Let’s be honest: the phone ringing off the hook during Friday night rush isn’t a badge of honor anymore—it’s a bottleneck.
Phone orders slow down your team, tie up staff who should be stretching dough, and leave customers on hold wondering if their order even went through. Every minute spent talking someone through toppings is a minute not spent getting pies in the oven.
Why Do Customers Prefer Mobile Ordering?
Because it’s fast, convenient, and puts them in control. No spelling out street names. No misheard toppings. No busy signals. Just a clean interface, a few taps, and a pizza on the way.
In fact, 40% of customers prefer to order food online rather than over the phone (National Restaurant Association). And for Gen Z and Millennials—the bulk of delivery and takeout traffic—mobile ordering is the default, not a novelty.
Can Mobile Orders Actually Boost My Ticket Size?
Absolutely. Studies show that customers spend up to 20% more when ordering via app or online, largely due to smart upselling and visual cues (source: Deloitte Digital). When someone sees a photo of your garlic knots or clicks into a meal deal, they’re more likely to add it on.
Think about it: how many customers call in and say, “Can I get a large pepperoni—and what else can I order to hit the free delivery minimum?” On an app, they see that combo deal right in front of them.
What Operational Benefits Come From Mobile Ordering?
Here’s where it really helps your back-of-house flow:
- Fewer interruptions: Staff aren’t tied up with phone calls during the dinner rush
- Fewer errors: Orders come in typed, not shouted over kitchen noise
- Faster processing: Orders hit your POS system directly—no re-keying
- Better forecasting: Your system tracks order trends, popular items, and peak times
How Does Mobile Ordering Help With Labor Shortages?
Let’s face it: hiring and keeping great staff has never been harder. With a tight labor market and high turnover across the restaurant industry, every unfilled shift puts more pressure on the team you do have.
Mobile ordering helps ease that strain.
Instead of tying up one of your best employees on the phone during the dinner rush, they can stay focused on making pies, handling in-store guests, or training new team members. The less juggling your staff has to do, the better the experience—for both them and your customers. It’s not about replacing people—it’s about giving your team the tools to succeed, even when you’re short-handed.
In a tough labor market, every bit of efficiency helps. And when your team isn’t scrambling to answer ringing phones, they’re more likely to stay happy—and stay longer.
Will Mobile Ordering Replace the Personal Touch?
Your app can reflect your brand—from your logo to your tone of voice. You can even send out loyalty messages (“Buy 10 pies, get 1 free”) and geo-targeted offers to regulars. That’s way more personal than yelling “Is this Mike from Atlantic Avenue again?” over the sound of a fryer.
Plus, your phone line will be freed up for larger catering orders or high-touch customer service.
What If I Already Have a Website—Is That Enough?
A website is a great start, but most orders now happen on mobile devices. Your ordering system needs to be optimized for phones—ideally through a branded app and mobile-friendly web interface. Remember, your storefront can extend wherever you want it to – to your website, search results on Google, mobile app stores, and more – so take advantage!
Customers want a frictionless experience. If your site takes too long to load or makes them pinch and zoom to find the “Order Now” button, they may leave the site.
What’s the Real Cost of Sticking With Phone Orders?
You might think, “Hey, phone orders have worked for 30 years—why change now?” Fair question. But here’s the reality:
Every phone order comes with hidden costs:
- Labor time – One staff member tied up on a call isn’t helping in the kitchen or with in-store customers
- Order errors – Misheard toppings or address details can mean remakes, refunds, and lost revenue
- Lost orders – If the line’s busy or customers get tired of waiting, they hang up—and may not call back
- No upselling – Unlike a digital menu, your phone can’t suggest add-ons or spotlight high-margin items
Even if your team is great on the phone, it’s just not scalable—especially on busy nights. Mobile ordering takes that pressure off the line, improves order accuracy, and ensures you’re not losing customers to competitors with easier online options.
How Do I Get Started With Mobile Ordering That Actually Works?
The key is choosing a solution that integrates smoothly with your existing POS, supports custom branding, and gives customers a seamless experience.
FoodTec’s platform includes:
- Branded consumer apps for iOS and Android
- Mobile-friendly web ordering that drives direct traffic
- Loyalty programs, smart upselling, and order history features that encourage repeat business
Mobile ordering isn’t just a tech trend—it’s how your customers want to interact with your pizzeria. And if you’re still relying mostly on phone orders, you’re likely leaving money (and efficiency) on the table.
Adding a modern, branded app doesn’t mean losing your shop’s personality—it means delivering it faster and smarter.
If you’re ready to reduce call volume, improve accuracy, and increase ticket sizes, contact us for a demo of FoodTec’s consumer app and web ordering tools.