Shopify for Restaurants: A Complete Guide From Setup To Sales

Running a restaurant is no easy job. Between managing staff, creating mouthwatering dishes, and Running a restaurant is no easy job. Between managing staff, creating mouthwatering dishes, and keeping customers happy, there’s already a lot on your plate. However, with the world going digital, having just a physical location might not be enough. More people now like to order food online. They browse digital menus and book tables using their smartphones.

The good news is that now, with Shopify Development Services, you can take your restaurant online. Shopify isn’t just for selling clothes, electronics, or gadgets; it can also transform how you run your food business. It offers tools to help you set up an online store, manage online food orders, streamline local delivery, and even handle payments with ease.

So, in this blog, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about using Shopify for restaurants. We’ll give you detailed steps to set up a Shopify store for your restaurant. Let’s dive in!

Why Should You Take Your Food Business Online?

The transformation of the restaurant industry from a digital to an online presence is significant. While dine-in service remains important, today’s customers prefer the convenience of ordering from home. Modern diners want to view the menu, place orders, and pay through their smartphones or PCs.

Building an online presence is no longer optional for restaurant owners; it is essential to reach today’s tech-savvy customers and stay competitive.

Here are some top reasons why your food business needs an online presence:

Reach More Customers

With an online store, your restaurant isn’t limited by location. You can attract local customers, boost delivery services, and even offer pickup options. People searching for “food near me” online are more likely to find you if your restaurant has a digital presence.

Offer Convenient Online Ordering

Customers love convenience. Online ordering allows people to browse the menu and place orders while specifying payment methods. No more phone calls—everything is done quickly and easily without hassle!

Boost Sales with Delivery and Takeout

Online food orders have grown significantly in recent years, both for pickups and local deliveries. Offering online ordering lets you tap into this trend and increase your restaurant’s revenue.

Build Your Brand Online

Your online store can do much more than just take food orders. It serves as a platform to promote your brand. Share your story, showcase your best dishes, and build genuine connections with customers through your website and social media. This will foster customer loyalty and keep them coming back again and again.

Improve Customer Experience

Being online allows you to offer features that enhance the customer experience:

• Send order confirmations.
• Easily track deliveries.
• Provide multiple payment options.

You can also collect email addresses for marketing purposes, such as sharing special offers and discounts.

Stay Competitive

Many restaurants have already moved their business online. You can do the same to stay competitive. With Shopify, you can create a restaurant ordering system that lets you receive orders, update menu items, and manage payments easily through the Shopify admin dashboard.

Easy to Get Started

An online store doesn’t have to be complicated. Shopify offers simple website tools and a free trial to help you start. It also provides templates designed specifically for restaurants. Your restaurant can go online quickly without requiring advanced technical skills.

Taking your food business online is a smart move. It helps you grow, makes things easier for customers, and keeps you relevant in today’s fast-paced digital world.

Pros and Cons of Shopify for Restaurants

When planning to use Shopify for your restaurant, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. Setting up and running an online food business with Shopify can simplify the process, but it does have some drawbacks.

Let’s explore what the platform offers for your restaurant and where it may fall short.

Pros of Using Shopify for Restaurants

The list of pros includes:

• Easy Setup and User-Friendly Tools: Shopify is easy to set up and offers intuitive tools. Adding menu items, managing online orders, and processing payments are straightforward.
• Multiple Sales Channels: Shopify supports various sales channels. You can create an online store, offer local delivery, and maintain a presence on social media, broadening your customer base and boosting revenue.
• Customizable Themes: The Shopify Theme Store offers numerous themes suited for restaurants, from fine dining to cafés and food trucks, allowing you to match your brand’s vibe.
• Shopify POS Integration: Managing in-store and online sales is seamless with Shopify POS (Point of Sale). You can handle both order types, track inventory in real time, and improve efficiency.
• Access to Shopify Apps: Shopify’s app store has many restaurant-focused apps that enhance customer experience and streamline operations, including local delivery tracking and loyalty programs.
• Secure Payment Options: Shopify provides secure, reliable payment gateways, letting customers choose their preferred payment methods for smooth transactions.
• Free Trial to Get Started: Unsure about committing? Start with a free trial to explore features and see if Shopify suits your restaurant.

Cons of Using Shopify for Restaurants

The list of cons includes:

• Transaction Fees: If you don’t use Shopify Payments, transaction fees apply. For restaurants processing many small orders, these fees can add up.
• Limited Niche Features: Shopify isn’t designed specifically for restaurants. Features like table reservations and kitchen management depend on third-party apps.
• App Costs Can Add Up: Many useful apps charge extra fees. Expenses can rise as you purchase multiple apps for delivery, menu customization, or marketing.
• Learning Curve for Customization: Shopify is easy to use, but advanced customizations like editing theme code require technical skills.
• Monthly Subscription Fees: After the trial, Shopify requires a paid monthly subscription. This cost may be a factor for small restaurants on tight budgets.

Shopify offers many advantages for restaurant owners, helping them sell online, provide local delivery, and manage orders efficiently. However, it’s crucial to consider costs, app add-ons, and your specific needs before deciding.

If you think Shopify is right for your food business, consult with our Shopify development company.

How to Set Up Shopify for Restaurants?

Setting up Shopify for an eCommerce restaurant website is simple. Let’s take a look at the process.

Sign up with Shopify

To start setting up your Shopify account, go to the Shopify website and click the “Start Free Trial” button. You will be prompted to enter your email address, password, and store name.

Choose a store name that reflects your restaurant’s identity. It could be the name of your restaurant or a catchy name that customers will easily remember.

Select a Shopify Theme

Once you’ve signed in, the next step is to select a Shopify theme for your restaurant’s online store. A theme determines how your store looks and functions, making it a vital part of your website’s user experience.

Shopify offers both free and premium themes. Choose one that fits your restaurant’s style, branding, and menu layout.

When selecting your theme, consider the kind of experience you want to offer your customers. Do you want a fresh, clean, and minimalistic design that highlights your dishes? Or do you prefer something vibrant and colorful?

You can search for themes designed specifically for the food industry. These usually include features like menu displays, image galleries, and built-in search functions.

Once you’ve chosen a theme, click the “Add Theme” or “Customize” button to install it. This will take you to Shopify’s theme editor, where you can adjust colors, fonts, images, and layout settings.

You can also add sections for your menu, promotions, and testimonials. Take your time tailoring the theme to reflect your restaurant’s unique identity.

Add Required Pages for Your Restaurant

Every restaurant website needs essential pages to provide customers with important information. These pages help build trust, improve user experience, and make your online store look professional. Key pages to include are:

• About Us: Share your restaurant’s story! Let customers know what makes your food special, explore its history, and introduce your chefs. Customers love learning about the people behind their favorite dishes.
• Contact Page: List your restaurant’s phone number, email, and physical address. Including a contact form makes it easier for customers to reach you.
• Menu Page: Create a dedicated page for your full menu. Even if customers can order directly from your store, add mouthwatering photos, descriptions, and special offers.
• Delivery Page: This page is for those who offer local delivery or curbside pickup. Include details such as delivery area, fees, estimated delivery time, and minimum order requirements.
• Feedback Page: Provide a space for diners to share their experiences with dining or ordering. Collecting feedback helps identify areas for improvement and recognizes valued customers.
• FAQ Page: Address common questions about delivery, payment methods, opening hours, and more. This reduces confusion and enhances customer satisfaction.
• Legal Page: Include privacy policy, refund & return policy, and terms & conditions pages. These legal pages can be easily created using Shopify.

You can add these pages by going to your Shopify admin dashboard, selecting “Online Store,” and clicking on “Pages.” From there, you can create and customize each page to match your brand.

Build a Digital Menu and Upload Items as Products

Shopify will enable you to create a product for your restaurant’s menu items. After this, your customers can browse through the online menu and add items to the cart for an online order.

To activate your digital menu, go to the Products section in the Shopify Admin. Click “Add Product” and begin uploading the items in your menu individually. Here are some things you fill in for every item:

• Product Name: Use dish names, such as “Margherita Pizza” or “Spicy Chicken Wings.”
• Description: Compose a luscious description of the dish with a few key ingredients and flavor pointers.
• Images: You have uploaded high-resolution pictures for your menu items. For this Industry, visuals are very important as they tempt one’s dish.
• Price: Enter the price for it. In case you have more than one size (small, medium, large), mark different prices according to those using the variant feature in Shopify.
• Inventory and SKU: If applicable, you could manage inventory to oversee how many of the items you possess in stock.

After adding your final menu items, group them by category. Use sections like Appetizers, Main Courses, and Desserts. This makes it easier for customers to find what they want.

Once finished with adding your final menu items, do not forget to group them into sections by category (Appetizers, Main Courses, Desserts, and so on) for ease of access to the items listed within your menu for the customer.

Configure Deliver and Pickup Options

One of the key advantages of taking your restaurant online is offering delivery and pickup. Shopify makes it easy to set up these options, allowing customers to choose how they want to receive their food.

To enable delivery and pickup, go to the “Settings” tab in your Shopify admin and select “Shipping and Delivery.” From here, you can configure:

• Local Delivery: Set delivery zones based on your restaurant’s location. Define delivery costs, minimum order values, and estimated delivery times.
• Local Pickup: Allow customers to order online and pick up their food at your restaurant. This option reduces wait times and improves efficiency.
• Shipping Options (if applicable): If you ship non-perishable food products, you can set shipping rates easily.

Offering options like curbside pickup, contactless delivery, and in-store pickup enhances the customer experience and helps boost sales.

Setup Payment Options

Customers appreciate having multiple payment choices. Shopify helps you set up various payment options to suit all customer preferences.

Access your Shopify admin, click ‘Settings,’ then ‘Payments.’ You can activate:

• Shopify Payments: Accept card payments online with this built-in gateway from Shopify. It’s user-friendly, secure, and has no extra fees.
• Third-Party Payment Gateways: Integrate other gateways like PayPal, Apple Pay, or Stripe if you prefer.
• Cash on Delivery (COD): Offer cash on delivery or cash on pickup for local customers.

Remember to test your payment system before launching your store to ensure everything works smoothly.

Setup Your Custom Domain

Configuring a custom domain makes your restaurant’s online store look professional and easy to find. Instead of using Shopify’s default URL (for example, “yourrestaurant.myshopify.com”), you can set up a custom domain like “www.yourrestaurant.com.”

To do this, go to “Settings” > “Domains” in your Shopify admin. You can either buy a domain directly through Shopify or connect one you already own. Shopify will guide you through the process step by step.

Custom domains add a touch of professionalism to your brand and are easier for customers to remember. They can also improve your search engine ranking.

This guide helps you set up a Shopify store for your restaurant. You can put your menu online, take orders, and arrange deliveries or pickups, all managed from one central location. If you need help setting up your store, you can hire Shopify developers.

Shopify Themes for Restaurants

Shopify offers a variety of themes to choose from. However, when selecting a theme for your restaurant, consider the overall style and atmosphere of your establishment. Here are some recommended Shopify themes:

Crave (Best for Fast Food and Quick-Service Restaurants)

The Crave theme is ideal for busy restaurants such as fast-food chains, food trucks, and casual dining spots. It features bright, bold visuals that immediately grab attention. Clear call-to-action (CTA) buttons help customers order online, explore your menu, or view promotions.

This theme is smoothly optimized for mobile devices, allowing customers to browse and place orders easily from their smartphones. Whether they’re craving burgers, tacos, or pizza, the Crave theme makes online ordering simple and convenient.

Taste (Perfect for Upscale Dining and Gourmet Restaurants)

The Taste theme is sleek and minimal, perfect for fine-dining restaurants, bistros, and gourmet eateries. Its elegant design highlights high-quality visuals, letting you showcase your dishes beautifully with large, professional images.

Taste is optimized for storytelling, enabling you to share your restaurant’s story, highlight your chef’s signature dishes, and explain what makes your dining experience unique. Built-in sections for customer reviews and testimonials help build credibility and attract diners seeking high-end experiences.

Vantage (Great for Cafés, Bakeries, and Coffee Shops)

The Vantage theme offers a clean, modern layout well-suited for cafés, bakeries, and coffee shops. It includes built-in features to showcase special offers, seasonal items, and loyalty programs.

With options for local delivery and pickup, customers can easily order pastries, lattes, and baked goods. You can customize sections to highlight popular menu items and share blog posts about your ingredients or promote upcoming events like coffee-tasting sessions.

Blockshop (Best for Large Menus and Multi-Location Restaurants)

The Blockshop theme is a versatile option for restaurants with extensive menus or multiple locations. Its modular layout allows you to organize menu items into categories, such as appetizers, entrées, and desserts, for easier navigation.

This theme also supports location-based features, which are useful if your restaurant operates in multiple cities. Customers can easily find the nearest location, check operating hours, and place orders for delivery or pickup.

Local (Perfect for Community-Focused Restaurants)

The Local theme suits restaurants that focus on community, local sourcing, and sustainability. It features customizable sections for sharing your restaurant’s mission, highlighting partnerships with local farmers, and promoting eco-friendly practices.

This theme also makes it easy to display customer reviews, feature daily specials, and integrate social media feeds. It’s a great choice for restaurants that want to build a loyal, community-driven customer base.

Simply put, Shopify has themes for all types of restaurants. Options like Crave, Taste, Vantage, and Local help showcase your menu and improve online ordering. These themes can boost sales and enhance customer experience.

Shopify POS for Restaurants

Shopify POS is ideal for restaurant owners. It simplifies operations and enhances customer experiences, whether online or in person. With just a Shopify account, a card reader, and an internet-connected device, you can easily manage orders, payments, and inventory.

This system is especially useful for restaurants because it integrates online and in-person sales, offering customers greater flexibility. Whether customers prefer dine-in, takeout, or delivery, Shopify POS keeps everything running smoothly. Plus, it helps you reach a wider audience by connecting your restaurant to more customers.

Getting started with Shopify POS is quick and easy. Here’s what you need to do:

• Choose a Compatible Device: Use Shopify POS on any compatible device, such as an iPhone, iPad, or Android phone. Ensure your device runs iOS 12.0 (or later) or the latest Android version.
• Download the Shopify POS App: Visit the Apple App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play Store (for Android) to download the Shopify POS app. It’s also a good idea to integrate free Square POS with Shopify.
• Sign In to Your Shopify Account: After installing the app, log in using your Shopify credentials to access your store’s dashboard.
• Connect Your Card Reader: Pair your Shopify POS device with a card reader. Shopify offers several card reader options depending on your restaurant’s needs.
• Add Products and Menu Items: Make sure your products, menu items, and details (such as prices and availability) are listed in your Shopify store. Update them before you start accepting orders if needed.

In summary, Shopify POS makes managing your restaurant’s sales both online and offline easy. With flexible payment options and real-time inventory tracking, it enhances customer satisfaction while simplifying your operations.

Shopify Apps for Restaurant Websites

Using Shopify apps can enhance your restaurant’s online experience and streamline operations. Here are some essential apps to consider:

• GloriaFood Online Ordering: Add an online ordering system to your site, allowing customers to easily order for delivery or pickup without paying commissions.
• Order Printer Pro: Print custom receipts and invoices for takeout, delivery, or dine-in customers.
• Yotpo Product Reviews & UGC: Collect and showcase customer reviews to build trust and boost your restaurant’s reputation.
• Local Delivery by Shopify: Optimize delivery routes, track local orders, and provide real-time delivery updates.
• Easy Tabs – Product Tabs: Organize menu items using tabs to improve navigation and enhance the customer experience.
• Tidio Live Chat: Offer instant customer support through live chat, email, and chatbot automation.

Integrating these apps improves customer convenience, simplifies restaurant management, and boosts online sales.

How to Promote Your Shopify Restaurant?

Once your Shopify restaurant website is live, the next step is to attract customers. Here are effective ways to promote your restaurant and increase online orders:

• Use Social Media Marketing: Showcase your menu on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Share behind-the-scenes content and promote special offers. Engage with your audience by responding to comments, running polls, and encouraging user-generated content.
• Run Paid Ads: Invest in targeted ads on platforms like Google and Facebook to reach potential customers in your local area. Use keywords like “online food delivery” or “best restaurant near me” to attract hungry users searching online.
• Offer Special Discounts and Promotions: Create appealing deals such as “Buy One, Get One Free.” You can also offer limited-time discounts or free delivery for first-time orders. Promote these offers on your website, social media accounts, and through email marketing to encourage more people to try your food.
• Implement Email Marketing Campaigns: Collect customer email addresses and send regular newsletters featuring menu updates, upcoming events, loyalty rewards, and exclusive offers. This helps keep your restaurant top of mind and builds a loyal customer base.
• Claim Your Restaurant on Google My Business: Optimize your Google Business profile to increase visibility in local search results. Add essential details like your address, contact number, menu link, and operating hours. Positive reviews will further boost your ranking and attract more customers.
• Collaborate with Food Influencers and Bloggers: Partner with local food bloggers or social media influencers to showcase your dishes. Influencers can create buzz by sharing reviews, photos, or videos with their followers.

By using these promotional strategies, you can increase your restaurant’s online visibility, drive traffic to your Shopify store, and ultimately boost sales.

Let’s Summarize

Taking your restaurant online with Shopify opens new opportunities to grow your business, reach more customers, and streamline operations. From setting up your store and choosing the perfect theme to optimizing with helpful apps, Shopify provides everything you need to succeed in the digital space.

Whether you run a fast-food outlet, gourmet eatery, or local café, creating a seamless online experience can enhance customer satisfaction and boost sales. If you need expert help setting up or optimizing your Shopify restaurant store, consult our experts today!

FAQs on Shopify for Restaurants