Restaurants apps have become the new norm for consumers to interact with dining establishments, as these apps have simplified the different aspects of the dining experience, from reservations to delivery and management.
With easy access to menus customers are now able to place orders from the smartphones while enjoying the comfort of their homes.
Well, the average cost to develop a restaurant app is typically around $10,000 to $50.000+, which depends on various factors which include features, complexity of the app and many other factors which we will discuss in detail below.
Thereare different reasons to build a restaurant app in 2025, let us look into these reasons in detail.
Major Reasons to Develop a Restaurant App
In the year 2025, developing a restaurant app is vital due to the ever-increasing customers preferring mobile ordering instead of typical dine in experiences.
Now, let us look into some major reasons to build a restaurant app in 2025 –
Growing Online Food Delivery Market
The food delivery market is expected to reach an astonishing $1.79 trillion by the end of the year 2026, making 2025 the best year to tap into this gold mine of an industry.
The digital ordering has grown 300% faster than the dine-in traffic ever since the year 2014, which clearly indicates a shift towards online platforms.
Increased Consumer Preference for Mobile Apps
There are approximately 70% of the new generation of consumers that prefer getting their food delivered to their doorstep through online restaurant apps or web applications.
Restaurants with a dedicated mobile app have seen 20% increase in customer loyalty when compared to restaurant without apps, which clearly portrays the effectiveness of engagement produced by mobile apps.
Enhanced Customer Experience & Loyalty
Loyalty programs provided through the restaurants has seen about 60% retention of consumers.
Personalized recommendations and in-app promotions are able to entice customer to visit the restaurant app regularly which in turn increases the overall customer satisfaction.
Competitive Advantage in the Market
With almost 65% of quick-service restaurants and fast-food chains have developed their own mobile applications, which clearly displays the necessity of staying competitive in this modern digital era we live in.
The restaurants are able to leverage various cutting-edge technology effectively to optimize operations and enhance the experiences of the consumers which in turn increases the profit ratios.
Streamlined Operations & Efficiency
A mobile restaurant app can enhance the over efficiency by automating table bookings, order management and payment processing, reduced wait times.
By implementing back-of-house technologies, restaurants are able to gain deeper insights into the profit margins and operational control which is vital for maintaining profitability in a competitive landscape.
These are some of the major reasons to develop a restaurant app. Now, let us look into the different kinds of restaurant apps.
Different Kinds of Restaurant applications
There are various kinds of restaurant applications with different purposes which cater to specific needs within the food service industry.
The main categories are provided below –
Online Ordering Apps
Online ordering apps such as Domino’s pizza, Grubhub allow consumers to browse through the menu, customize orders and place food orders for delivery or pickup.
Reservation & Table Management Apps
These kind of apps such as OpenTable, Resy are able to provide customers with the choice to book tables in advance and help restaurants manage reservations and seating arrangements.
Loyalty & Rewards Apps
The various loyalty program apps such as the Starbucks Rewards, Dunkin’ Donuts app are able to offer rewards to encourage customers to frequently visit and increases the customer retention.
These apps are able to assist users discover new restaurants and explore menus which often feature reviews and ratings.
The examples of these kind of apps are Yelp, Zomato and TripAdvisor.
Delivery & Logistics
These apps such as DoorDash, Postmates are assisting restaurants by streamlining the delivery process, managing logistics and driver assignments.
These are some different kinds of restaurant apps which you can develop to earn good profit and revenue in 2025.
Now, let us look into the average cost to develop a restaurant application.
Average Cost to Develop a Restaurant App
The average cost to develop a restaurant app is typically around $10,000 to $50,000+ which depends on various factors which we will discuss below.
The table provides the summary of the average cost to develop different types of restaurant applications –
| Type of App | Average Cost Range |
| Basic Online Ordering App | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Reservation Management App | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Loyalty and Rewards App | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Full-Featured Delivery App | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Inventory Management App | $20,000 – $40,000 |
Now, after looking at the average cost to build a restaurant app.
Let us understand the factors that severely influence the cost to develop a restaurant application.
Factors that Affect the Cost to Develop a Restaurant Application
There are different factors that influence the cost to develop a restaurant application, in-detail breakdown of all these factors are provided below –
App type
The type of restaurant app you wish to build influences the cost to develop a restaurant application.
A basic online ordering app which primarily focuses on allowing consumers to look through the menus and order is easier to develop and costs less than that of a fully featured online delivery app with real-time tracking, multiple payment option and user profiles.
The more complex the app, the higher the development cost due to the increased development time and resources required.
Therefore, understanding the various types of restaurant apps along with their functionalities are crucial for making decisions with your business and budget.
The table below provides a breakdown on how the type of restaurant app impacts the overall cost to build a restaurant app –
| App Type | Cost Range |
| Basic Online Ordering App | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Reservation Management App | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Full-Featured Delivery App | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Loyalty and Rewards App | $10,000 – $25,000 |
Features and functionality
The number of features and functionality of the app severely impacts the cost to develop a restaurant app.
Basic features which include menu browsing, order placement and payment processing are essential and easy to implement than that of advanced functionalities such as user accounts, personalized recommendations loyalty programs and push notifications.
It is vital to balance essential functionalities with the budget, and overloading your app with unnecessary will needlessly increase the cost factor.
The table below provides a breakdown on how the number of features and functionalities impacts the overall cost to build a restaurant app –
| Feature | Cost Impact |
| Basic Features | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Advanced Features | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Custom Features | $20,000 – $40,000 |
Platform
The choice of platform you decide to develop your app in significantly impacts the cost to develop a restaurant application.
Developing for a single platform typically takes less time and fewer resources than developing native applications for both the platforms.
So, it is essential to consider your target audience when selecting the platform you want to develop a restaurant app in.
The table below provides a breakdown on how the choice of platform impacts the overall cost to build a restaurant app –
| Platform | Cost Range |
| Single Platform (iOS or Android) | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Both Platforms | $30,000 – $60,000 |
Design Complexity
The complexity of the design significantly influences the cost to develop a restaurant app.
A simple design which includes basic layouts, standard navigation and minimal customization are less costly to implement than that of a custom built that has unique branding elements, animations and advanced user experience features which require more time and expertise to implement.
It is necessary to closely work with the designers and developers to develop the app according to your brand identity and idea.
The table below provides a breakdown on how the complexity of the design impacts the cost to develop a restaurant app –
| Design Complexity | Cost Range |
| Simple Design | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Custom Design | $10,000 – $25,000 |
Backend Development
A robust backend is a vital factor that impacts the cost to develop a restaurant app.
A basic backend infrastructure which include essential features such as the user authentication and simple database management can be implemented with lower costs when compared to complex backend which includes features such as real-time data processing, complex database structures and integration with third-party services.
A well-developed backed is vital for the app to run smoothly and should be able to handle multiple users at once, especially during peak hours.
Teaming up with experienced developers is essential for the maintenance of the backend as backend is responsible for handling the security vulnerabilities and the performance of the app.
The table below provides a breakdown on how the complexity of the design impacts the cost to develop a restaurant app –
The table below provides a breakdown on how the backend development of the app impacts the overall cost to develop a restaurant app –
| Backend Complexity | Cost Range |
| Basic Backend | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Advanced Backend | $15,000 – $30,000 |
Integration with Third-Party Services
Integration of the restaurant apps with third-party services or applications significantly impacts the overall restaurant app development cost.
Implementation of common integrations which include payment gateways, which allows users to make secure transactions, and delivery services which is necessary for fulfilment are less costly than that of implementation of advanced integrations which include real-time tracking, multiple delivery platforms and integration of popular payment process
It is vital to select reliable third-party services which co-ordinate with your business needs and provide a hassle-free experience for users.
The table below provides a breakdown on how the integration with third-party services or app impacts the overall cost to develop a restaurant app –
| Integration Type | Cost Range |
| Basic Integration | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Multiple Integrations | $5,000 – $15,000 |
Location of Development team
The geographical location of the development team significantly influences the cost to develop a restaurant application.
The development team based on North America or Western Europe generally charge higher hourly rates due to the higher cost of living whereas developers from Eastern Europe, Asia or South America offer lower hourly rates due to the lower cost of living in the respective regions.
It might seem as if selecting a development team from lower cost of living regions due to the lower cost of living but you must keep in mind the difference in time zones, communication problems which might arise.
Hence, it is necessary to select the development team after looking into all the factors that might hinder your development process.
The table below provides a breakdown on how the location of the development influences the overall cost to develop a restaurant app –
| Location | Cost Range |
| North America | $100 – $250/hour |
| Eastern Europe | $30 – $70/hour |
| Asia | $20 – $50/hour |
Maintenance & Updates
The maintenance and updates are essential factors that influences the cost to develop a restaurant app.
Regular maintenance which include basic bug fixes, performance improvements and updates to keep the app compatible with the latest OS and devices , as the needs of the user evolve and technology advances you might want to introduce new features or enhancements which might impact the overall development cost.
The table below provides a breakdown on how the location of the development influences the overall cost to develop a restaurant app –
| Maintenance Type | Cost Range |
| Basic Maintenance | $1,000 – $3,000/year |
| Comprehensive Maintenance | $3,000 – $10,000/year |
Testing & Quality Assurance
Testing and quality assurance are critical factors which impacts the cost to build a restaurant app.
The testing and quality assurance depends on the complexity of the app and number of devices and platforms the app needs to be tested on.
There are different testing methods which include functional testing, usability testing, performance testing and security testing which are essential to find and fix the issues before the app is launched.
Before the launch it is vital to perform a thorough QA which ensures that the functionality of the app are working as intended, meets the expectations of the user and complies with the standards of the industry.
The table below provides a breakdown on how the testing and quality assurance influences the overall cost to develop a restaurant app –
| Testing Type | Cost Range |
| Basic Testing | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Comprehensive Testing | $5,000 – $15,000 |
Marketing & Launch
Marketing and launch are crucial aspects which directly influences the overall restaurant app development cost.
Allocating a budget for marketing is essential and involves the use of social media campaigns, influencer partnerships, email marketing and paid advertising.
The table below provides a breakdown on how the marketing and launch influences the overall cost to develop a restaurant app –
| Marketing Type | Cost Range |
| Basic Marketing | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Comprehensive Marketing | $5,000 – $20,000 |
These are some vital factors which directly influences the cost to make a restaurant app.
Now, let us look into the steps to develop a restaurant application.
Steps to Develop a Restaurant Application
There are various steps involved in the development of a restaurant application –
Research and planning
It is vital to conduct thorough market research to understand the competitive landscape and identifying your target audience which include diners, food delivery customers or restaurant staff to get an idea on their needs and preferences.
Develop a plan for your project which syncs with your timeline, budget and resources.
Define Features and functionality
After thorough research on the market, the next vital step is to define the features and functionality of your restaurant app.
Prioritize features like online ordering, table reservations, loyalty programs and payment processing.
Build a list which will act as a blueprint during the development process.
Wireframing and design
After developing a list of the app’s features the next vital step is wireframing and design.
Wireframes are basically visual representations of the layout of the application which helps you understand how the users will users will navigate through the app.
A well designed UI is necessary for your brand image as well as user retention.
Development
The development phase includes the use of a suitable technology stack which includes programming languages frameworks and databases.
This phase consists of 2 main components known as the frontend and backend development where frontend typically comprises of user interface and user experience and backend development is necessary for handling the server-side logic as well as managing the database.
Regularly review progress and conduct code reviews to maintain quality and address any issues that arise during development.
Testing
Testing is a vital phase in the app development process to ensure that your app remains bug-free and user-friendly.
Conduct different kinds of testing to verify all the features works seamlessly.
A thorough testing process is necessary before launching the application into the app store.
Launch
Preparing for the app launch involves creating a comprehensive marketing strategy to generate buzz and attract users.
Develop promotional materials, such as social media posts, press releases, and email campaigns, to announce the app’s availability.
Choose the appropriate platforms for launch, such as the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, and ensure that all app store requirements are met.
Maintenance and Updates
After a successful launch, ongoing maintenance and updates are essential to keep the restaurant application relevant and functional.
Conduct regular monitoring to gain valuable user feedback to identify areas for improvement and new feature requests.
Engage with your uses through forums and surveys to gain valuable insights into their preferences and help guide future development.
By committing to continuous improvement, you can foster user loyalty and ensure the long-term success of your restaurant application.
These are the steps involved in the development process of a restaurant application, now let us look into the development timeline required for the creation of the app.
Restaurant App Development Timeline – Approximately 4 to 6 months
The timeline for developing a restaurant app can vary based on complexity and features. Below is a breakdown of the typical phases involved in the development process:
| Phase | Duration |
| Research and Planning | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Define Features and Functionality | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Wireframing and Design | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Development | 8 to 12 weeks |
| Testing | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Launch | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Maintenance and Updates | Ongoing (post-launch) |
After looking into the time required to develop a restaurant application, let us look into the monetization strategies to earn revenue through your restaurant application.
Monetizing the Restaurant Application
There are different ways to monetize your restaurant application to generate revenue and improve ROI, these strategies are provided below –
1. In-App Purchases
Users can buy premium features, such as exclusive menu items, special discounts, or loyalty rewards.
Can account for up to 50% of app revenue, depending on user engagement and the value of the offerings.
2. Subscription Model
Users pay a recurring fee for benefits like ad-free experiences, exclusive content, or premium features.
Subscription services can generate consistent revenue, with studies showing that non-gaming apps earn about 82% of their revenue from subscriptions.
3. In-App Advertising
Display ads from third-party networks within the app.
Global in-app advertising spend is projected to reach $226.4 billion by 2025, making it a significant revenue source.
4. Freemium Model
Offer a free version of the app with basic features, while charging for premium features.
Freemium apps can see conversion rates of 2-5% for users upgrading to premium, leading to substantial revenue.
5. Affiliate Marketing
Partner with local businesses to promote their services or products within the app, earning a commission on sales.
The affiliate marketing industry is expected to grow to $6.8 billion, providing a lucrative opportunity for app developers.
6. Sponsorships
Collaborate with brands to promote their products or services in exchange for sponsorship fees.
Can vary widely based on the brand’s reach and the app’s user base, but successful partnerships can lead to significant income.
Now, after looking into the ways to monetize your restaurant application, you must be in deep thought in how to tackle all these factors and steps to develop a restaurant application but you need not worry as all you need to do is
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It will make your investment worth it and ensure a hassle-free experience during the development of your dream restaurant application.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the process of creating a restaurant application involves various steps which include market research, understanding the features, wireframing and prototyping, UI/UX design and the maintenance of the restaurant app.
Not only this there are several factors such as the complexity of the app, the choice of platform and the location of the development team which affect the cost to develop a restaurant application.
Take a look into the restaurant app development timeline to get an insight on the amount of time required to develop such an app and understand how to monetize the restaurant app to generate revenue.
Also make sure to look into different kinds of restaurant apps to decide on the type of app you want to develop.
FAQs
The average cost typically ranges from $10,000 to $50,000+, depending on features and complexity.
Development usually takes approximately 4 to 6 months, including research, design, and testing.
Common types include online ordering, reservation management, loyalty programs, and delivery logistics apps.
Monetization strategies include in-app purchases, subscriptions, advertising, affiliate marketing, and sponsorships.
Increasing consumer preference for mobile ordering and the growing online food delivery market make 2025 an ideal time to invest in a restaurant app.
Naveen Khanna is the CEO of eBizneeds, a company renowned for its bespoke web and mobile app development. By delivering high-end modern solutions all over the globe, Naveen takes pleasure in sharing his rich experiences and views on emerging technological trends. He has worked in many domains, from education, entertainment, banking, manufacturing, healthcare, and real estate, sharing rich experience in delivering innovative solutions.
