Ordering food through apps like DoorDash, Grubhub, or Uber Eats seems convenient, but behind that ease is a hidden reality that negatively impacts your favorite local eateries and the tradition of family dining.
The Financial Toll on Local Restaurants
Third-party delivery services typically charge restaurants commissions ranging from 15% to 30% per order, drastically cutting into already slim profit margins. According to the National Restaurant Association, about 90% of restaurants report lower profits due to these high fees. Many independent restaurants, like Goombas Pizza Grinder in Arvada, struggle to balance these extra costs while keeping their prices fair.
A Local Example: Goombas Pizza Grinder
Beloved restaurants in Arvada, such as Goombas Pizza Grinder, encourage customers to order directly to maintain fair pricing and quality service. By ordering directly from Goombas' menu here, you help ensure your favorite pizza spot continues to thrive without unnecessary price hikes.
How Delivery Apps Are Changing Family Dining Habits
The rise of third-party delivery services has led to a decline in traditional family outings. Data from Statista indicates a 20% drop in family dine-in experiences over the past five years, a trend that directly correlates with the growth of food delivery services.
Dining out at local restaurants like Goombas Pizza Grinder strengthens community bonds and boosts the local economy. Dine-in customers typically order additional items like appetizers, beverages, and desserts—purchases often skipped when ordering delivery. This extra revenue helps sustain businesses and keeps employees working.
The Hidden Costs of Delivery Apps
Beyond restaurant fees, third-party delivery services introduce additional concerns:
Higher Menu Prices:Â Many restaurants inflate delivery menu prices to offset the commission fees.
Lower Food Quality:Â Delivery times can compromise food temperature and freshness.
Customer Service Issues:Â Restaurants have limited control over order accuracy and timeliness when using third-party platforms.
Lost Revenue for Local Businesses:Â The money spent on third-party orders often benefits large corporations rather than local restaurants.
How You Can Support Local Restaurants
Want to help your favorite Arvada eateries thrive? Here’s how:
1. Order Directly
Placing your order through a restaurant’s website or by calling them directly ensures that 100% of your money supports the business. Many restaurants, like Goombas, have easy-to-use online ordering systems.
2. Opt for Pickup or Dine-In
Choosing to pick up your food instead of using third-party delivery helps restaurants avoid unnecessary fees. Better yet, dining in provides a more enjoyable experience for you and your family while supporting local jobs.
3. Join Loyalty Programs
Many restaurants offer loyalty programs with discounts and rewards for repeat customers. Goombas Pizza Grinder and other local favorites provide special deals for direct customers—be sure to ask about these perks!
Other Arvada Restaurants Encouraging Direct Ordering
Beyond Goombas, several other local restaurants in Arvada support direct ordering:
Beau Jo's Pizza – Famous for its Colorado-style pizza, offering direct ordering from their website.
Lot One – A popular local bar and eatery with a direct ordering system.
Yak & Yeti – A beloved Indian and Nepalese restaurant that encourages direct dining and pickup orders.
By choosing to order directly from these local establishments, you help sustain Arvada’s vibrant dining community, ensuring these cherished spots continue to flourish.
The Bottom Line: Eat Local, Order Direct
Every time you place a direct order, you're making a difference. Not only are you ensuring great meals and supporting hardworking local restaurant owners, but you're also investing in Arvada’s economy and preserving the joy of family dining experiences.
Next time you're craving pizza, skip the delivery app and order straight from Goombas Pizza Grinder. Your community—and your taste buds—will thank you!
FAQs
1. Why do restaurants prefer direct orders over third-party apps?Restaurants prefer direct orders because they avoid 15-30% commission fees, allowing them to keep prices reasonable and maintain profit margins.
2. Are third-party delivery apps bad for all restaurants?Not necessarily, but smaller, independently owned restaurants are disproportionately affected by high fees compared to larger chains that negotiate lower commissions.
3. Does ordering directly from a restaurant cost less?Yes! Many restaurants increase prices on third-party platforms to offset commission fees, so ordering directly often means lower costs for customers.
4. What’s the best way to find a restaurant’s direct ordering link?Most restaurants list their official ordering links on their website or social media pages. If unsure, call the restaurant and ask!
5. Can I still tip the restaurant when ordering directly?Absolutely! Tipping directly ensures that 100% of your tip goes to the restaurant staff rather than being split with a delivery service.
Eat Local. Order Direct. Enjoy Arvada.