Introduction
The Brief overview of the rise of delivery apps in the UK
In the UK specifically, the food delivery market size is forecast to grow at an impressive compound annual rate of 8.4% each year between 2021-2026.This exponential growth clearly demonstrates how delivery apps have disrupted traditional restaurant models and radically transformed consumer behavior, preferences, and expectations regarding ordering food and delivery.
The importance of understanding their impact on traditional restaurants
For traditional dine-in restaurants across the UK that have historically relied on providing an in-person dining experience, the meteoric rise of food delivery apps presents both major opportunities and significant challenges. It is crucial for the foodservice industry to closely analyze and deeply understand the effects that third-party food delivery services have already had, and will likely continue to have, on the sector.
Doing so will allow traditional establishments to strategically adapt their operations, business models, and approaches to meet evolving consumer demand in an age increasingly defined by the convenience, speed, and simplicity of food delivery.
Objective of reviewing the transformation and providing recommendations
This article comprehensively reviews how the emergence of digital food delivery apps is impacting every aspect of the UK restaurant business, from day-to-day operations to overall profitability.
It summarizes the key findings and insights around the advantages, disadvantages, and overall influence delivery apps have introduced for traditional dine-in restaurants.
Additionally, it provides data-driven recommendations on how traditional restaurants can successfully integrate delivery and takeout options as part of a balanced business model without jeopardizing their core brand identity or in-person dining experience. Relevant and innovative case studies are analyzed to showcase effective omni-channel strategies UK restaurants have implemented.
Evolution of Food Delivery in the UK
A literature review of food delivery in the UK
Food delivery services first emerged in the UK in the early 1830s, when local carriers on foot or bicycle would transport orders from restaurants, inns, and pubs directly to customers’ homes.
In the 1980s and 1990s, large pizza chains like Domino’s and Pizza Hut began offering delivery from a centralized hub, using their own branded vehicles and drivers to facilitate the process. The first online platforms enabling consumers to conveniently order takeout food for delivery began emerging in the early 2000s, pioneering the on-demand delivery model that has become ubiquitous today.
Emergence of delivery apps and their popularity
The launch of Just Eat in 2006 marked the official arrival of digital third-party food delivery apps and aggregator platforms in the UK. By enabling customers to easily browse menus, customize orders, and arrange delivery from thousands of local takeaway restaurants all through a single website or app, Just Eat fundamentally transformed and streamlined the takeout experience.
Major competitors like Deliveroo and Uber Eats emerged in 2013 and 2016 respectively, further expanding the on-demand delivery market.The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns accelerated consumer adoption of delivery apps, with order volumes and company revenues absolutely skyrocketing.
Key players in the UK food delivery app market
Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats currently make up over 80% of total online food delivery sales in the UK.
Deliveroo alone saw order volumes grow by a staggering 64.3% in 2020 compared to the previous year. Newer delivery apps and services like Zapp and Gophr have also emerged ,further demonstrating the crowded and competitive nature of the UK food delivery tech market. These apps have now become an integral part of the country’s broader restaurant, takeaway and meal delivery sector.
Advantages and oppurtunities for Traditional Restaurants
Increased visibility and customer reach
Being listed on major UK food delivery services grants traditional restaurants access to vast new pools of potential online customers. Delivery apps allow restaurants to gain visibility and exposure to a much wider geographical area, greatly boosting overall order volumes from both existing patrons and new customers.
Enhanced customer convenience
Through intuitive apps and websites, customers can easily view menus, securely order, customize orders, and pay for delivery from their favorite local restaurants. Features like real-time order tracking and status updates also enhance convenience for diners.
Potential for revenue growth
Despite commissions charged by delivery platforms, integrating delivery as part of an omni-channel approach can still drive increased revenues for restaurants.
One survey found 73% of customers now spend more than £25 per order on average when ordering through delivery apps. If managed strategically, the costs of delivery can potentially be offset by higher order volumes and expanded customer reach.
Successful case studies
Brands like PizzaExpress have seen sales grow by over 300% after partnering with major apps like Deliveroo while still operating their own delivery channels.
Their use of customizable delivery-only menus and regular promotions demonstrate adapting offerings to capitalize on rising demand for delivery.
Challenges Faced by Traditional Restaurants
Competition with app-based food delivery
Food business like karma kitchen exclusively operate via app or website ordering for delivery and collection, bypassing dine-in entirely. Their highly optimized operations and lower overheads increase competitiveness versus traditional restaurants.
Commissions and fees
Restaurants typically must pay commissions of ~30% or more per order to third-party food delivery business. This significantly cuts into profit margins, especially when coupled with other rising food, labor, and energy costs.
A survey found ensuring quality and presentation of food after transit was the top operational challenge identified by restaurants partnering with delivery apps. Innovations in packaging help preserve quality, but perceptions of lower quality compared to dine-in persist.
Impact on dine-in experience.
An excessive focus on expanding delivery could detract from creating an exceptional dine-in experience. Stockpiles of takeout packaging and a constant flow of delivery drivers can negatively impact ambience.
Impact on Consumer Behavior
Changes in dining preferences and habits
Consumers increasingly expect and demand delivery and takeout options from most restaurants. Delivery apps are driving a cultural shift towards convenience, immediacy, and flexibility in dining habits and preferences.
Customer expectations for delivery
Customers now expect a seamless ordering process, fast and accurate delivery, menu accuracy, and good quality food when ordering takeout. Robust ratings systems mean restaurants must consistently meet high expectations.
Influence of reviews and ratings
Poor customer ratings and reviews on delivery apps can inflict immense damage on a restaurant’s brand reputation. Maintaining quality and execution across both delivery and dine-in is critical in the digital age.
Regulatory and Legal Issues
Government regulations and policies
The UK government has launched an investigation into potentially unfair practices in the food delivery app sector, including lack of transparency around hidden service fees and high commission rates. Any additional regulations could significantly impact restaurants reliant on delivery apps.
Labor and employment issues
The gig economy employment practices utilized by apps like Deliveroo and Uber Eats have triggered increased legal and regulatory scrutiny. Potential reclassification of drivers as workers rather than self-employed could raise delivery costs.
Taxation and compliance challenges
VAT rules on food business are complex for restaurants. Keeping up with constantly evolving environmental health regulations regarding packaging and delivery also makes maintaining compliance more difficult.
Future Trends and Predictions
The Continued growth of delivery apps
The UK’s online food delivery market will continue expanding at a breakneck pace. Apps will cement their status as the go-to platforms for takeout and delivery.
Innovations in food delivery technology
Drone delivery, reusable packaging, brands like “dark kitchens or ghost kitchens”, and voice-based ordering through assistants will optimize and streamline delivery while addressing sustainability concerns. Hyperlocal delivery and real-time logistics tracking will become standard.
Potential shifts in the restaurant industry landscape
If adaptation lags among traditional establishments, growing dependence on third-party delivery apps coupled with lasting post-pandemic shifts in consumer preferences could force many classic restaurants to permanently close.
Case Studies and Examples
Successful adaptation approaches
PizzaExpress strategically partnered with major platforms like Deliveroo while also launching their own delivery app and service to balance third-party dependence. This omni-channel approach drove growth while retaining control over branding and customer experience.
Wagamama offered delivery-exclusive menus and promotions via Uber Eats during lockdowns to capture surging demand, while doubling down on showcasing their signature dine-in experience as restrictions eased. Their flexibility and balanced strategy paid off.
Cautionary examples
Some large restaurant chains like Carluccio’s faced major financial troubles exacerbated by their slow adaptation to the delivery app revolution, ultimately filing for bankruptcy during the pandemic. Over-reliance on third-party platforms without a clear differentiation strategy can backfire.
Smaller independent restaurants often struggle to afford high commission fees charged by major apps, facing disproportionately negative impacts on margins compared to larger chains.
Key lessons
Maintaining a balanced, omnichannel approach is ideal for traditional restaurants. Core strengths and dine-in brand identity should remain the focus while strategically expanding delivery and digitization.
Restaurants should run integrated marketing campaigns and loyalty programs across all channels to retain control over customer relationships, data collection, and ordering habits. This avoids over-dependence on delivery apps.
Adapting offerings to cater to delivery, implementing smart packaging solutions, and monitoring reviews are key to protecting quality standards.
Impact of Online Food Delivery Services
Convenience for Customers: Online food delivery services have made it convenient for customers to order food from the comfort of their homes. With just a few clicks, they can have their favorite dishes delivered to their doorstep.
Increased Sales for Restaurants: Many restaurants have reported an increase in sales due to the availability of ordering online. Even establishments that didn’t offer delivery before having been able to tap into a new revenue stream.
Job Creation: The rise of delivery services has led to the creation of numerous jobs, especially for delivery personnel.
Competition and Market Saturation: As the industry grows, there’s increased competition among food delivery platforms and restaurants. This has led to aggressive marketing strategies and offers to attract customers.
Impact of Online Food Delivery on Customers
Convenience and Choice:
The rise of online foodservice platforms has provided UK customers with unparalleled convenience. With just a few taps on their smartphones or computers, consumers can access a wide variety of cuisines and dishes, making dining experiences more diverse and tailored to individual preferences.
Social media platforms, especially Instagram and TikTok, play a pivotal role in shaping food preferences. Trending dishes or visually appealing meals often go viral, driving demand on food delivery platforms.
Economic Implications:
Special deals, promotions, and the allure of trying trending dishes contribute to more frequent orders.
Health and Dietary Preferences:
With the ease of food ordering, there’s also a growing emphasis on health and dietary-specific meals. Platforms often highlight vegan, gluten-free, or organic options, catering to the diverse dietary needs and preferences of the UK population.
Community and Engagement:
Social networking not only influences food choices but also fosters a sense of community. Users share their food experiences, write reviews, and engage with brands directly.
Challenges and Concerns:
While ordering online offers numerous benefits, it also brings challenges. Issues like data privacy, the environmental impact of packaging, and the quality consistency of virtual brands are areas of concern for some customers.
Food Delivery Industry Analysis:
Market Overview:
The UK food delivery market has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer behaviors, and external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Major cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham have seen a surge in the number of food delivery orders, with many consumers opting for the convenience of home delivery over dining out.
Consumer Trends:
Preference for Local Eateries: Many consumers in the UK prefer ordering from local restaurants and cafes, supporting small businesses.
Health and Wellness: There’s a growing demand for healthy, organic, and dietary-specific meals, reflecting a broader global trend towards health and wellness.
Subscription Models: Some platforms offer subscription models, providing regular customers with discounts and special offers.
Competition: With several major players and numerous smaller services, the market is highly competitive, leading to aggressive marketing and discounting strategies.
Operational Challenges: Ensuring timely deliveries, maintaining quality of food, and managing logistics are constant challenges.
Regulatory Hurdles: The industry faces potential regulatory challenges, especially concerning the employment status of delivery riders and drivers.
Future Outlook:
Technological Advancements: The integration of AI and machine learning can lead to more efficient delivery routes, better customer recommendations, and improved service.
Sustainability: There’s a growing emphasis on sustainability, with many services looking to reduce plastic usage and minimize food waste.
Diversification: Some platforms are expanding their offerings, including grocery deliveries, alcohol deliveries, and even pharmaceuticals.
Economic Impact:
The rise of food deliveries has created numerous job opportunities, especially for delivery personnel. However, there are concerns about job security and the gig economy model.
Many traditional restaurants have had to adapt their business models to stay competitive, with some focusing more on delivery and takeout than dine-in services.
Conclusion
Summary of key findings
This paper has thoroughly reviewed the transformative impact delivery apps and online ordering platforms have had across the UK restaurant sector, analyzing their advantages, perceived risks, and overall influence. Factors like increased competition, high commissions, and shifting consumer expectations pose major challenges to traditional dine-in establishments. However, opportunities to expand revenues and reach new demographics also exist if leveraged strategically.
The Overall impact on traditional restaurants
The impact of delivery apps on conventional dine-in restaurants is decidedly mixed. While apps provide growth potential, they also disrupt traditional business models.
Proactive innovation, digitization, and smart adaptation strategies will be required for restaurants to thrive in the age of delivery. However, the unique ambience, personalized hospitality, and social experience of dining out will continue to have inherent value that delivery cannot fully replace.
Future implications and recommendations
To succeed, restaurants must enhance convenience, accessibility, and customization without compromising the core qualities that make their dine-in experience special.
Embracing technology and leveraging data analysis around operations and customer demand will be key. Focusing on differentiating strengths while judiciously expanding delivery capabilities and partnerships can lead to sustainable prosperity in the modern marketplace.
The Impact of Delivery Apps on Traditional UK Restaurants PDF
Online food delivery services have led to cannibalization of traditional restaurant sales.
The sustainability of the gig economy food delivery system.
Online food delivery articles
A Deliverect study found that 40% of people in the UK get up to three food deliveries a week.
See More
ResearchAndMarkets.com. (2021, August 4)
Juniper Research. (n.d.). Online Food Delivery & Takeaway: Market Forecasts 2021-2026.
The history of home food deliveries.
Deliveroo. (2022, March). The Delivery Economy. Deliveroo.
BBC News. (2022, May 24). Takeaway apps face inquiry over restaurant contracts.
