5 Signs Your Restaurant Needs a Custom App to Stay Competitive

The restaurant industry has undergone rapid technological changes in recent years, especially after the pandemic. From contactless payments to mobile ordering, technology is reshaping the way restaurants operate and engage with customers. For restaurant owners using Square POS, having a custom mobile ordering app can be a game-changer.

In this article, we'll explore five key indicators that suggest your restaurant could benefit from a tailored mobile application. By understanding these signs, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision about implementing this powerful tool to meet evolving customer expectations and optimize your operations.

Customers Prefer Convenience - and Mobile Ordering Provides That

What Your Customers Are Saying

Have you noticed more customers calling in, asking, “Do you have online ordering?” Or maybe they’ve mentioned that they wished they could just order from their phone instead of waiting in line. These aren’t just casual comments—they’re clear signals. People want convenience, and they’re used to it. Apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash have trained your customers to expect that same convenience everywhere.

How a Custom App Makes a Difference

By integrating mobile ordering into your restaurant’s operations, you can meet customer demand for quick, convenient service. Per Diem’s Square POS integration allows customers to place their orders directly from their phones, reducing wait times and increasing overall satisfaction.

For instance, with Per Diem, customers can browse your menu, customize their orders, pay seamlessly, and track their order status—all in a matter of minutes. This leads to happier customers and more repeat business.

Third-Party Apps Are Eating into Your Profits?

The Problem with Delivery Platforms

The demand for mobile ordering apps has skyrocketed in recent years. Studies show that 75% of restaurant customers now prefer mobile ordering over traditional methods. Using apps like Grubhub or DoorDash is great for visibility, but let’s be honest—they take a massive chunk out of your earnings. Those 20-30% commission fees can add up, and it’s frustrating to see a big part of your hard-earned money go to someone else.

Per Diem Can Help You Take Control

Having a white-label mobile ordering app gives you more control over your online orders. Your customers will order directly from your app, and you can avoid hefty commission fees charged by third-party services. Moreover, a Square POS-integrated app ensures smooth order synchronization, providing a more efficient way to manage orders in real-time, reducing errors, and improving kitchen efficiency.

You’re Missing Out on Repeat Business

Building Loyalty Takes More Than Great Food

Great food brings people in, but loyalty keeps them coming back. If you don’t have a way to reward your regulars, you’re leaving money on the table. With a branded app, you can track customer behavior, preferences, and purchase history, enabling you to deliver personalized offers and promotions.

How a Custom App Builds Loyalty

With your own app, you can create a loyalty program that’s just as irresistible. Offer points for every order, exclusive discounts, or even a free dessert after a certain number of visits. These small gestures go a long way in making customers feel appreciated and valued.

Per Diem stands as the Square’s #1 loyalty app, empowering restaurants to go beyond basic rewards. Our platform allows you to offer enhanced and advanced loyalty programs with features like gamified rewards that keep your customers engaged and coming back for more. Imagine offering achievements or milestones customers can unlock, such as “Order 5 times this month and get a surprise bonus!” It’s not just a loyalty program—it’s an experience that keeps your customers hooked on your brand.

And with seamless Square POS integration, tracking and managing these rewards is as easy as pie (or pizza, or whatever your specialty is). It’s all about combining simplicity with innovation to make loyalty rewarding - for you and your customers.

Your Restaurant’s Operations Could Be Streamlined

Operational Inefficiencies in Traditional Ordering

Traditional ordering methods can result in a variety of operational inefficiencies. Manual order taking, paper tickets, and inaccurate order fulfillment all contribute to wasted time and resources. These inefficiencies are particularly noticeable during peak hours when orders are piling up, and staff members are overwhelmed.

Automating Routine Tasks

A well-designed easy-to-use app can automate many of your restaurant's routine tasks, freeing up your staff to focus on providing exceptional customer service. From order processing to inventory management, automation can significantly reduce the likelihood of human error and improve overall efficiency. This is why restaurants need a custom app – to streamline operations and enhance productivity across the board.

Data-Driven Decision Making

By implementing one of the best mobile ordering apps for Square POS, you gain access to valuable insights about your business. These data-driven insights can help you make informed decisions about menu offerings, staffing, and marketing strategies. With real-time analytics at your fingertips, you can quickly identify areas for improvement and capitalize on emerging trends in the restaurant industry.

Your Competitors Are Already Ahead

Staying Ahead of the Competition

In a competitive industry like food service, staying ahead of the competition is crucial. Many restaurants are already adopting mobile ordering to meet customer expectations and improve their operations. If you’re not leveraging mobile technology, you risk falling behind.

Why You Can't Afford to Wait

Your competitors are already using modern tech to streamline their processes and keep up with customer demands. If you're not offering mobile ordering, your customers may look elsewhere for a more convenient experience. A white-label mobile app gives you a competitive edge by offering features tailored specifically to your restaurant’s personality, needs and customer preferences without costing you a fortune.

Is It Time for You to Get a Custom App?

The signs are clear: if you're running a restaurant using Square and haven't yet considered a mobile app, starting the year might be the perfect opportunity to make the leap. With customer expectations evolving, the rise in online orders, and the need for improved efficiency and loyalty programs, a white-label mobile ordering app integrated with Square POS is an invaluable tool that can take your restaurant to the next level.

At Per Diem, we specialize in developing custom mobile ordering apps for restaurants, ensuring seamless integration with Square POS. Whether you’re looking to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, or stay competitive in your market, we’re here to help.

Let’s talk. Book a demo today to see how Per Diem can help your restaurant thrive in 2025 and beyond.?