.
6. Delivery Partner App + Route Optimization}
Drivers need a dedicated app to MoonFoods by Oyelabs complete tasks:
- Navigation
- Wallet
- Order details
Shortest paths save fuel.
7. Admin and Restaurant Dashboards
Equip your partners and team with:
- Inventory tools
- Reports
- Support
Restaurants should effortlessly add discounts.
8. Multi-Platform Support
Your app should work seamlessly on:
- iOS
- Android
- Web
Use React Native for scalability.
9. Push Notifications & Engagement Triggers
Keep users informed with:
- Order status
- Promotions
- Retention campaigns
Apps with strong notification strategies enjoy better click-through.
10. AI-Powered Personalization
Use AI to:
- Recommend dishes
- Analyze patterns
- Create upsells
This can increase average basket size.
11. Reviews & Ratings
Let modern food app features customers voice feedback with:
- Star ratings
- Written reviews
- Service recovery
Positive reviews build reputation.
12. Scalability & Cloud-Based Architecture
Use serverless solutions for:
- Data management
- App speed
- User traffic
This hardens your app start your food delivery app for multi-city rollout.
Summary
The online food market is about more than just getting mealsit’s about building loyalty.
By including these must-haves, your app can compete in the 2025 landscape.
Looking for a faster launch? **White-label solution** provides a customizable solution to help you dominate locally.