Menu Close
Digital restaurant customer looking at his previous orders on Dine Local with the words Digital Customers Drive Profit superimposed.

Why Digital Customers Are a Game-Changer for Restaurants

In today’s competitive restaurant industry, every customer counts—but not all customers are equal when it comes to long-term value. Digital customers, those who place orders through an online platform like Dine Local, offer restaurants a powerful advantage over traditional dine-in or phone-order customers. By leveraging data, automation, and direct engagement, restaurants can drive more sales, enhance efficiency, and build stronger customer relationships. Digital customers are a game changer.

Image of a woman with her hands out weighing options to signify comparing restaurant delivery options between Dine Local and third party delivery companies.

The True Cost of Delivery: Comparing Restaurant Delivery Options

In today’s restaurant industry, delivery services are a crucial part of revenue generation. However, the way these services charge restaurants and customers can have a significant impact on profitability and customer choices. In this post, we will break down the cost structure of third-party delivery apps that offer low or free delivery to customers and compare it to Dine Local’s model, which allows restaurants to pass the true cost of delivery to customers.

Image of a chalk board with the words 'Discount Strategies for Restaurant Owners'

To Discount or Not to Discount: A Guide for Restaurant Owners

Discounting is a powerful tool in a restaurant’s pricing strategy, but it’s also a double-edged sword. While discounts can drive sales, attract new customers, and increase order sizes, they can also erode margins, devalue your brand, and train customers to expect lower prices. The key is knowing when and how to use discounts strategically to maximize benefits while minimizing risks. It’s almost Shakespearean: To Discount or Not To Discount… THAT is the question!

Image of a woman holding a restaurant gift card looking very happy with the words Multi-channel Gift Cards and the Dine Local logo

The Power of Multi-Channel Restaurant Gift Cards

Gift cards are a staple for restaurants, but not all gift card programs are created equal. If your restaurant still relies on paper gift cards or cards tied exclusively to your in-store POS system, you’re leaving revenue on the table. In today’s digital world, customers expect more flexibility: gift cards that can be stored digitally, redeemed across any sales channel, and given as gifts that work seamlessly for both dine-in and online orders.

Image of a woman holding a megaphone and a smart phone with the Dine Local logo that says Promos that Work, Customer Data Makes It Happen.

Create Promotions That Drive Orders – and Profits

Promotions, discounts, and limited-time offers are powerful tools to boost orders in your restaurant. But if used recklessly, they can undermine your brand and train customers to wait for deals, cutting into your profits. To truly succeed, your promotions need to strike the perfect balance: driving sales without devaluing your menu. Here’s how to create promotions that drive orders and grow your bottom line, not just your order count.

Photo of a bartender taking a telephone order while customers wait. Highlighted with the text, "Are your customers tired of waiting for staff taking telephone orders?"

Improve Customer Service with Online Ordering

One of the biggest challenges for restaurants with a busy takeout operation is managing orders without sacrificing the experience for in-person guests. Many restaurants still rely on phone orders, or even text messages directly to the owner’s phone. But what happens when you’re stuck explaining menu details over the phone while in-person customers wait impatiently? Your service suffers, and so does the customer experience. It’s time to improve customer service with online ordering.