During the coronavirus shutdown, many restaurants faced closure overnight. The ones that pivoted to online ordering for restaurants didn’t just survive—they stayed profitable. In 2025, the shift to digital ordering isn’t just a backup plan; it’s a revenue-driving essential. Here’s how it helped during the crisis—and why it’s more vital than ever today.
It is on the top of everyone’s mind and unavoidable online – the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 pandemic. As of Tuesday, March 17th, 2020, nineteen states and several metropolitan areas have shutdown restaurants and bars but allow takeout and delivery. Among them include California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington states. Several states have incited curfews for restaurants and bars, including Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, and Maine. A regularly updated article on Eater.com lists the extent of these shutdowns and curfews.
Unfortunately, as the world continues to fight the novel coronavirus, more and/or lengthier shutdowns are likely to come. This is why having an online ordering system for takeout and delivery is more important now than ever. In fact, establishments that already provide such services have seamlessly transitioned and continue to operate. Many establishments are also providing delivery with a ‘leave at the door’ option, which is a fantastic option for those unable to leave their homes.
You are likely aware of the online ordering efforts of many ‘big-box’ establishments, such as McDonalds, Domino’s Pizza, Starbucks, and Red Robin. Unknowingly, they had an advantage, being frontrunners in online ordering and curbside delivery. Don’t see this as a disadvantage of your establishment. This gives you an opportunity to learn from their examples: offer your regular menu items, offer specials, keep your brand that customers already know, offer ‘first-time’ order specials, and mirror regular ‘in-house’ specials.
There are many fine developers of restaurant and bar online ordering platforms to consider. One of those is MenuDrive. Lavu is offering its US restaurant customers free access to MenuDrive software in an effort to help customers keep bringing in revenue. If you’re a Lavu US customer needing online ordering, fill out the form here.
Whether considering MenuDrive or another developer, be sure to think about the following for your online ordering platform:
- Ability to add your logo and established brand.
- User-friendly options for you or trusted staff to update menu items and prices.
- Basic platform with additional modules for added functionality
- Mobile-friendly and full website functionality.
- Customer analytics.
- Pop-ups for last-minute add-ons to orders.
- Automated marketing tools such as posting messages to your social media pages, email blasts, specials or coupons.
If your establishment is new to online ordering, you have plenty of advantages up your sleeve: your current customer base already loves your food; regulars will be craving your items, and people want to support local businesses. The sooner you offer online ordering, the sooner you can continue business during these ongoing mandatory curfews or shutdowns. Yes, this is perhaps a bit overwhelming with everything going on; however, keep these ideas in mind:
- Cities are working with small and medium businesses during this time, consider partnering with other businesses to obtain “10-minute” parking until curfews or shutdowns are lifted.
- Many establishments report over a 25% increase to their bottom line when adding online ordering. When shutdowns and curfews end, you’ll have an extra stream of revenue to help with revenue recovery.
- Keep your valued staff employed during this crisis, they’ll not only be grateful, they will market your establishment to their friends, family, and the public (through their social media accounts).
- Software vendors are actually easy to work with… actually, they are working for you because when you succeed, they succeed.
With the coronavirus and the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurateurs will need to step up their game for the foreseeable future. To keep updated with the latest in foodservice, resources, and this pandemic; be sure to visit Restaurant.org’s Coronavirus page, which is regularly updated.
Instituting online ordering is a profitable venture in general, but with our current times, it will be critical for the interim success of your business. We hope this article has been helpful and provided information to help you make a decision to step into the world of online ordering.
Have you come up with a creative way of keeping your business going during this pandemic? Contact us, we’d love to hear from you!
FAQs:
1. How did online ordering for restaurants help during the coronavirus shutdown?
Online ordering for restaurants was a crucial tool during the coronavirus shutdown. With in-person dining restricted, restaurants that adopted digital ordering platforms were able to keep serving customers through takeout and delivery. It helped maintain cash flow, reduce losses, and even expand customer reach. By offering contactless ordering and payments, restaurants could operate safely and efficiently during lockdowns. This technology became a key driver of restaurant survival during the pandemic and remains essential in 2025 for staying competitive.
2. What is a restaurant online ordering system and how does it work?
A restaurant online ordering system allows customers to browse the menu, place orders, and make payments through a website or app. Orders are routed directly to the restaurant’s POS or kitchen display system, reducing errors and improving speed. In 2025, modern systems like Lavu’s POS integrate seamlessly with online ordering, providing real-time updates, inventory tracking, and delivery coordination. This streamlined process saves time, boosts accuracy, and enhances customer satisfaction.
3. How does a food delivery system for restaurants support long-term growth?
A reliable food delivery system for restaurants enables businesses to tap into the growing demand for convenience. Especially post-COVID, consumers expect digital options. A good delivery system improves order accuracy, speeds up service, and increases revenue without relying solely on third-party apps. Platforms like Lavu offer native delivery integrations, allowing restaurants to manage online, dine-in, and delivery orders in one place—supporting operational efficiency and scalability.
4. What’s the best restaurant POS with online orders in 2025?
The best restaurant POS with online orders in 2025 is one that integrates seamlessly with your website, app, and delivery partners. Lavu offers an all-in-one solution that combines online ordering, inventory, kitchen display, and payment processing. It also supports advanced analytics to help track sales from online channels. Choosing a POS like Lavu ensures your restaurant is equipped to handle modern digital demands, boosting efficiency and revenue.
5. How can Lavu help with restaurant recovery after COVID?
Lavu has been instrumental in supporting restaurant recovery after COVID. Its all-in-one POS system includes features like online ordering, mobile payments, delivery tracking, and real-time reporting. By automating tasks and integrating with platforms like MarketMan and DoorDash, Lavu helps restaurants reduce costs, serve more customers, and adapt to new industry norms. It’s designed to help restaurants not just recover—but thrive in the years ahead.
