Google Adds a Direct Food Ordering Feature

Yesterday, popular search engine Google rolled out a new feature that iOS and Android users can use in Search, Maps, and Google Assistant to directly order restaurant delivery. The option allows customers to order food delivery without downloading a delivery app on their mobile device, or visiting a delivery platform from their computer.
Customers should now see a “Order Online” option when they search for a restaurant in Search, Maps, and Google Assistant. It’ll show which delivery service the restaurant works with, as well as the delivery fee that the service might have. If a customer don’t have an account with the delivery service being used with the Google order online feature, it’ll quickly create one with the customer’s Google account.
Currently the Google feature works in partnership with digital delivery service giants such as DoorDash and Postmates. The company is also partnering with smaller platforms like Delivery.com, Slice, and ChowNow to support their delivery services. Google says it will be adding more partners soon. Third party delivery services Uber Eats and GrubHub, who Google currently doesn’t have partnerships with, aare left out in the cold.
The service will definitely give a visibility boost to to local restaurants and Google’s delivery partners. Many customers first browse for types of food, restaurants, menus, etc. using a search engine before using a digital delivery platform.
For Google, the benefit is being seen as a one-stop-shop for restaurant information, reviews and suggestions. The company isn’t alone in partnering with third-party delivery service for easy, connected ordering. TripAdvisor partnered with DoorDash in 2018 to allow users to order directly from its app.
Customers expect to be able to place online orders. A recent poll found that 34% of diners had food delivered in the last 30 days. Does your restaurant support online ordering?
Sintel’s Direct-to-POS ordering system offers vendors a custom mobile app for making orders on the go. Using our omni channel approach customers can order with an employee using a hand held device at busy drive thrus, order from a kiosk, order from their phone or order from a computer. Discounts, loyalty programs and gift cards can be added to the POS system and made available to all customers, no matter how they order. That’s the goal of omni channel POS, service is provided to the customer where they want it, how they want it.