When restaurant owners search for a Restaurant Online Ordering Software, they’re usually trying to clarify a few practical concerns before committing to any tool:
- How do customers place orders online without calling or sending WhatsApp messages?
- Will online orders clash with dine-in or delivery operations?
- Can customers order directly from their table?
- Will the kitchen receive online orders clearly and in real time?
- How do I manage delivery fees, riders, and zones myself?
- Will menu prices and availability update automatically?
- Do I still control my customer data and payments?
These questions are less about features and more about control. Restaurant owners want to move online without breaking what already works inside the restaurant.
The online food delivery market in Nigeria is rapidly expanding. Latest industry research shows the market was worth around USD 1 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to nearly USD 2.5 billion by 2033, with double-digit annual growth. This growth is driven by rising smartphone use, better internet access, changing consumer behaviour, and a preference for convenience and contactless ordering. For restaurants, this trend means customers increasingly expect online ordering — not just through third-party apps but directly from the restaurant through a restaurant online ordering software.
What a Restaurant Online Ordering Software Really Is
A restaurant online ordering software is more than a website or digital menu.
It is a system that allows customers to:
- browse the menu online
- place orders themselves
- choose how they want to be served (dine-in, takeaway, or delivery)
- complete the order without staff intervention
At the same time, it must keep restaurant operations organised — from the kitchen to delivery and payment reconciliation.
Why Online Ordering Fails in Many Restaurants
Many restaurants adopt online ordering tools that were not designed for live restaurant environments.
Common problems include:
- online orders arriving separately from in-store orders
- kitchen staff receiving unclear or delayed tickets
- delivery orders mixed up with dine-in tables
- manual coordination of riders and fees
- payment records that don’t match actual orders
The issue is rarely demand. It’s usually a restaurant online ordering software that is disconnected from major restaurant operations.
How a Proper Online Storefront Supports Restaurant Operations
1. A Digital Menu Customers Can Order From
A proper restaurant online ordering software starts with a live digital menu.
This menu:
- is accessible via QR code or shared link
- shows real prices and availability
- updates instantly when items change or sell out
- stays consistent across dine-in and online views
Customers don’t just view the menu — they place orders directly from it.
2. One Storefront for Dine-In, Takeaway, and Delivery
Instead of managing multiple channels, a restaurant online ordering software should support:
- dine-in orders
- takeaway orders
- delivery orders
Each order is clearly tagged by type, so staff and kitchen teams know exactly how it should be handled.
This prevents mix-ups and reduces service delays.
3. Orders Flow Directly to the Kitchen
Online orders should never require retyping, screenshots, or verbal explanations.
In a well-designed restaurant online ordering software:
- orders move directly into kitchen workflows
- items are organised by restaurant section (e.g., Kitchen, Bar)
- order notes are visible to kitchen staff
- preparation happens in real time
This keeps kitchen operations calm, even during peak hours.
4. Built-In Delivery and Rider Management
For restaurants handling their own delivery, control matters. A strong online storefront allows restaurants to:
- define delivery zones
- set delivery fees per zone
- add and manage dispatch riders
- assign riders to orders internally
This reduces dependency on third-party marketplaces and protects margins.
5. Clean Checkout and Payment Flow
An online storefront should also simplify payments.
Orders should:
- go through a clear checkout flow
- capture customer and order details correctly
- stay linked to the selected order type
- reflect accurately in sales and reports
This makes end-of-day reconciliation easier and more reliable.
How Lumi Business Powers Restaurant Online Storefronts
Lumi Business provides restaurants with online storefronts designed around real restaurant workflows.
With Lumi Business, restaurants can:
- create digital menus accessible via QR code or link
- allow customers to place orders online directly from the menu
- support dine-in, takeaway, and delivery from one storefront
- route orders to the correct kitchen sections
- manage delivery zones, riders, and fees
- keep menu prices and availability in sync
- retain full control of customer data and payments
The system is built to keep operations aligned as orders move online.
Comparative Analysis
| Feature / Vendor | Lumi Business | Foodo | OrderRave | eRestaurant NG | Goeatery | Orda Africa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Menu with Online Ordering | ✅ Yes — integrated and mobile friendly | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes — QR & online ordering | ⚠ Basic menu | ⚠ Focused more on QR/ordering | ⚠ More marketplace/aggregator |
| QR Code Menus | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not highlighted | ✅ Yes — core feature | ⚠ | ⚠ Yes (QR menu first) | ❌ Not a core feature |
| Dine-In + Delivery + Takeaway Order Flow | ✅ Unified ordering flow | ⚠ Yes — online + delivery | ⚠ Yes (online) | ⚠ Basic ordering | ⚠ Online orders via QR | ⚠ Marketplace orders |
| Table Ordering Support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ QR table ordering | ⚠ Basic ordering | ❌ | ❌ |
| Real-Time Menu Updates | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⚠ Basic catalog updates | ✅ Yes | ⚠ |
| Delivery Coordination & Rider Support | ✅ Built-in | ✅ Integrated local logistics | ❌ Not core | ⚠ Limited | ⚠ Basic | ⚠ Generally marketplace routing |
| Analytics & Insights | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (customer trends, popular items) | ✅ Yes — sales insights | ⚠ Basic reporting | ⚠ Basic ordering stats | ✅ Business analytics across channels |
| Integration with Kitchen Workflows | ✅ Native | ⚠ Yes (notifications) | ➖ Yes (order notifications) | ⚠ Depends setup | ⚠ Basic | ✅ POS + ordering sync |
| Best For | Unified restaurant operations (tables, online, kitchen, delivery) | Restaurants wanting commission-free online orders + marketing tools | Restaurants wanting simple QR + online ordering | Small restaurants needing basic POS + online | Order-centric QR menus & ordering | Restaurants needing omnichannel and marketplace orders |
How These Platforms Differ in Practical Restaurant Terms
Lumi Business — Complete Restaurant Online Storefront
- Designed around restaurant operations including dine-in, delivery, tables, and kitchen workflows.
- Digital menu and online orders tie directly into operations (not separate modules).
- Strong backend visibility and ownership of data and payments.
Foodo — Commission-Free Online Ordering
- Focuses on giving restaurants a custom branded online ordering system without marketplace commissions.
- Includes marketing automation and delivery coordination.
- Excellent for owners who want to reduce reliance on high-commission platforms.
OrderRave — QR & Online Ordering Platform
- Offers real-time updated digital menus with QR scanning and ordering.
- Built-in analytics and dashboard for tracking menu performance.
- Table ordering via QR is included but deeper kitchen linkage and delivery tools are lighter.
eRestaurant NG — Local POS with Online Option
- A Nigerian POS catering to core restaurant functions.
- Supports orders and menu display; online ordering features are not prominently documented publicly, so capabilities are likely basic and vary by setup.
Goeatery — Order-First Product
- Focuses on online ordering interfaces (often QR first).
- Less emphasis on structured dine-in + table + kitchen workflows compared to a unified system.
Orda Africa — Omnichannel Operating System
- Marketed as an operating system for restaurants with POS, inventory, analytics, and omnichannel sales acceptance, including third-party channels.
- Provides business analytics and can process orders from multiple platforms, but it’s more aggregator/marketplace-oriented compared to Lumi’s restaurant-workflow focus.
Conclusion
Moving online should not mean losing control.
A restaurant online storefront should:
- make ordering easier for customers
- keep kitchen and service teams aligned
- give restaurant owners visibility across orders, delivery, and payments
When designed properly, online ordering becomes an extension of restaurant operations.
FAQ: Restaurant Online Storefront Software
Can customers place orders online without staff involvement?
Yes. Customers can browse the menu and submit orders directly through the online storefront on Lumi Business.
Does online ordering support dine-in tables?
Yes. on Lumi Business, dine-in orders can be linked to specific tables to avoid confusion.
Will the kitchen receive online orders automatically?
Yes. on Lumi Business, orders flow directly into kitchen workflows without manual re-entry.
Can restaurants manage delivery themselves?
Yes. on Lumi Business, Restaurants can set delivery zones, fees, and assign riders internally.
Who owns the customer data and payments?
The restaurant retains full control of customer information and payment records.