The Ultimate Guide to DoorDash Alternatives in 2025

If you're a restaurant owner, you’ve probably realized by now that relying on DoorDash comes with its fair share of challenges. Sure, the convenience is there, but those hefty commission fees, the limited control over customer data, and the feeling that your brand is just one in a sea of others? Not so great. And let's be honest—after a while, it starts to feel like you’re working for them rather than the other way around.

But here's the good news: you don’t have to stick with DoorDash forever. There are plenty of alternatives out there that can help you save money, regain control of your customer relationships, and still get your food to customers quickly and reliably. In this guide, we’ll dive into the best DoorDash alternatives for 2025, so you can make the right choice for your restaurant’s future.

Key Reasons to Consider Switching From DoorDash

Switching from DoorDash might seem like a big step, but when you dig into the reasons why many restaurants are exploring alternatives, it becomes clear that the switch could be worth it. Let’s break down the key reasons why you should consider leaving DoorDash behind and finding a platform that aligns better with your restaurant’s needs.

1. High Fees and Commission Structure

One of the biggest headaches for restaurants using DoorDash is the steep commission fees. Depending on your agreement, these can range from 15% to a jaw-dropping 30%. Imagine running a successful order and then realizing that a big chunk of your profits is going straight to DoorDash. Ouch.

By switching to alternatives like ChowNow or Sauce, you could drastically reduce or even eliminate these fees. That means more money in your pocket to reinvest into your business, whether it's improving your menu, marketing, or just keeping your staff happy. With the rising costs of running a restaurant, keeping more of your hard-earned cash is more important than ever.

2. Loss of Customer Data and Relationship Control

If you’ve ever felt like you’re missing out on meaningful customer connections, you’re not alone. With DoorDash, you don’t get direct access to your customer’s data, which means you can't send follow-up messages, offer personalized deals, or even encourage repeat business in a meaningful way. Essentially, DoorDash keeps your customers’ contact info, making it harder for you to build long-term relationships.

Alternatives like ChowNow give you full access to that data, which means you can nurture those relationships and keep customers coming back. This is key for building loyalty—something DoorDash just can’t offer.

3. Branding Challenges with DoorDash

Have you ever scrolled through DoorDash and found yourself getting lost in a sea of restaurant names and logos? The problem with DoorDash is that your restaurant doesn’t really get to stand out. Instead of building a brand that customers recognize and trust, you’re just another name on a menu of endless choices.

With platforms like Sauce or ChowNow, your branding is front and center. You get a white-label solution, which means your logo, colors, and brand voice are the ones customers interact with. It's your restaurant, your brand, every step of the way.

4. Competition Saturation on the Platform

We’ve all been there—searching for something specific on DoorDash, only to be overwhelmed by countless options. With so many restaurants competing for attention, it can be tough to stand out. The result? You may end up fighting for visibility with other similar restaurants, making it harder to catch the eye of potential customers.

By switching to alternatives like Sauce or Grubhub, you can target more niche markets or reduce the number of competitors in your category. This allows you to carve out a space for your restaurant where your unique offerings shine.

The Top DoorDash Alternatives to Consider in 2025

Now that we've covered the key reasons to switch, let’s dive into the best alternatives to DoorDash. Each of these platforms offers unique benefits, helping you decide which one suits your restaurant's needs. Whether you’re after more control, lower fees, or better customer engagement, these options are worth exploring in 2025.

1. Uber Eats – A Strong Competitor with Extensive Reach

Uber Eats is one of the biggest names in food delivery. It benefits from Uber’s already-established ride-sharing network, giving it a massive customer base. If you’re looking for wide exposure quickly, Uber Eats is a top contender.

Pros:

• Huge customer base that’s always looking for food delivery.
• Integration with Uber’s ridesharing services, making it easy for customers to add a ride with their food order.
• Access to Uber Eats promotions and loyalty programs.

Cons:

• High commission fees, which can eat into your profits.
• Limited control over customer data and branding.
• Intense competition from thousands of restaurants.

Best For:

Restaurants that want broad exposure and can handle the higher fees in exchange for reaching a wide audience.

2. Grubhub – A Solid Choice for Loyal Customers

Grubhub has been around for years, making it one of the most established platforms in the food delivery industry. Its user base is loyal, and it offers restaurants the tools to promote their business effectively.

Pros:

• A long-standing customer base with plenty of loyal users.
• Marketing tools like coupons and loyalty programs.
• Integrates well with restaurant POS systems, making operations smooth.

Cons:

• Similar to Uber Eats, Grubhub charges a commission fee.
• Limited flexibility for restaurants in terms of customizing their storefronts.
• Customers are sometimes “hidden” under the Grubhub brand rather than the restaurant’s own brand.

Best For:

Restaurants looking to tap into an established customer base with reliable marketing tools.

3. ChowNow – The Commission-Free, White-Label Solution

ChowNow is a standout option for restaurants that want to cut out commissions altogether. With ChowNow, you get a fully white-label solution, meaning your customers order directly from your website, not a third-party platform.

Pros:

• No commission fees, allowing you to keep all of your earnings.
• Full control over your branding, with your restaurant’s identity front and center.
• Access to customer data, which is invaluable for marketing and loyalty programs.

Cons:

• You’ll need to invest time and effort into marketing and customer acquisition.
• Doesn’t have the same level of customer base as Uber Eats or Grubhub.
• Limited reach compared to larger delivery apps.

Best For:

Independent restaurants looking for control over their branding, customer data, and a commission-free platform.

4. Sauce – Cost-Effective and Flexible Delivery Solutions

Sauce offers a flexible and cost-effective solution for restaurants, with no commission fees. This makes it a great choice for restaurants looking to save money while offering their customers a seamless delivery experience.

Pros:

• No commission fees—your earnings are yours to keep.
• Flexible delivery options that allow you to choose your own drivers or work with Sauce’s network.
• Easy-to-use interface and real-time tracking for orders.

Cons:

• Less brand recognition compared to larger platforms like Uber Eats or Grubhub.
• Smaller customer base, so you’ll need to drive your own traffic.
• Limited promotional tools compared to larger platforms.

Best For:

Restaurants that want to save on fees and have more flexibility with delivery management.

5. Toast POS – Integrated Platform for Full-Service Restaurants

Toast POS isn’t just a point-of-sale system—it’s an all-in-one restaurant management platform. It integrates seamlessly with delivery services, allowing you to manage everything from online ordering to in-store payments.

Pros:

• Full integration with your POS system for smooth operations.
• Offers powerful data analytics and customer insights.
• Built specifically for the restaurant industry, providing tailored solutions.

Cons:

• Requires investment in hardware and software setup.
• More suitable for full-service restaurants than quick-service or delivery-only models.
• Can be more complex and costly than simple delivery platforms.

Best For:

Full-service restaurants looking for an integrated solution that handles both in-store and online orders seamlessly.

How to Choose the Best DoorDash Alternative for Your Restaurant

Now that you’ve seen the top alternatives, you might be wondering how to choose the right one for your restaurant. It’s not just about picking the platform with the lowest fees or the biggest customer base; it’s about selecting the one that best fits your unique business needs. Let’s go through a few key considerations that will help you make the best decision.

1. Understanding Your Restaurant's Unique Needs

Every restaurant is different. The platform that works wonders for one might not be the best choice for another. For example, a fast-casual restaurant with high volume might benefit from a platform with a large customer base like Uber Eats, while a fine-dining restaurant may need a more customized, commission-free solution like ChowNow.

Take some time to assess what matters most for your business:

• Customer control: Do you want to have direct access to your customers, or are you okay with third-party control?
• Brand visibility: Is maintaining your restaurant’s branding a priority, or do you need the exposure that comes with big platforms?
• Delivery flexibility: Do you want to use your own drivers, or are you comfortable with a platform managing the logistics?

Understanding your unique needs is the first step to finding the best alternative.

2. Evaluating Fees, Customer Reach, and Integration

Once you’ve identified what matters most to your restaurant, it’s time to look at the numbers. Fee structures, customer reach, and integration with your existing systems will play a huge role in your decision-making process.

• Commission Fees: While some platforms like ChowNow and Sauce offer commission-free models, others charge a percentage per order. Be sure to calculate how these fees will impact your profit margins, especially if you’re working with tight margins.
• Customer Reach: Some platforms, like Uber Eats and Grubhub, have a massive user base, which means more exposure. But remember, more customers also mean more competition.
• Integration: If you already use a POS system or other software, check to see if the platform you’re considering integrates seamlessly. Platforms like Toast POS offer end-to-end solutions, while others might require additional tools or manual entry.

3. Considering Long-Term Scalability

As your business grows, your needs might change. It’s essential to choose a platform that can scale with you. For example, a smaller, independent restaurant might start with a commission-free platform like ChowNow, but as it expands, it may benefit from the broader reach and marketing tools of Grubhub or Uber Eats.

Think about where you want your restaurant to be in 3-5 years and choose a platform that can grow with you. Look for features like analytics, multi-location support, and marketing tools that can help you scale successfully.

4. Test and Iterate

Before you fully commit to a platform, consider running a pilot. Many alternatives offer trial periods or flexible contracts, which give you the chance to test how well the platform fits with your business.

During the trial, gather feedback from your staff and customers. Is the ordering process smooth? Are delivery times consistent? How well is the platform handling your specific needs?

By testing the platform first, you can make an informed decision and ensure that it’s the right fit for your restaurant long-term.

The Impact of Switching from DoorDash to Alternatives on Restaurant Growth

Switching from DoorDash to an alternative platform can have a significant impact on your restaurant’s growth. The right platform can provide better customer engagement, improved profit margins, and more control over your brand. In this section, we’ll explore how switching to a better-fit delivery platform can contribute to long-term success.

Customer Loyalty and Direct Communication

One of the most powerful benefits of switching from DoorDash is gaining control over your customer relationships. With platforms like ChowNow or Sauce, you have access to customer data, allowing you to engage directly with your customers. This means you can build stronger, more personal connections, offer loyalty programs, and send follow-up messages to encourage repeat business.

On DoorDash, you’re limited to communicating through the app, and you have no way of tracking customer preferences or sending personalized offers. Regaining control over your communications allows you to create lasting relationships, which are crucial for building a loyal customer base that keeps coming back for more.

Branding and Market Differentiation

Your restaurant's brand is everything. When you rely on DoorDash, your brand can get lost in the noise, especially when customers are more focused on price or convenience. By switching to an alternative like ChowNow or Sauce, you have the opportunity to showcase your branding front and center. These platforms offer white-label solutions, meaning your customers see your logo, your colors, and your brand—just the way you want it.

Building a strong brand identity isn’t just about logos and colors; it’s about creating an experience that resonates with your customers. When your restaurant’s personality shines through in every interaction, it helps set you apart from competitors. That differentiation is key for attracting and retaining customers in an increasingly crowded market.

Cost Savings and Better Profit Margins

Commissions, fees, and delivery charges can add up quickly, especially on platforms like DoorDash. For restaurants that operate on thin margins, those fees can be a real pain. By switching to commission-free platforms like ChowNow or Sauce, you can keep more of your earnings. This allows you to reinvest in areas that matter most, whether it’s quality ingredients, better customer service, or marketing efforts to attract new customers.

Not only does this improve your bottom line, but it also opens up new possibilities for your restaurant’s financial health. More savings mean you can grow your business without constantly worrying about overhead costs.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right DoorDash Alternative for Your Restaurant's Future

Switching from DoorDash to a better-suited alternative can transform your restaurant’s future. Whether it's gaining control over customer data, saving on commission fees, or enhancing your brand's visibility, the right platform can help you achieve your business goals. Alternatives like ChowNow and Sauce offer commission-free options, while platforms like Toast POS provide an all-in-one solution to streamline your operations.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to what matters most to your restaurant—whether that’s cost savings, customer engagement, or marketing power. By making the switch, you’ll not only reduce overhead but also position your restaurant for long-term success. Take the time to explore your options and choose the platform that will help your restaurant thrive.