Online ordering doesn't have to cost a fortune. This guide shows you how to set up a complete ordering system — including delivery, pickup, and reservations — for free using GloriaFood.

Why Restaurants Need Online Ordering

Online ordering is no longer optional for modern restaurants

Customers expect to order online. Whether it's delivery, pickup, or dine-in pre-orders, having a system in place captures orders you'd otherwise lose to competitors.

The problem? Most online ordering platforms take 15-30% commissions on every order. For thin-margin restaurants, that's brutal.

GloriaFood offers a genuinely free solution with no commissions on pickup orders, making it one of the best options for restaurants wanting to avoid the DoorDash and Uber Eats fee trap.

Step 1: Create Your GloriaFood Account

Setup takes about 10-15 minutes from start to finish

Head to GloriaFood and begin account creation:

1. Enter your restaurant's name, phone number, and address
2. Move the map pin to your exact physical location
3. Indicate whether you have an existing website
4. Select your cuisine type (add custom if not listed)
5. Validate your account via the email confirmation

Once validated, set a password and you're into the admin dashboard.

Step 2: Configure Services and Hours

Define exactly where you'll deliver and when you're open

Enabling Service Types

GloriaFood supports four service types:

• Pickup — Customers order online, collect in-store
• Delivery — You deliver to customer locations
• Table Reservations — Bookings sync with your order-taking app
• Order Ahead — Pre-orders for dine-in (reduces wait times)

Enable the services that apply to your operation.

Setting Delivery Zones

For delivery, you can create multiple zones with different parameters:

1. Click Add Another Zone
2. Draw circle or polygon shapes on the map
3. For polygon zones, click Shape then point-and-click to define boundaries
4. Set minimum order value per zone
5. Set delivery fee per zone

Different zones can have different fees — charge more for distant deliveries.

Operating Hours

Click Add Hours to set when you're open:

• Select days of the week
• Set opening and closing times
• Optionally set different hours for different services (e.g., delivery ends earlier than pickup)

Pro Tip: Enable "Order for Later" to accept orders outside business hours. Orders queue up and appear when you open the next day.

Step 3: Configure Taxes and Payments

Set up payment processing and tax handling

Tax Settings

Choose your tax model:

• Prices include tax — Common in many countries
• Tax added at checkout — Standard in the US

You can also set different tax rates for:

• Different services (pickup vs. delivery)
• Different item categories (food vs. alcohol)

Payment Methods

Enable the payment options that work for you:

• Cash on delivery/pickup — No setup required
• Card on delivery — Customers pay driver
• Online payment — Requires gateway connection

If you have a merchant account with a compliant payment gateway, connect it in the Payments section to accept online payments.

Step 4: Install the Order-Taking App

Orders arrive directly to your phone or tablet

GloriaFood works through a mobile app on your phone or tablet:

1. Choose your device type (iOS or Android)
2. Enter your phone number
3. Receive download link via SMS
4. Install and log in

Once connected, your admin dashboard shows "Connected" status. When orders arrive, you'll receive push notifications.

First-Time App Setup

The app walks you through:

• How to review incoming orders
• How to accept/reject orders
• How to set estimated delivery times
• Adding menu items and modifiers

Step 5: Build Your Digital Menu

Your menu needs photos and clear descriptions to maximize orders

Add your menu items directly in the app or web dashboard:

Creating Categories

1. Click Add Category
2. Name the category (e.g., "Starters," "Mains," "Drinks")
3. Categories organize your menu for customers

Adding Items

For each menu item:

1. Enter name and description
2. Add pricing (single or multiple sizes)
3. Upload a photo (items with photos convert better)
4. Assign to a category

Setting Up Add-Ons

Add-ons (modifiers) attach to items via drag-and-drop:

• Create add-on groups (e.g., "Extra Toppings")
• Set prices for each option
• Assign to categories, items, or specific sizes

Note: GloriaFood offers a paid service to build your menu for you if you'd rather not do it yourself.

Step 6: Publish Your Ordering System

Multiple ways for customers to find your ordering system

GloriaFood provides five ways for customers to order:

1. Facebook Ordering

Add ordering directly to your Facebook business page:

1. Go to your Facebook page
2. Click Add a Button
3. Choose Start Order action
4. Paste the link provided by GloriaFood
5. Save

Customers can now order directly from Facebook.

2. Sales-Optimized Website

GloriaFood offers a pre-built restaurant website for $9/month:

• Conversion-optimized design
• SEO-friendly structure
• Instant preview before purchase
• Easy customization

Not required, but useful if you don't have a website.

3. Your Existing Website

If you already have a website, embed the ordering widget:

1. Go to Legacy Website publishing option
2. Copy the HTML code provided
3. Paste into your website builder

GloriaFood provides specific instructions for:

• WordPress
• Wix
• Squarespace
• Weebly
• Duda
• Joomla
• Drupal
• Static HTML sites

4. FoodBooking Marketplace App

FoodBooking is GloriaFood's shared marketplace app:

• Customers discover local restaurants
• Commission-free (unlike DoorDash/Uber)
• Requires approval before listing
• Free exposure to existing app users

5. Branded Mobile App

For $59/month, get a custom-branded app:

• Your restaurant name and logo
• iOS and Android versions
• Direct relationship with customers
• Skip if budget is tight

Step 7: Set Up Promotions

Promotions encourage first-time online orders

The Kickstarter module helps convert existing customers to online ordering:

1. Enable Kickstarter in your dashboard
2. Create a promotional offer (e.g., "10% off first online order")
3. Customize the campaign messaging
4. Share with customers who previously ordered by phone or walk-in

This drives adoption of your online ordering system.

No-Contact Delivery Setup

Setting up safe, contactless delivery options

For health-conscious customers, enable contactless delivery:

1. Go to Fulfillment settings
2. Enable No-Contact Delivery option
3. Available for orders paid online (removes payment exchange at door)

Customers select this option at checkout.

Alert Calls

Never miss an order with alert calls

Never miss an order, even if your device is offline:

1. Enable Alert Calls in settings
2. If your order-taking device goes offline
3. GloriaFood calls your restaurant when someone tries to order
4. Prevents lost sales during connectivity issues

GloriaFood Alternatives

Other options to consider

While GloriaFood offers the best free option, consider these alternatives:

Fuudey

Fuudey offers free QR menu and ordering that works well for dine-in contactless ordering. If you need tableside ordering rather than delivery, it's worth considering. See our QR menu comparison.

Square Online

Square Online integrates with Square POS. Free for pickup orders, fees for delivery. Good if you already use Square. See our Square setup guide.

ChowNow

Higher-end option for restaurants wanting more customization. Monthly fee but no per-order commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about free online ordering systems

Is GloriaFood really free?

Yes, the core ordering system is free with no per-order commissions. Paid add-ons (branded app, website builder) are optional.

How does GloriaFood make money?

Through optional paid services: branded mobile apps, sales-optimized websites, menu building services, and premium features.

Can I use GloriaFood with my existing POS?

GloriaFood is a standalone ordering system. Orders come to the GloriaFood app, which you then enter into your POS manually. For integrated solutions, consider Square or Toast (with caveats).

What payment processors does GloriaFood support?

GloriaFood integrates with multiple payment gateways. Check their current list, as available processors vary by country.

Can I change my delivery zones later?

Yes, you can edit delivery zones, fees, and minimum orders anytime from your dashboard.

Conclusion

Online ordering increases revenue without third-party commissions

Setting up free online ordering takes about 15 minutes with GloriaFood. You get pickup, delivery, reservations, and order-ahead — all without paying commissions on every order.

The key steps:

1. Create account and verify
2. Set services and hours
3. Configure delivery zones
4. Set up payment methods
5. Build your digital menu
6. Publish to Facebook, website, or both

For dine-in QR ordering specifically, check our free QR menu generator guide. For full POS systems with built-in ordering, see our restaurant POS comparison.