Grubhub streamlines online ordering for independent restaurants

A leading online delivery provider is teaming up with a POS/business management platform to help independent foodservice retailers fulfill online orders.

Grubhub is directly integrating the Clover platform, including the Clover online ordering solution, which provides a consolidated view of an entire online ordering operation — from menu updates to order management. Restaurants that utilize Clover and are already partnered with Grubhub will be able to integrate operations directly into their Clover platform, eliminating the need for a separate tablet for Grubhub orders.

This integration will also streamline independent restaurants’ digital orders through menu synchronization and order submissions. Restaurants that utilize Clover and are not currently partnered with Grubhub will be able to seamlessly sign up for pickup and delivery on Grubhub through the Clover platform for a commission-free trial.

Specific benefits of the integration include:

• A restaurant's menu is updated directly in real time on Grubhub sites, reflecting when items become out of stock or when stores close or open early. Retailers can also pause and later resume Grubhub ordering by toggling off “accept orders” in the Clover platform.
• Clover retailers can manage a third-party delivery partner menu that differs from the restaurant's in-store and online ordering menus, allowing restaurants to tailor items and pricing specifically for Grubhub.
• Pickup, self-delivery by restaurant drivers, and Grubhub delivery are all supported. Self-delivery stores, delivery fees and delivery zones will be maintained by Grubhub.
• The integration consolidates financial reporting for restaurants into one system within the Clover platform.

“We know that simplifying ordering operations is top of mind for our restaurant partners, and with the Clover integration, restaurateurs can have peace of mind knowing all of their orders are going to one place — negating the need for multiple tablets and having to manually input orders,” said Theresa Dold, VP of restaurant product at Grubhub. “We’re excited to offer this integration to tens of thousands of independent restaurants across the country who are looking to streamline their operations.”

“Integrating Clover and Grubhub makes management of delivery orders much easier for restaurants, enabling them to reach more customers while operating more efficiently,” said Ellen Linardi, senior VP of product and design at Clover. “This is the first of multiple delivery options that will be accessible to restaurants via the Clover platform, providing a practical way for restaurants to meet customers’ growing appetite for food delivery.”

Grubhub reaches out to independent retailers
Grubhub has been attempting to aid independent restaurants using its platform since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2021, the company introduced Grubhub Direct, a platform designed to help independent restaurants better compete online through commission-free online ordering and customer data. Grubhub Direct aids tasks such as developing and managing customized ordering websites, direct marketing, and collecting and analyzing customer data, without paying commission.

In addition, a Grubhub Direct order management solution enables independent restaurants to receive, confirm and cancel orders through the Grubhub platform. A management portal lets users oversee menu, hours, financials and other restaurant settings; access reporting and performance insights; and identify future growth opportunities. The platform also offers Grubhub's loyalty tools, targeted and ROI-driven promotions, and analytics; as well as phone, chat and email support. 

In March 2020, Grubhub temporarily suspended collection of up to $100 million in commission payments from independent restaurants impacted by COVID-19 nationwide.