Food delivery has become a new normal, especially after the pandemic, and there is strong data to back it up. As per Statista, the total number of users in the food delivery industry is expected to reach 2.5 billion by 2027. Various apps are popular among consumers, like Postmates, Grubhub, and Uber Eats. Postmates is undoubtedly one of the admired apps among the US audiences, probably one of the prime reasons why Uber acquired it in 2020. Any business that wishes to invest in a food delivery app should consider the Postmates model as an inspiration and a great one to follow. Food delivery app development may seem tiring and complicated, but once you get an idea of the development process and partner up with an expert development company, the process becomes easier to follow. Through this blog, we explore important features, cost, and development steps of a food delivery mobile app. Postmates Statistics and Facts Postmates has over 9.3 million active monthly users who order 5 million items a month. Postmates generated $730 million in 2021, a 14% increase year over year. Postmates operates in over 3,000 cities in the USA. A subsidiary of Uber Eats, Postmates operates in the US and accounts for 23% of the company’s total revenue with a 2% market share. What is Postmates? Postmates is a popular on-demand delivery mobile application that permits users to order anything from local grocery stores, retail shops, or restaurants and have it delivered directly to their doorstep. The app was launched in 2011 in San Francisco and acquired by Uber in 2020. If you are planning to create an app like Postmates, first, you need to know about the important features and development process. Key Features of a Food Delivery App like Postmates A food delivery app like Postmates has features that are important for functionality, like any other delivery app. Although certain features are a must-have, such as user login, secure payment gateway, real-time order tracking, etc. Below, we have mentioned a list of different apps. Customer App Features User Registration & Profile: This feature makes it simple for users to register and log in. Search & Browse Restaurants/Stores: This function makes it simple for customers to look through the menu or merchandise of a restaurant or store. Real-time order tracking: Provide transparent real-time updates from order confirmation to delivery. Several Payment Options: For user convenience, there are several safe ways to pay, including wallets, UPI, cards, and cash-on-delivery (COD). Order Scheduling: This function allows customers to reserve meals or necessities in advance for delivery at a time of their choosing. Ratings & Reviews: Clients can provide candid comments regarding the cuisine they ordered and the delivery staff. Offers & Discounts: Customers can simultaneously view offers and discounts from several establishments. Push Notifications: Users receive notifications about the status of their deliveries, new deals, and app updates. Driver App Features Registration & Profile: Drivers get to create and manage their profiles effortlessly. Order Notifications: Drivers get instant notification regarding new order requests and customers’ instructions. Route Optimization & Navigation: Accurate maps and optimized routes to ensure rapid food delivery. Earnings Dashboard: Delivery person gets detailed insight into their daily earnings, payouts, and completed orders. Availability Toggle: This feature allows drivers to show their availability status. Ratings & Feedback: With the help of this feature, drivers can see customer feedback and ratings. Restaurant/Store App Features Menu Management: Restaurants can add new menu items, remove an item, or manage pricing. Order Management: Helps to simplify the process of tracking, receiving, and fulfilling consumer orders. Analytics Dashboard: Offers insight into sales, consumer preferences, and trends to execute data-driven decisions. Promotions & Discounts: This feature allows you to share offers and discounts. Admin Panel Features User Management: Helps the admin manage users and drivers. Helps the admin manage users and drivers. With this, the admin can monitor user activity, verify accounts, manage complaints, etc. Order Management: This feature gives the admin complete control over the orders, whether incoming or completed orders. Analytics & Reports: Ensure to add this feature in the food delivery app development as this tool offers an insight into the app’s performance, such as sales trends, favored dishes, etc. Payment Management: Payment management permits the admin to track payments, all transactions, manage funds, etc. Promotions & Notifications: Admin can showcase offers, send notifications to customers, and promote marketing campaigns. Content Management: It allows updating app content, adding or removing any content, and ensures that the app looks appealing. How to Make an App like Postmates Following, we have mentioned significant steps that must be taken before and during app development; Research the Market Before launching your food delivery app, learn about the market, rivals, their strategies, statistics, and the entire process. Recognize customer needs, identify gaps in the offerings of your rivals, and attempt to fill those gaps with your app. Determine the goal of your on-demand delivery apps. For assistance in configuring your on-demand delivery app, speak with a mobile app development business. Choose a Business Model and Revenue Model There are numerous apps for food delivery, including Postmates. After examining their income and business methods, decide which app is best for starting an on-demand meal delivery service. Recognize the revenue and business models that your competitors in the market are using. Finalize App Features You must concentrate on the app’s core while creating a food delivery service similar to Postmates: Finalization of features. Start with the area for user registration and profiles. Users should be able to register through the application, and the profiles section should display all of their personal information. The second essential feature for the on-demand food delivery app is a restaurant listing. Ratings, addresses, menus, prices, and other relevant information should be included when listing restaurants. Provide clients and delivery partners with real-time GPS tracking. For a smooth order checkout process, incorporate an in-app payment system into your on-demand food delivery app, such as Postmates. UI/UX Design Another important development step
Since its founding in 2004, Grubhub has grown to become one of the most widely used meal delivery applications in the United States. Similar to other food apps, this one generated a lot of excitement when it first launched and gradually gained popularity among U.S. citizens. Are you wondering why? The popularity of a mobile application can never be attributed to a single factor. Any food app that is now booming has several characteristics that satisfy customers, including timely order fulfillment, robust customer service, and more. Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Postmates are just a few of the many applications that have millions of users, growing sales, and a strategic revolution. In this blog, we’ll discover the steps, features, and how to build a food delivery app like Grubhub in 2025. With the food delivery industry experiencing rapid technological advancements, businesses now have a golden opportunity to tap into this growing market. Whether you’re a startup or an established brand, understanding what makes these apps successful will help you create a platform that stands out in a competitive landscape. Why Build a Food Delivery App Like Grubhub? Before we discuss the cost and features of Grubhub, let’s first understand why it’s a great investment move. Massive Market Size: The food market is ever-evolving, with significant developments occurring in this sector, especially following the integration of artificial intelligence. The global market is expected to cross $500 billion by the end of 2030. User Behavior Shift: Nowadays, consumers expect quick outcomes, and this speed is not limited to the food delivery market. Businesses that offer food or groceries must provide an app that recommends items and offers contactless delivery. Apps like Grubhub have gained popularity because of rapid user satisfaction goals. Restaurant Growth and Demand: Almost every eatery in 2025 depends on delivery mobile apps for profit and survival. Without online orders, food joints can face huge losses in incoming orders and sales. Innovative Possibilities and Opportunities: The integration of smart technology such as AI, AR, and drones has given us new and exciting ways to engage with consumers and optimize logistics. Core Features to Include in a Grubhub-Like App Customer App Features 1. User Registration: The most important feature is an easy signup or login. You can integrate features such as social login or one-tap sign-up to heighten user engagement. 2. Menu Search: Customers like to browse menus with attractive photos, prices, and descriptions before ordering food. This feature is the backbone when you build food delivery app solutions for a seamless user experience. 3. Contactless Delivery: Contactless delivery has become a standard for safety and convenience. Customers can request doorstep drop-offs without physical contact. This option is essential when you create a food delivery app like Grubhub for today’s safety-conscious users. 4. Track Orders in Real-Time: Real-time order tracking provides customers with transparency on their order status. From preparation to delivery, they can monitor each step. GPS integration ensures accuracy and builds trust with users. 5. Rate & Review: Ratings and reviews allow users to share feedback, helping restaurants improve services. Customers rely on these insights to make informed decisions. It also adds credibility to your platform. 6. Payment Integration: A secure payment system is essential for smooth transactions. Offer multiple options like cards, wallets, and UPI for convenience. Keep in mind that food delivery app development costs can vary based on the payment security features you integrate. Delivery Partner App Features 1. Simple Login: The Delivery partner app must contain a simple registration and login feature. A hassle-free process helps them start their day more effectively and inspires more people to join the platform. 2. Order Notification: New delivery requests are important and need to be addressed almost immediately. This is a significant feature as it helps to meet users’ demands more quickly. 3. Navigation and Route Optimization: If you want to build a food delivery like Grubhub, then this amazing and beneficial feature is a must-have! Integrated GPS navigation not only helps drivers but also saves precious time, because of which orders get delivered on time, eventually leading to better ratings. 4. Earnings Dashboard: With the use of this feature, partners can track their daily and weekly earnings easily. 5. Order History: A detailed order history lets delivery partners check completed deliveries and earnings. Keep in mind that implementing such features can influence the app’s cost. 6. Availability Toggle: Drivers can set their availability status with a single tap. Adding this when you create a food delivery app like Grubhub ensures flexibility and better order distribution. Restaurant Panel Features 1. Profile Management: With this feature, owners can update their profile to keep users informed about opening hours, contact details, address, and other details. 2. Menu Management: A flexible menu permits restaurants to change their menu, prices, or upload new images. This is essential because when you create a food app, an updated menu directly impacts sales. 3. Order Management: This feature enables restaurants to accept, reject, and update order status. 4. Inventory: Stock fulfillment is essential. Inventory management is important and has contributed to its success. 5. Earnings & Reports: Revenue detailed reports can be viewed for best-selling items and consumer trends. With this, advanced analytics can add great value to influence the food delivery app development cost. 6. Promotions & Discounts: When you plan to create a delivery app like Grubhub, this feature becomes a major selling point. You need to have the capacity to inform users about any latest discounts or promotion codes. Admin Panel App Features 1. Delivery Partner Management: Admins can manage delivery partners by approving any new registration that may come along, monitoring their activity, and making sure that everything complies with platform policies. 2. Order Monitoring & Control: With the help of this feature, the admin can track all previous orders, monitor delays or wrong deliveries in real-time. 3. Commission & Subscription Plan Management: As an admin, you also receive control over assigning commission rates for restaurants and subscription plans. When you
There are two things in the world that none of us can survive without – water and food. After water, food holds the greatest importance in our lives. We start our mornings with it, spend our afternoons indulging in it, and go to sleep after digesting it. There’s simply no substitute for food; it’s a vital part of every human being’s daily existence. With changing lifestyles and increasing demand for convenience, the way we access food has transformed, and food delivery apps are at the heart of this shift. Platforms such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, Zomato, and Talabat have made it possible to get hot and fresh food delivered within minutes. If you’re looking to enter this rapidly growing market, one of the first questions is: What is the cost to build a food delivery app? In this blog, we provide a region-wise breakdown of development costs, helping you plan your investment wisely. Whether you’re a startup, a restaurant chain, or an entrepreneur, partnering with the right food delivery app development company is crucial for success. What is a Food Delivery App? A food delivery app is a mobile app that allows users to order food from a restaurant and get it delivered to their home. A food delivery app comes with different features such as menu, real-time tracking of the delivery person, payment method, price of different food items, personalized food choices, etc. Many restaurants, with the help of a professional food delivery app development company, develop and design an app. Zomato, DoorDash, and Uber Eats are a few examples of successful food delivery mobile apps. What is the Cost to Develop a Food Delivery App Region-Wise? Several prominent factors influence the cost to develop a food delivery app, including features, technology stack, location, team skills, AI-powered features, app’s complexity levels, and others. The following is an overview of food delivery app development costs as per different regions; 1. Food Delivery App Development Cost in the USA The demand for food delivery apps in the USA has increased significantly over the past few years. As per Statista, in 2024, 217.1 million people in the U.S. utilized online food delivery services, including grocery delivery. Undoubtedly, the demand for food delivery apps will increase greatly in the coming years. In the USA, the cost to create a fully-functional food delivery app can cost you anywhere between $50,000 and $200,000. The cost is affected by a variety of factors, like the need for high-end technology, high labor costs, and security compliance. If you are planning to build a food delivery app, you can approach an experienced food delivery app development company in the USA that has the skills and prioritizes modern AI-powered features, such as real-time tracking and customized user recommendations. Uncomplicated cloud integration, third-party APIs, and UI/UX design can add extra expenses to the total food delivery app development cost. 2. Food Delivery App Development Cost in UAE The Dubai food industry has grown profoundly over the years. Seeing the rapidly extending attraction for food delivery apps such as Talabat points to Dubai’s people’s increased desire for online food. If you are a home chef looking to sell food online or an existing restaurant or eating place, wishing to extend your customer base, you can build a food delivery app such as Talabat. On average, developing a mobile application similar to Talabat can cost you anywhere between $20,000 to $120,000. CodKnox offers a pre-built solution that may cost you around $6,000. Want to know the total development cost of a food delivery app like Talabat? Read our full blog below. We have explained the Talabat app’s details clearly, such as its features, cost, technology stack, and more. Moreover, a food delivery app development in Dubai is influenced by certain potent factors like the app’s complexity level, technology stack, features, integration of AI advanced features, UI/UX designing, team expertise level, etc. 3. Food Delivery App Development Cost in Canada Canada’s online food delivery service market is expanding day by day. By 2027, the market is expected to cross $97 billion! This gigantic percentage displays the significance of food delivery apps. The food delivery app development cost in Canada is affected by numerous factors, like high-security requirements, stretching demand for online food delivery, real-time tracking, cross-platform compatibility, and others. On the other hand, if you want to build a food delivery app like Uber Eats, the cost will change. Uber Eats is a well-liked online food delivery app in Canada. You can discover every necessary information, such as Uber Eats food delivery app features, cost, impact, technology stack, and more in our blog. The table below outlines the cost factors for food delivery app development based on the app’s complexity level. 4. Food Delivery App Development Cost in the UK The cost to develop a food delivery app in the UK is similar to the price of building popular apps such as DoorDash and Uber Eats. The UK food delivery market is one of the largest worldwide and is growing swiftly. The market was valued at $48 billion in 2024 and is expected to cross the $50 billion mark by 2030! Moreover, the United Kingdom’s online food delivery market is looking forward to a CAGR of 7.6% from 2025 to 2030. This exponential growth is attached to certain factors like convenience for people, evolving user preferences, and the impact of the pandemic. 5. Food Delivery App Development Cost in Australia Australian consumers largely rely on food delivery services. In 2024, a drone delivery company, Wing, in partnership with DoorDash (a popular food delivery app in Australia), made food delivery possible in a few minutes. Australia recorded 8.3 million food delivery app users in 2024. DoorDash is adored by Australians for their everyday food requirements. If you run a business and want to build an app like DoorDash, you must know about its key features, development cost, steps to build, and more. Moreover, certain crucial factors influence the food delivery app development cost
There has been a significant rise in the demand for doorstep food delivery since the pandemic. Though it’s been a few years since it ended, most people seem to stick to ordering food online. This customer need has pushed many businesses to build food delivery apps. This is mainly due to multiple factors like an increase in smartphone users, internet usage, and changing customer preferences. According to studies, the global online food delivery market is expected to cross the 1 trillion mark in 2025! This rapid growth has made the on-demand food delivery app a booming sector. Over 60% of customers now prefer ordering their food online instead of going to a restaurant. In 2025, consumer expectations are higher than ever. They expect more than food delivery; they want to be included and want to have the highest user experience. Now, if you are a business planning to launch or upgrade a food delivery app, you must understand which features are must-haves! In this blog, we’ll explore the top 5 features that are no longer optional. These features serve as the pillar that either makes or breaks an app’s success in today’s competitive landscape. Top 5 Essential Features Your Food Delivery App Needs in 2025 1. Real-time Order Tracking and ETA Updates People nowadays want to know it all! They want to know where their food has reached and how long will it take for the food to arrive. Real-time order tracking is a significant feature on which you can’t afford to compromise. It is the most requested feature by users, and in 2025, it is considered a standard. Real-time tracking acts as a communication point between all three parties- customers, business, and delivery partner. Moreover, it provides control over the customers. Your customer wants transparency, they wish to know what’s happening with their deliveries. And as a food business that aims to make a profit, you have to offer this feature to earn their trust and loyalty. If you miss out on this important feature, more than 60% of target consumers might consider looking for another service provider. How does Real-time Tracking work? The real-time tracking feature relies on GPS integration in a mobile app. The app connects a user with the delivery executive’s live location and displays the status on the user interface. The backend algorithms calculate the estimated time of arrival (ETA) based on current traffic, distance, and food order preparation time. All this happens at once. 2. Secure Payment Option This feature is paramount not just for food delivery apps but for every app existing on the face of the earth. In 2025, every app that offers a service will come with a payment gateway. A flawless checkout process is crucial. If consumers face payment issues or do not see their preferred mode as an option, they’re likely to abandon the cart. Food apps must support a wide variety of payment options. You can join hands with reputable payment gateways to offer a secure transition environment to users. Your business commitment to offer flexible and safe payment solutions instills confidence in consumers and establishes your app as a reliable source. How to Ensure Data Protection? To ensure maximum data security, choose a food delivery development company that offers high-end services. Developers who can implement end-to-end encryptions, tokenization, and secure APIs in your app’s payment system. Moreover, integrate the finest fraud detection tools to ensure that both users and businesses are protected from any suspicious transactions. 3. Easy-to-Navigate Menu Display Another fundamental feature for your food delivery business is a user-friendly menu display. Incorporate well-defined categories such as main courses, desserts, fast food, pizza, or more. This makes it super easy for consumers to navigate and find what they are searching for. Ask your partner web designers to include visually appealing food images, detailed product descriptions, and clear pricing for each menu item. Here are other essential features to include: 1. Recommended Food Section Showcase top-rated dishes loved by users to help others pick the best bites. 2. Search & Filter Users should find what they are searching for within seconds after logging into the app. Smart search and filters make that possible. This feature boosts conversion rates by taking the load from consumers to make a decision. Additionally, customized recommendations based on users’ past orders, location, and browsing behavior create a more engaging experience. 3. Easy Cart Functionality Integrate easily accessible buttons when you build a food delivery app. The buttons should be next to each menu item so that users can add items with a single tap. 4. AI-Powered Demand Forecasting and Order Management AI-powered demand Forecasting leverages machine learning algorithms to predict future food delivery trends based on historical data, customer behavior, weather patterns, and local events. This intelligent system helps restaurants and delivery platforms anticipate order volumes, optimize inventory, and allocate resources more efficiently. By forecasting peak hours and popular dishes, businesses can reduce food wastage, avoid stockouts, and improve delivery speed. It also aids in workforce planning by ensuring the right number of delivery personnel are available when demand surges. Overall, AI-driven forecasting leads to smarter operations, cost savings, and a better customer experience through improved service reliability. Be sure to include this advanced feature when you create a food delivery app- it can enhance user experience and improve operational efficiency. 5. Integrated Delivery Partner Management System An often overlooked but crucial component is the system that manages delivery agents. For food to arrive on time, a smart backend is required that handles assignments, tracks performance, manages availability, and routes orders efficiently. In 2025, apps with a strong delivery management system are outperforming those without it. What It Should Include Real-time assignment of orders to nearby delivery partners. Availability status (online/offline, break time). Heat maps showing areas with high demand. Route optimization based on traffic and distance. Conclusion We have learned that in 2025, developing an on-demand food delivery app in New York, USA, demands more than just listing restaurants and
By enabling an innovative digital experience that fulfills new-age demands.