The 53% shift: why direct online ordering is no longer optional

According to a recent industry study by NRN and Restaurant Business, 53% of restaurant leaders are now actively trying to shift their customers from third-party marketplaces to their own direct ordering channels. The message is clear: the ‘honeymoon phase’ with third-party apps is over, and the era of reclaiming your margins has begun.

While third-party platforms are great for discovery, they come at a high cost — not just in commissions (often 15–30%), but in the loss of customer data. When a guest orders through a marketplace, you don’t own the relationship; the app does.

To thrive in a ‘digital-first’ hospitality future, operators need to turn ‘crave-worthy into clickable’ on their own terms. This means having a native online ordering system that is as seamless as the big apps but keeps the profit where it belongs: with the restaurant.

The Katalyst solution: With Katalyst Native Online Ordering, we help you bridge the gap.

• Keep 100% of the revenue: Say goodbye to middleman fees on every order.
• Own your data: Capture guest emails and preferences automatically to build your own marketing list.
• Unified operations: Orders flow directly into your POS, eliminating ‘tablet hell’ and reducing kitchen errors.

Don’t let third-party apps sit between you and your profit. Join the 53% of leaders taking back control. Learn more about Katalyst Online Ordering.