How to Sell on Grubhub: A Step-by-Step Guide for Restaurants

In today’s rapidly evolving food industry, food delivery services have become essential for restaurants aiming to boost revenue, expand their customer base, and enhance the overall dining experience. One of the leading platforms in this space is Grubhub, a prominent player that connects restaurants with a broad network of customers seeking convenient delivery options.

With millions of users actively searching for food options on Grubhub, restaurants can tap into a vast audience by listing their menus on the platform. However, the key to success on Grubhub isn’t just about being listed it’s about optimizing your presence, maximizing visibility, and providing an exceptional experience for your customers. Whether you're new to food delivery services or already familiar with Grubhub, this guide will walk you through the entire process of getting your restaurant set up on the platform, managing orders, and boosting your sales.

Step 1: Understanding Grubhub and Its Benefits for Restaurants

Before diving into the setup process, it’s important to understand what Grubhub is and how it works for restaurants.

How Grubhub Works:

Grubhub is a food delivery and takeout service that connects restaurants with customers through its platform. Customers browse available restaurants, place orders, and have their meals delivered either by Grubhub drivers or the restaurant’s delivery team.

For restaurants, Grubhub serves as a marketing and delivery partner. By joining the platform, your restaurant gains access to a broad customer base looking for food delivery options in their area. Grubhub makes it easy to list your menu, process payments, and manage customer reviews, all while you focus on what you do best: preparing great food.

Benefits of Selling on Grubhub:

• Increased Reach: Grubhub connects restaurants to millions of potential customers. Whether you're a small local eatery or a larger franchise, Grubhub can help you expand your customer base.
• Easy Setup and Integration: Grubhub makes it easy to get started by providing tools to manage your menu, track orders, and handle payments.
• Marketing Exposure: Grubhub’s built-in advertising features, customer reviews, and promotions can boost your restaurant’s visibility and help you stand out in a crowded market.
• Flexible Delivery Options: You can either use Grubhub’s network of drivers for delivery or continue using your team to fulfill orders.
• Increased Sales: Food delivery services, like Grubhub, have been shown to drive significant revenue. A Statista report indicated that online food delivery in the U.S. is expected to surpass $20 billion in 2024, reflecting the growing popularity of these platforms.

With these benefits in mind, selling on Grubhub is an opportunity to grow your restaurant, streamline operations, and reach a new set of customers who prefer ordering in.

Step 2: Signing Up and Creating Your Grubhub Account

Setting up your restaurant on Grubhub is a straightforward process that begins by signing up for a Grubhub account. Here’s how to get started:

1. Visit the Grubhub for Restaurants Website

To begin, head over to the Grubhub for Restaurants website. This page is specifically for restaurant owners looking to join the platform.

2. Fill Out the Application

You’ll be asked to provide basic information about your restaurant, including:

• Restaurant Name
• Location
• Cuisine Type (e.g., Italian, Mexican, Asian)
• Phone Number
• Website or Social Media Links (optional)
• Business License Information (in some cases)

Ensure that your restaurant details are accurate, as Grubhub will use this information to create your profile on the platform.

3. Submit Your Application

Once you’ve entered all the necessary details, submit your application. Grubhub will review your information and, if everything meets its guidelines, approve your restaurant. This usually takes a few business days.

4. Account Approval

Once approved, you’ll receive an email with login details to access your Grubhub restaurant dashboard. From here, you can manage your menu, track orders, and access reporting features.

Step 3: Adding Your Menu to Grubhub

Your menu is one of the most important aspects of your Grubhub listing. It’s how customers will decide what to order, so you want to make it as appealing and detailed as possible.

1. Add Your Dishes and Prices

• Dish Names: Be clear and descriptive when naming your dishes. Include the key ingredients and any notable details that may make your offerings stand out.
• Descriptions: Provide detailed descriptions for each item, especially for signature dishes. Consider including any dietary options (e.g., gluten-free, vegetarian).
• Prices: Ensure your prices are accurate. Grubhub lets you set prices directly, but make sure they reflect what’s on your restaurant’s physical menu.

2. Upload High-Quality Photos

A high-quality image can significantly increase the chances of a customer ordering a dish. Upload clear, appealing photos that highlight your food in an appetizing way. Customers are more likely to engage with listings that feature images.

3. Menu Customization and Special Instructions

• Customization Options: If you offer customizable dishes (e.g., toppings, add-ons), make sure customers know how to make their requests.
• Special Instructions: Grubhub allows customers to add special instructions when ordering, such as “extra sauce” or “no onions.” Make sure your menu reflects these options to reduce customer confusion.

Step 4: Setting Up Payment Information

Grubhub handles payment processing on your behalf, but you’ll need to set up your payment details so that you can receive funds.

1. Enter Bank Details

You’ll be required to provide your restaurant’s bank account information. Grubhub deposits your payments directly into your account, usually on a weekly basis, after deducting their commission fee (typically 15% to 30%).

2. Understand Grubhub’s Commission Structure

Grubhub charges restaurants a commission fee for each order placed through the platform. These fees cover the cost of customer acquisition, payment processing, and delivery. Make sure to factor this fee into your pricing strategy.

Step 5: Managing Orders and Deliveries

Once your restaurant is listed on Grubhub, customers will start placing orders. Grubhub makes it easy to manage these orders and ensure timely delivery.

1. Order Notifications

Grubhub sends real-time notifications when customers place orders. You’ll receive the order details in your Grubhub dashboard or mobile app. Accept or decline orders based on your current kitchen capacity.

2. Delivery Options

• Grubhub Drivers: If you opt for Grubhub’s delivery service, the platform will dispatch one of their drivers to pick up and deliver the food.
• Your Delivery Team: If you have your delivery staff, you can manage the delivery process in-house. Grubhub allows you to choose your preferred delivery method.

3. Tracking Orders

Once you’ve accepted an order, Grubhub will provide estimated delivery times. Use the Grubhub dashboard to track your deliveries and ensure that food is delivered on time.

Step 6: Promoting Your Grubhub Listing

Simply being listed on Grubhub isn’t enough to drive sales you need to actively promote your restaurant to increase visibility and attract more customers.

1. Grubhub Advertising

Grubhub offers various advertising options, allowing you to pay for higher visibility. You can boost your restaurant’s position in search results or run promotions to attract new customers.

2. Promotions and Discounts

Grubhub allows you to create special offers for customers, such as free delivery or discounts on certain menu items. Offering time-limited promotions can drive more traffic to your listing and increase order volume.

3. Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customer reviews are crucial to attracting more business. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your Grubhub listing. Responding to feedback whether positive or negative shows that you care about customer satisfaction.

Step 7: Tracking Performance and Optimizing Sales

Once you’re up and running, it’s essential to monitor your restaurant’s performance and make improvements based on the data you collect.

1. Use Grubhub Analytics

Grubhub provides detailed reports on sales, customer feedback, and order trends. You can track which items are selling the most, identify busy times, and optimize your menu based on performance.

2. Optimize Your Menu

Based on customer preferences, consider adjusting your menu. If a particular dish is consistently popular, you might want to offer variations or add similar items to appeal to a broader customer base.

3. Improve Customer Experience

Customer service is paramount. Ensure that orders are accurate, timely, and handled with care. A seamless delivery experience increases the likelihood of repeat orders and positive reviews.

How to Optimize Your Grubhub Profile for Maximum Visibility and Sales

To truly succeed on Grubhub, it’s not just about getting listed it’s about optimizing your profile to attract more customers, increase visibility, and maximize sales. Here are some tips to enhance your Grubhub profile:

1. Create a Compelling Restaurant Description

Your restaurant’s description is one of the first things customers see. Make it clear, engaging, and informative. Highlight what makes your restaurant unique, whether it’s your signature dishes, special ingredients, or the type of atmosphere you offer. This description should entice potential customers to choose you over competitors.

2. Use High-Quality Photos

Photos are essential for attracting customers on Grubhub. Ensure that you upload high-quality images of your menu items.

A picture can make all the difference, so focus on appealingly showcasing your best dishes. If possible, add lifestyle images showing your food being enjoyed in a home setting to make it relatable to customers.

3. Offer Special Deals or Promotions

Customers love deals, and offering promotions can drive more traffic to your Grubhub page. Consider offering limited-time discounts, free delivery, or special meal bundles to encourage more orders. You can easily create promotions within the Grubhub platform, which can help increase your visibility and boost your order volume.

4. Encourage Customer Reviews

Customer feedback plays a significant role in attracting new diners. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on your Grubhub listing. Positive reviews help build credibility and give new customers the confidence to order from your restaurant. Respond to reviews, whether positive or negative, to show that you value customer input.

5. Stay Consistent with Order Fulfillment

Your restaurant’s reputation on Grubhub is built on consistent order fulfillment. Ensure that orders are delivered on time and that the food is fresh and packaged well. Timely deliveries and quality food will not only result in positive reviews but also improve your ranking in Grubhub search results, leading to more exposure.

Conclusion: Selling on Grubhub and Growing Your Restaurant Business

Selling on Grubhub provides a valuable opportunity for restaurants to reach a larger audience and grow their customer base. With a simple setup process, robust features, and marketing tools, Grubhub makes it easier for restaurants to expand their business through online orders. By optimizing your menu, offering promotions, and ensuring timely deliveries, you can maximize your success on the platform and build a loyal customer base.

Ready to get started? Sign up for Grubhub for Restaurants today and start tapping into a growing market of food delivery customers.

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