Skip to main content Scroll Top

Restaurant App Development Company: Ordering, Loyalty & Reservation Apps

Updated September 2026 · Written and maintained by the Progression Agency strategy team

Progression Agency builds branded restaurant apps for independent restaurants, groups and franchises: online ordering, rewards, reservations and catering — integrated with your POS so orders flow straight to the kitchen and guests order from you, not a marketplace.

On this page · 12 sections
  1. What is restaurant app development?
  2. Restaurant apps we build
  3. What features does a restaurant app need?
  4. Integrations for restaurant apps
  5. Security, privacy and store rules for restaurant apps
  6. Our restaurant app development process
  7. How much does it cost to build a restaurant app?
  8. Technology for restaurant apps
  9. Mistakes to avoid when building a restaurant app
  10. Why choose Progression Agency for restaurant app development?
  11. Related app development services
  12. Video: frameworks we build with

The short answerRestaurant app development is building branded apps for ordering, pickup and delivery, loyalty, reservations and catering, integrated with POS and kitchen systems. A restaurant ordering and rewards app commonly costs $50,000-$150,000 depending on POS integration and locations.

Cost ranges are US planning figures, not quotes.

Restaurant app development searches
Restaurants want direct ordering that keeps margin and guest data in-house.

What is restaurant app development?

Restaurant app development is designing and building a restaurant’s own mobile ordering, loyalty and reservation app.

A branded app lets restaurants own guest relationships and reduce third-party commissions; see restaurant websites and restaurant marketing for the rest of the funnel.

Order — Online ordering. Pickup and delivery..
Reward — Loyalty. Points and offers..
Book — Reservations. Tables and waitlists..
Cater — Catering. Large orders..
Kiosk — Kiosk and table ordering. QR and kiosks..
Group — Multi-location. Groups and franchises..

Restaurant apps we build

Our restaurant app development services cover these product types.

Ordering apps

Pickup, curbside and delivery with modifiers, scheduling and saved favorites.

Loyalty and rewards

Points, offers and birthday rewards tied to every order.

Reservation and waitlist

Table booking and waitlists.

Catering ordering

Large-order flows with lead times and invoicing.

QR table ordering and kiosks

Order and pay at the table or counter.

Multi-location and franchise apps

Location-aware menus and central management.

A branded app lets restaurants own guest relationships and reduce third-party commissions; see restaurant websites and restaurant marketing for the rest of the funnel.

What features does a restaurant app need?

The features users expect on day one.

Core restaurant app features
FeatureWhy it matters
Menu with modifiersAccurate orders
Fast reorderRepeat purchase
LoyaltyRetention
POS integrationOrders to the kitchen
Scheduled ordersPlan ahead
Delivery optionsOwn drivers or partners
Push offersDrive visits
Location awarenessRight menu, right store

Integrations for restaurant apps

The services these apps typically connect to.

Common integrations
SystemWhat we connect
POSToast, Square, Clover and others via APIs
PaymentsCards, wallets
Delivery partnersOn-demand courier services
ReservationsTable management
MarketingEmail and SMS
AnalyticsSales and repeat rate

Security, privacy and store rules for restaurant apps

Payments and accessibility obligations apply.

  • PCI-compliant payment providers.
  • Accessible ordering (WCAG 2.2).
  • Accurate allergen and menu information.
  • App store rules for in-app ordering of physical goods.
How we build a restaurant app
POS integration is usually the largest variable in restaurant app projects.

Our restaurant app development process

We validate the restaurant concept and target users, define a first release around the core loop, prototype and test the flows, build cross-platform or native in two-week sprints, prepare App Store and Google Play submissions, and launch with analytics and acquisition campaigns.

How much does it cost to build a restaurant app?

As a planning range, an ordering and rewards app commonly costs $50,000-$120,000 and a multi-location platform with catering and reservations $120,000-$200,000.

Restaurant app cost ranges (planning figures)
ScopeTypical rangeTimeline
Ordering + rewards app$50,000-$120,0003-5 months
QR / kiosk ordering$30,000-$80,0002-3 months
Multi-location platform$120,000-$200,0005-7 months

Technology for restaurant apps

Chosen for speed to both stores and long-term maintainability.

Technology we typically use
LayerChoice
MobileReact Native or Flutter; native Swift/Kotlin where needed
BackendNode.js or Python APIs
DataPostgreSQL, Redis
Real timeWebSockets or managed messaging
PaymentsStripe, Apple and Google in-app purchase
AnalyticsFirebase, product analytics

Mistakes to avoid when building a restaurant app

What sinks apps in this category.

  • Menus that do not match the POS.
  • Slow reorder flows.
  • Loyalty disconnected from orders.
  • Ignoring kitchen timing.
  • One menu for every location.
  • No marketing plan to move guests to the app.
POS sync — Rest. Accurate menus..
Reorder — Rest. Two taps..
Rewards — Rest. Every order..
Kitchen timing — Rest. Accurate pickup..
Location menus — Rest. Right store..
Guest data — Rest. Owned by you..

Why choose Progression Agency for restaurant app development?

We build the app and help it get users.

  • POS integration experience.
  • Fast-reorder UX.
  • Restaurant marketing to shift guests from marketplaces.
  • You own the code and developer accounts.
  • Headquartered in New York City, working nationwide.

See delivery app development, restaurant websites and restaurant marketing.

Building a restaurant app?

Tell us the idea and audience. We will propose a first release, platform approach and planning estimate.

Get an app proposal

Video: frameworks we build with

Explainers on the frameworks used to ship apps to both stores.

Getting found in search

AI, AEO and what is changing

Paid media and lead generation

Websites and design

Choosing and working with an agency

Software and app development

Social, content and brand

By industry and by situation

Frequently asked questions

How much does a restaurant app cost?
As a planning range, $50,000-$120,000 for ordering and rewards.
How long does restaurant app development take?
Commonly 3-5 months.
Can the app send orders to our POS?
Yes, via POS integration.
Do we need our own delivery drivers?
No; apps can dispatch on-demand courier partners.
Can you build a loyalty program?
Yes, tied to every order.
Can you add reservations?
Yes.
Can you build QR table ordering?
Yes.
Why build our own app instead of using marketplaces?
To own guest data and reduce commissions.
Can the app handle multiple locations?
Yes, with location-aware menus.
Can you build catering ordering?
Yes.
What POS systems do you integrate?
Major POS systems with APIs.
Native or cross-platform?
Cross-platform suits most restaurant apps.
How do we get guests to use the app?
Offers, in-store prompts and marketing.
Can you add gift cards?
Yes.
What tech stack do you use?
React Native or Flutter, Node.js, PostgreSQL and POS APIs.
How much maintenance is required?
POS and OS updates; plan monthly support.
What should I look for in a restaurant app developer?
POS integration experience and fast ordering UX.
Do you build franchise apps?
Yes.
Who owns the app?
You do.
Where is Progression Agency located?
New York City, serving restaurants nationwide.

Sources and further reading

  1. Google Search Essentials — SEO starter guide
  2. Google: creating helpful, reliable, people-first content
  3. Google: intro to structured data
  4. Google: LocalBusiness structured data
  5. Google: FAQPage structured data
  6. Google: Article structured data
  7. Google: Product structured data
  8. Google: title links in search results
  9. Google: control your snippets
  10. Google: robots.txt introduction
  11. Google: sitemaps overview
  12. Google: consolidate duplicate URLs
  13. Google: redirects and Search
  14. Google: JavaScript SEO basics
  15. Google: multi-regional and multilingual sites
  16. Google Search Central Blog
  17. Google: get started with Search Console
  18. Google: how local search results are determined
  19. Google Business Profile: prohibited and restricted content
  20. Google Business Profile: address and service area guidelines
  21. Google Business Profile: review policy
  22. Google Business Profile: add or edit categories
  23. Google Ads: location targeting settings
  24. Google Ads: about negative keywords
  25. Google Ads: about Quality Score
  26. Google Ads: importing offline conversions
  27. Google Ads: about Smart Bidding
  28. Google Ads: about Performance Max
  29. Google Local Services Ads: eligibility and screening
  30. Google Ads: keyword match types
  31. Google Analytics 4: about conversions
  32. Google Analytics 4: attribution models
  33. US Census Bureau QuickFacts: New Jersey
  34. US Census Bureau: American Community Survey
  35. US Census: Statistics of US Businesses
  36. Bureau of Labor Statistics: New Jersey data
  37. BLS: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
  38. NJ Department of Labor: labor market information
  39. New Jersey Business Action Center
  40. US Small Business Administration: New Jersey district
  41. USA.gov: business resources
  42. web.dev: Core Web Vitals explained
  43. web.dev: Largest Contentful Paint
  44. web.dev: Cumulative Layout Shift
  45. web.dev: Interaction to Next Paint
  46. Google PageSpeed Insights
  47. Google Rich Results Test
  48. Google Search Console
  49. W3C Markup Validation Service
  50. Schema.org: LocalBusiness type
  51. Schema.org: Service type
  52. Schema.org: FAQPage type
  53. Schema.org: HowTo type
  54. W3C: WCAG 2.2 quick reference
  55. FTC: CAN-SPAM Act compliance guide
  56. FCC: telemarketing and robocall rules (TCPA)
  57. FTC endorsement guides — reviews and testimonials
  58. FTC: rule on consumer reviews and testimonials
  59. HHS: HIPAA guidance on online tracking technologies
  60. New Jersey Courts: attorney advertising guidelines
  61. New Jersey DCA: construction codes and permits
  62. New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor registration
  63. New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
  64. TikTok for Business
  65. TikTok Creative Center
  66. TikTok Ads Help Center
  67. TikTok Community Guidelines
  68. TikTok Terms of Service
  69. TikTok Privacy Policy
  70. TikTok Safety Center
  71. TikTok Transparency Center
  72. TikTok Creator Portal
  73. TikTok Newsroom
  74. TikTok for Developers
  75. TikTok advertising solutions
  76. TikTok Creator Marketplace
  77. TikTok Business Center
  78. TikTok for Business blog
  79. TikTok Creative Center: top ads
  80. TikTok Branded Content policy
  81. TikTok Shop for sellers
  82. Instagram for Business
  83. Instagram for Creators
  84. Instagram Help Center
  85. About Instagram
  86. Meta Business Suite
  87. Meta Business Help Center
  88. Meta Transparency Center
  89. About Meta
  90. Meta: Instagram platform docs
  91. YouTube Creators
  92. YouTube Official Blog
  93. YouTube Shorts help
  94. How YouTube Works
  95. YouTube Studio
  96. LinkedIn Marketing Solutions
  97. LinkedIn Help
  98. Pinterest Business
  99. Pinterest Business Help
  100. Snapchat for Business
  101. X for Business
  102. Reddit communities
  103. Reddit for Business Help
  104. ASCAP
  105. BMI
  106. SESAC
  107. Global Music Rights
  108. PRS for Music (UK)
  109. PPL (UK)
  110. SOCAN (Canada)
  111. APRA AMCOS (Australia)
  112. GEMA (Germany)
  113. SACEM (France)
  114. SIAE (Italy)
  115. JASRAC (Japan)
  116. IFPI
  117. RIAA
  118. National Music Publishers Association
  119. Harry Fox Agency
  120. SoundExchange
  121. Music Reports
  122. Epidemic Sound
  123. Artlist
  124. Soundstripe
  125. PremiumBeat
  126. AudioJungle
  127. Free Music Archive
  128. Creative Commons
  129. Incompetech
  130. FTC: advertising and marketing
  131. FTC: disclosures 101
  132. FTC: endorsement guides
  133. FTC: consumer reviews rule
  134. FTC: advertising FAQs
  135. US Copyright Office
  136. US Copyright Office: DMCA
  137. US Copyright Office: music FAQ
  138. US Copyright Office: fair use FAQ
  139. USPTO: trademarks
  140. UK Advertising Standards Authority
  141. ACCC (Australia)
  142. Competition Bureau Canada
  143. GDPR overview
  144. California Consumer Privacy Act
  145. COPPA
  146. FTC: children’s privacy
  147. W3C Web Accessibility Initiative
  148. W3C: WCAG
  149. W3C: captions
  150. W3C: making audio and video accessible
  151. ADA.gov
  152. WebAIM
  153. Epilepsy Foundation
  154. Pew Research: internet and technology
  155. DataReportal
  156. US Census Bureau
  157. US Bureau of Labor Statistics
  158. Interactive Advertising Bureau
  159. Think with Google
  160. Google Trends
  161. Nielsen insights
  162. Schema.org: VideoObject
  163. Schema.org: SocialMediaPosting
  164. Schema.org: MusicRecording
  165. Schema.org: HowTo
  166. Schema.org: FAQPage
  167. Schema.org: Organization
  168. Google: video best practices
  169. Google: video structured data
  170. CapCut
  171. Adobe Premiere Rush
  172. DaVinci Resolve
  173. Canva
  174. Descript
  175. VEED
  176. Kapwing
  177. Otter.ai
  178. Later
  179. Buffer
  180. Hootsuite
  181. Sprout Social
  182. Google Analytics
  183. Google Search Console
  184. Google Analytics developer docs
  185. GA4: events and conversions
  186. Matomo
  187. Plausible Analytics
  188. Similarweb
  189. UK Information Commissioner’s Office
  190. Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
  191. Australian OAIC
  192. European Data Protection Board
  193. EU data protection
  194. EU Digital Services Act
  195. Ofcom
  196. FCC
  197. AIGA
  198. Nielsen Norman Group
  199. Smashing Magazine
  200. web.dev
  201. MDN: web media
  202. MDN: the video element
  203. ISO 21001 (reference)
  204. Buma/Stemra (Netherlands)
  205. STIM (Sweden)
  206. Teosto (Finland)
  207. Koda (Denmark)
  208. TONO (Norway)
  209. IMRO (Ireland)
  210. SGAE (Spain)
  211. ZAiKS (Poland)
  212. KOMCA (South Korea)
  213. MCSC (China)
  214. CISAC
  215. World Intellectual Property Organization
  216. TikTok: creating videos
  217. TikTok: exploring videos
  218. TikTok: privacy settings
  219. TikTok: growing your audience
  220. TikTok Creator Academy
  221. TikTok Effect House
  222. TikTok for small business
  223. Instagram: Reels help
  224. YouTube: Shorts best practice
  225. How YouTube recommends
  226. Pinterest Predicts
  227. Snapchat for Business
  228. Hootsuite blog
  229. Social Media Examiner
  230. Marketing Week
  231. Adweek
  232. App Store Review Guidelines
  233. Google Play Data safety
  234. React Native
  235. Flutter
  236. PCI SSC

Planning an app?We design, build, launch and maintain iOS, Android and web apps, with a written scope before any code.

Get an app proposal

Get a free marketing proposal

Tell us what you are trying to grow and we will come back with a plan, not a pitch deck. Same-day reply on weekdays.

Our website uses cookies from third party services to improve your browsing experience. Read more about this and how you can control cookies by clicking "Privacy Preferences".
Privacy Preferences
When you visit our website, it may store information through your browser from specific services, usually in form of cookies. Here you can change your privacy preferences. Please note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our website and the services we offer.
Privacy Policy
You have read and agreed to our privacy policy
Required
Contact Us
0