Compare the top three third-party delivery apps by cost, features, and function to find the right fit for your restaurant while leveraging Fleksa to build your brand and gain independence.
Key Takeaways (2025 Update):
- Third-party delivery apps help increase restaurant sales but come with high commission costs and loss of customer data.
- DoorDash remains the largest player, holding 65% of the U.S. market share, with availability in 7,500+ cities.
- Uber Eats follows closely with 24% market share, offering the most global reach across 46 countries.
- Grubhub holds an 8% market share, focusing on major metropolitan areas like New York, Chicago, and Boston.
- While these platforms help bring in new customers, restaurants can increase profitability and customer retention with Fleksa’s commission-free online ordering and marketing solutions.
The Role of Third-Party Apps in Restaurant Success
In 2025, online food delivery is projected to grow by 12% year-over-year, driven by consumer demand for convenience. While apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub offer exposure, they come at a steep price—commissions reaching up to 33% per order, hidden marketing fees, and loss of direct customer relationships.
Restaurants looking to thrive should adopt a hybrid strategy:
- Use third-party apps for customer acquisition
- Direct repeat customers to your Fleksa-powered online ordering system to maximize profits
Comparing Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub in 2025
| Feature | Uber Eats | DoorDash | Grubhub |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | 6,500+ U.S. cities, 46+ countries | 7,500+ U.S. cities, 28+ countries | 4,500+ U.S. cities |
| Market Share | 24% | 65% | 8% |
| Commission Fees | 15-33% per order | 15-30% per order | 5-15% marketing fee + 10% delivery fee |
| Support | 24/7 chat and phone support, online guides | 24/7 chat and phone support, video tutorials | 24/7 chat support, dedicated account advisor |
| Direct Ordering | Uber Direct | Storefront | Grubhub Direct |
| Delivery Tracking | Real-time tracking | Real-time tracking | Real-time tracking |
Uber Eats: Best for Global Reach and Large Chains
Uber Eats continues to benefit from its strong brand recognition and global presence. The platform offers restaurants extensive onboarding resources and a seamless integration process.
Pros:
- Available in the most countries (46+)
- Strongest brand recognition
- AI-driven restaurant insights for optimization
Cons:
- High commission fees (up to 33%)
- Algorithm prioritization favors paid promotions
DoorDash: Best for Maximum U.S. Reach
DoorDash remains the leader in the U.S. market with 65% market share and has expanded its services to small and mid-sized cities.
Pros:
- Largest customer base in the U.S.
- DashPass program drives repeat orders
- Storefront allows commission-free direct online orders
Cons:
- Still charges up to 30% commission on delivery orders
- Higher competition among restaurants on the platform
Grubhub: Best for Major Metropolitan Areas
Although Grubhub has lost some market share, it remains strong in urban markets with an emphasis on local marketing programs.
Pros:
- Lower commission fees (starting at 5%)
- Exclusive partnerships with large restaurant chains
- Built-in loyalty programs to encourage repeat business
Cons:
- Limited availability outside major cities
- Additional marketing and delivery fees can add up
How Fleksa Helps You Build Independence While Using Delivery Apps
While Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub can introduce new customers, a Fleksa-powered website and ordering system ensures you own your customer relationships, increase profitability, and reduce commission costs.
Fleksa’s Features & Benefits for Restaurants:
- AI-Optimized Websites & Apps: Custom-built, high-ranking websites designed to attract more traffic and boost direct orders. Learn More
- Zero Commissions: Pay a flat subscription fee instead of high per-order commissions.
- Direct Online Ordering: Customers order directly from your website instead of a third-party app.
- Automated Marketing: AI-powered marketing tools including email and SMS campaigns, personalized promotions, and remarketing.
- Loyalty & Retention Programs: Offer customer rewards, discounts, and exclusive deals to keep diners coming back.
- Smart Table Reservations: Reduce no-shows and optimize bookings with Fleksa’s intelligent reservation system.
- POS & Delivery Integration: Use Fleksa’s powerful POS while still tapping into Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub’s driver networks when necessary.
- Google & Social Media Integration: Increase online visibility and drive traffic through search engine and social media marketing.
- Custom Branded Mobile Apps: Build a strong brand presence with a dedicated mobile app for your restaurant.
Winning Strategy: Combine Third-Party Apps with Fleksa
To maximize your restaurant’s success, follow this approach:
- Leverage Third-Party Apps for Customer Discovery – Use Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub to bring in new diners.
- Encourage Direct Orders with Fleksa – Offer exclusive discounts, loyalty rewards, and promotions for customers who order directly from your Fleksa-powered website.
- Use SEO & Digital Marketing to Drive Organic Traffic – Optimize your restaurant website to appear in Google search results.
- Own Your Customer Data – Unlike third-party apps, Fleksa ensures that you retain valuable customer insights.
- Maximize Profits – Reduce reliance on high-commission platforms by building a direct online ordering system.
Get Started with Fleksa Today
Stop letting third-party apps cut into your restaurant’s revenue. Fleksa empowers restaurants with commission-free online ordering, AI-powered marketing, POS, and SEO solutions.
➡️ Schedule a free demo today and take control of your restaurant’s online sales!
