The restaurant industry is changing faster than ever. Customers discover new spots online, compare menus from their phones, and decide where to eat long before they walk through your doors. Third-party apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub have played a role in shaping this digital-first behavior—but they’ve also created challenges. Commissions eat away at profits, you lose access to customer data, and your restaurant becomes one listing among thousands.

The good news? You don’t need to depend on those apps to survive or grow. By cutting out the middleman and focusing on direct website inquiries, you can future-proof your restaurant. With a strong website built using RocketPages, restaurant owners can highlight menus, pricing, galleries, and multiple contact forms that encourage customers to reach out directly—for reservations, catering, or general inquiries. No commissions, no lost relationships, and no diluted brand identity.

Why Third-Party Apps Hurt Your Business

High Fees and Low Margins

• Apps often charge 20–30% commission per transaction. For restaurants with slim margins, this means you’re barely breaking even.
• Even if order volume goes up, profits often go down due to fees.

Loss of Customer Relationships

• Apps control the customer data. You never see the diner’s email or phone number.
• This prevents you from building loyalty, sending promotions, or re-engaging past customers.

Brand Dilution

• Customers see your food but associate the experience with the app.
• Apps decide how you appear, what photos show first, and whether your promotions get highlighted.

Customer Frustration

• Higher prices on apps to cover commissions.
• Delivery mistakes blamed on your restaurant, even when caused by the app’s drivers.

What Customers Actually Want

Easy-to-Find Menus

• Customers want to browse menus quickly and easily.
• RocketPages menus are text-based, mobile-friendly, and SEO-optimized.

Transparent Pricing

• Diners trust restaurants that show prices upfront.
• RocketPages’ pricing sections make it simple to highlight value meals, family bundles, and specials.

Visual Galleries

• Photos drive appetite. High-quality galleries let customers see your best dishes and ambiance.
• RocketPages galleries are easy to update with seasonal photos.

Multiple Contact Options

• Customers don’t always want to book through an app—they want to talk directly.
• RocketPages supports multiple contact forms: reservations, catering inquiries, and general questions.

How Direct Website Inquiries Future-Proof Your Restaurant

Protect Your Margins

• Every direct inquiry saves you 20–30% in commission fees.
• Multiply that by hundreds of orders per month, and the savings become substantial.

Build Direct Relationships

• Collect customer emails, phone numbers, and preferences directly.
• Use this data for loyalty programs, newsletters, and personalized offers.

Showcase Your Brand Story

• Use galleries, menus, and content sections to tell your story.
• Stand out from competitors who are just names on an app.

Stay Flexible and Adaptable

• Update menus in minutes to reflect seasonal changes.
• Add new contact forms for events or catering requests instantly.
• With RocketPages, you’re not tied to the limitations of third-party platforms.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Direct Website Inquiries With RocketPages

Step 1: Build a Mobile-Friendly Website

• Choose a restaurant-specific template in RocketPages.
• Customize with your logo, colors, and branding.
• Ensure the site is mobile-first since most customers browse on phones.

Step 2: Add Menus and Pricing

• Create menu sections for starters, mains, desserts, and drinks.
• Add pricing tables for specials, bundles, or happy hours.
• Update instantly—no developer required.

Step 3: Showcase Your Gallery

• Upload professional food photography.
• Include lifestyle photos of customers enjoying the space.
• Refresh galleries seasonally or when adding new dishes.

Step 4: Create Multiple Contact Forms

• Reservation Inquiry Form: Date, time, and party size.
• Catering Form: Event type, guest count, budget.
• General Form: Questions or special requests.
• RocketPages notifies you instantly when a form is submitted.

Step 5: Optimize for Search and Visibility

• Use local keywords: “best pizza in [city],” “family dining near [neighborhood].”
• Link your RocketPages site to your Google Business Profile.
• Ensure NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistency across the web.

Case Studies: Real-World Success

Case Study 1: Neighborhood Bistro

• Problem: Paying $1,200/month in app fees.
• Solution: Built a RocketPages website with menus, pricing, and catering forms.
• Results: Direct inquiries increased 40%, saving thousands annually.

Case Study 2: Family Pizzeria

• Problem: Customers complained about outdated menus.
• Solution: Switched from PDF menus to RocketPages text menus with transparent pricing.
• Results: Website visits doubled, and direct phone orders increased by 30%.

Case Study 3: Boutique Bakery

• Problem: No system for handling catering inquiries.
• Solution: Added a RocketPages catering form and gallery of event spreads.
• Results: Catering inquiries grew 50% in 3 months.

Best Practices for Maximizing Direct Inquiries

Use Clear Calls-to-Action

• Buttons like “Request Catering” or “Book a Table” should be easy to find.

Place Contact Forms Strategically

• Add forms to the menu page, gallery page, footer, and contact page.

Keep Menus and Galleries Updated

• Seasonal updates keep your site fresh and encourage repeat visits.

Highlight Social Proof

• Add reviews, testimonials, and press mentions to build trust.

Monitor Analytics

• Use RocketPages analytics to see which pages get the most visits.
• Adjust placement of CTAs based on customer behavior.

Advanced Strategies

Loyalty Programs Through Direct Contact

• Use captured emails to send promotions.
• Offer discounts for repeat customers who inquire directly.

Event Marketing

• Promote private dining or catering through dedicated forms.
• Add galleries of past events to showcase capabilities.

Local SEO Growth

• Blog posts about seasonal menus, sourcing, or chef stories.
• Target “near me” searches with content.

Conclusion

Third-party apps might bring exposure, but they cost your restaurant more than they give. By focusing on direct website inquiries—with menus, transparent pricing, galleries, and multiple contact forms—you can future-proof your restaurant. You’ll save money, strengthen customer relationships, and take control of your brand.

With RocketPages, it’s easier than ever. Build a professional, mobile-friendly restaurant website in minutes and cut the middleman out for good.

Ready to stop paying app fees and start building stronger direct relationships? Get started with RocketPages today. Add your menu, pricing, gallery, and multiple contact forms—all designed to bring customers directly to you.