Top 7 Tools Reddit Says Help Small Restaurants Build Their Own Branded Ordering System (no-code / low-code picks)
It’s no secret that small restaurants face fierce competition from big-name delivery platforms and food chains. But many restaurateurs are now looking to take control of their orders, customer relationships, and branding by building their own digital ordering systems—without hiring a full-stack development team. Reddit, a hub for hands-on advice, has become a goldmine for recommendations on no-code and low-code tools that help small business owners do exactly that.
TL;DR
Small restaurants wanting to break free from delivery platform fees and maintain control over customer experience are turning to no-code/low-code tools to build their own branded ordering systems. Reddit users frequently recommend a handful of accessible, affordable platforms that streamline web and mobile ordering, payment integration, and menu customization. Tools like Square Online, GloriaFood, and BentoBox emerge as clear favorites. Each platform offers varying degrees of customizability, ease of use, and integration options suitable for non-technical users.
1. Square Online – The All-in-One Favorite
Square isn’t just a point-of-sale system; its online ordering feature has earned praise from Reddit’s r/smallbusiness and r/restaurant subs for being straightforward, robust, and integrated right out of the box. With its easy-to-use drag-and-drop site builder and connection to Square’s POS ecosystem, it’s often recommended as the top starter option for owners who want something functional yesterday.
- No technical knowledge required
- Direct integration with Square’s POS and inventory
- Mobile-ready online store for orders and payments
Redditors highlight its ability to offer curbside, pickup, and delivery without the hefty platform fees. It may lack deep customization, but for most small restaurants, it gets the job done.
2. GloriaFood – Feature-Packed and Free
One of the most upvoted recommendations on Reddit when it comes to building a branded digital ordering system is GloriaFood. This platform gained traction for providing a completely free online ordering widget that integrates right into a business’s existing website.
- Offers free online ordering system and mobile app builder
- Supports pickup and delivery orders
- Menu management and simple analytics baked in
Many Redditors appreciate the zero-cost entry point. While optional paid features (like advanced promos and POS integration) are available, even the free tier impresses small restaurant owners who are just starting digital operations.
3. BentoBox – Designed with Restaurants in Mind
Redditors with a bit more budget recommend BentoBox for its high-quality design and purpose-built features specifically for restaurants. Although it’s not the cheapest solution, it’s cited for its ability to deliver a premium customer experience with very little technical effort.
- Custom-branded site design included
- Digital ordering, catering, and eCommerce features
- Customer data ownership enabled
While not truly no-code (many users work with BentoBox’s team for design), it provides a polished, turnkey experience. Its customer support and understanding of the restaurant business earn it consistent praise across Reddit’s food business communities.
4. ChowNow – A Commission-Free Ordering Alternative
For owners frustrated by high third-party fees, Redditors often suggest ChowNow as a commission-free solution. It allows restaurants to set up branded apps and websites for ordering while focusing on reclaiming customer relationships.
- No commissions on orders
- Easy-to-deploy custom apps and site integrations
- Includes marketing tools like email campaigns
Redditors frequently note that ChowNow’s interface and ordering tools are intuitive, and they appreciate that it emphasizes brand ownership. However, some mention it can get pricey for smaller operations depending on feature usage.
5. Tock – High-End Look for Fine Dining
If a restaurant values presentation and experience as much as function, Tock is a recurring suggestion, especially in Reddit’s r/foodService or when talking about upscale establishments. Originally known for reservation tools, Tock now includes online ordering with highly customizable options.
- Supports reservations, events, and ordering
- Visual-first UX great for higher-end restaurants
- Includes options like prepaid tasting menus and pick-ups
It’s particularly appealing to restaurants that offer reservations and want to tie that digital presence with their ordering system. The interface is polished, and although slightly less no-code than others, many Redditors say Tock’s team helps with setup.
6. MealMe and API Mashups – For the DIY Enthusiasts
More advanced but still low-code, some Redditors suggest combining tools like MealMe with platforms like Zapier or FlutterFlow to build highly customized ordering workflows. These combinations allow integration of payment gateways, SMS notifications, Google Sheets inventory tracking, and more—if the user is ready to tinker.
- Flexibility through integrations and APIs
- Built for tech-savvy owners or developers-for-hire
- Can automate niche features not found in bigger systems
This approach is praised by Reddit’s no-code and r/smallbiz communities, especially for unique setups where out-of-the-box systems fall short. But it’s more time-intensive and not recommended for beginners without support.
7. MenuTiger – QR Menus with Ordering Included
Post-pandemic, QR menus are staying popular, and Redditors mention MenuTiger as a great way to turn a static QR menu into a live ordering engine. It’s minimal and designed to reduce physical contact while enabling branded ordering directly from the table.
- Create custom QR code menus with links to ordering
- Supports table-side and to-go ordering
- Quick to set up and modern-looking
For fast-casual and dine-in operations looking for a COVID-friendly solution, MenuTiger is often recommended for its sleek presentation and ease of setup. Some say its lack of deeper integration with POS systems is a downside—but overall, it meets its intended use case well.
Conclusion
The conversation on Reddit regarding no-code or low-code tools for restaurant ordering systems makes one thing clear: small businesses want autonomy and affordability. Whether it’s free tools like GloriaFood, design-centric platforms like BentoBox, or hybrid solutions like Square Online, these tools are empowering mom-and-pop restaurants to compete with platforms charging 20–30% in fees. As the tools become more accessible and customizable, the trend continues toward owning your customer journey—from menu to checkout and beyond.
FAQs
- What is the easiest platform to get started with if I have no technical experience?
Square Online and GloriaFood are frequently recommended on Reddit as the most beginner-friendly options thanks to their simple setup processes and zero to minimal costs. - Are there truly free options for small restaurants?
Yes. GloriaFood offers a completely free ordering system with no commission fees, although some advanced features are paid. - Can I use these tools for both pickup and delivery?
Absolutely. Most platforms like ChowNow, Square, and BentoBox support both pickup and delivery configurations. - Which option is best for building a branded mobile app?
ChowNow and Square Online include mobile-friendly ordering interfaces, and ChowNow even offers custom-branded app development. - Do I need a website before using these tools?
No. Tools like Square Online provide hosting and a full website as part of their service. Others, like GloriaFood, offer widgets you can embed in existing sites.