The takeaway industry has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, driven by technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviours. For independent takeaway owners, understanding these changes is crucial to remain competitive and profitable in an increasingly digital marketplace.

The UK’s fast food and takeaway sector has experienced significant growth, with the market size reaching £23.1 billion in 2025. This upward trajectory is mirrored globally, as the online food delivery market is projected to generate revenues of $1.85 trillion by 2029. These figures underscore the escalating demand for takeaway services, highlighting a lucrative opportunity for businesses ready to adapt.

Consumer ordering habits have evolved markedly. While telephone orders once dominated, online platforms have gained substantial ground. Research indicates that 50% of consumers have used apps for ordering food in the past 12 months, equalling the proportion who have ordered via telephone.

This shift is particularly pronounced among younger demographics, who favour the convenience and efficiency of digital ordering.

Third-party aggregators like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat have capitalised on this digital shift, offering platforms that connect customers with a variety of eateries. However, these services come at a substantial cost to independent takeaways.

Commission fees can range from 14% to 30% per order, significantly eroding profit margins. Moreover, these platforms often position multiple competitors side by side, intensifying competition and diluting brand identity.

Crucially, the customer relationship is mediated by the aggregator, limiting the takeaway’s ability to foster direct connections and loyalty.

Cut Costs and Reclaim Your Time

For many takeaways, handling orders is still a manual, time-consuming task. Phones ring non-stop, orders get misheard, and staff lose valuable time repeating the same questions. Moving to online ordering changes that.

It frees your team to focus on what matters—making great food and delivering a smooth service—without the constant interruption. It also means fewer mistakes, faster turnaround, and a calmer shop when things get busy.

Make Every Order Worth More

With the right system in place, online ordering isn’t just easier—it’s more profitable. Customers can be shown extras, encouraged to meet a minimum spend, or offered promotions automatically, all before they check out.

You’re not relying on your staff to upsell every time. It happens in the background, consistently, with every order.

Build Loyalty That Lasts

When customers order through a third-party app or a generic system, you lose the chance to build a relationship. With your own platform, they order directly from you.

You keep their contact details, see their order history, and can reach out with offers that bring them back. That’s how you turn one-time visitors into regulars.

Smarter Systems, Stronger Business

This isn’t just about replacing the phone. It’s about taking a part of your business that used to cost time and money, and turning it into something that drives growth.

You stay in control of the customer journey, you increase revenue without increasing workload, and you give your team more breathing room. It’s a smarter, more sustainable way to run your takeaway.