Food for Thought
June 1, 2023

Harnessing the Power of Recommendation Engines in Food Delivery Apps

Picture this: You're sitting on your couch, scrolling through your favourite food delivery app. Suddenly, you see a recommendation for a new sushi place that's just around the corner. You're a sushi fanatic, so how did they know? Well, my friend, you've just experienced the power of a recommendation engine.

Recommendation engines are like that friend who knows your taste in food so well, they always suggest the best places to eat. But instead of relying on memory, these engines use data - lots and lots of data. They analyse your past orders, browsing history, and even ratings to suggest meals you're likely to enjoy. It's like having a personal foodie guide right in your pocket!

According to a report by Watchful.ai, food delivery apps are starting to take a leaf out of social media's book. They're exploring how platforms like TikTok and Instagram use powerful recommendation engines to keep users engaged. DoorDash, for instance, is testing a new "browse" tab that could function like a TikTok-like feed of recommended restaurants. Now, isn't that a tasty thought?

Now, you might be thinking, “That’s all well and good, but how can I rank higher on these delivery apps?”. Well, there’s lots of ways to rank higher on a delivery app.

Here’s 7 top tips to rank higher on Deliveroo:

  • Provide Detailed Information: Ensure your restaurant's profile on the app is complete and up-to-date. This includes your menu, prices, hours of operation, and any special features or promotions. The more information the recommendation engine has, the better it can match your restaurant with potential customers.
  • High-Quality Photos: Include high-quality photos of your dishes. Visual appeal is a significant factor in food selection, and attractive photos can significantly increase your chances of being recommended.
  • Encourage Reviews: Customer reviews play a crucial role in recommendation engines. Encourage your satisfied customers to leave positive reviews and ratings on the app. The higher your rating, the more likely the recommendation engine is to suggest your restaurant to others.
  • Offer Variety: Offering a variety of dishes can increase your chances of being recommended. Different customers have different preferences, and a diverse menu can appeal to a wider audience.
  • Promotions and Discounts: Offering special promotions or discounts can attract more customers and increase your visibility on the platform. This can, in turn, improve your ranking in the recommendation engine.
  • Fast and Reliable Service: Ensure your restaurant provides fast and reliable service. This includes preparing orders quickly, ensuring they are correct, and that they arrive at the customer's door while still hot. Good service will lead to positive reviews and higher rankings.
  • Engage with Customers: Respond to reviews, both positive and negative, in a timely and professional manner. This shows that you value customer feedback and are committed to improving your service, which can positively impact your reputation and ranking.

The future of food delivery apps is looking more personalised and delicious than ever. And with the power of recommendation engines, who knows what culinary delights we'll discover next?

Tired of competing with takeaway restaurants in your area? Take back control of your business and your money. Try storekit’s all in one takeaway system for restaurants, for free here.

Related resources

Explore our latest hospitality articles - here to help you serve better.

View All

Let's talk

Book a chat with an expert

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to hire more staff?

No, you will not need to hire more floor staff. Our clients find that they can serve more guests with the same team by removing unnecessary steps of service. Your guests get their food & drink quicker, and your staff can focus on providing a better service.

Do you charge commissions?

No, we do not charge commission costs. Only transaction fees, just as you would pay with PDQ machines.

Is my business too small or too big for this?

No matter the shape or size of your business, storekit is the right tool for your operation. We work with all kinds of hospitality businesses in the UK (& abroad) to increase their sales, control their costs & enable an exceptional customer experience.

Will it reduce customer interaction?

No, you will not lose out on customer interaction. By removing tasks for your staff, they can spend more time on what matters. Bar staff can focus on making the best drinks possible, rather than taking orders. Floor staff can focus on engaging with guests and serving with a smile.

Do my guests want to order from their phones?

Online ordering for restaurants lets your guests order what they want, when they want. They get their food & drink quicker, without the stress of paying the bill. Your staff get more tips & can focus on what they do best - providing the best quality customer experience. You'll make more money & save costs. It's a win-win for everyone involved.

How long does it take to get my money?

We send payouts daily, but the bank usually takes 2 days to process them. That means, the money that you earn on Monday will be in your bank account by Thursday morning. This is rolling - so you'll get paid daily.

Can't see the answer? Talk to us.
[email protected]