Term | Pronunciation | Definition | Context/Example |
Aggregator | ag-reh-gay-ter | A platform that consolidates orders from multiple delivery services into one system | "Use the aggregator tablet to manage all platform orders in one place." |
Catering order | kay-ter-ing or-der | A large-scale food order prepared and packaged for an off-site event or group | "We have a catering order for 50 people this Friday." |
Cloud kitchen | klowd kich-en | A shared commercial kitchen facility used by multiple food brands with no dine-in service | "We operate three brands from a cloud kitchen facility." |
Commission | kuh-mish-un | The percentage fee charged by a third-party delivery platform on each order | "Delivery platform commission can be as high as 30% per order." |
Contactless delivery | kon-takt-les deh-liv-er-ee | A delivery method where food is left at the door with no direct contact between the driver and the customer | "Choose contactless delivery for a no-contact drop-off." |
Curbside pickup | kurb-syd pik-uhp | An order collection method where the customer remains in their vehicle, and the staff brings the order out | "We offer contactless curbside pickup — call on arrival." |
Delivery driver | deh-liv-er-ee dry-ver | The person responsible for transporting completed orders from the restaurant to the customer | "Our in-house delivery driver covers a 5km radius." |
Delivery radius | deh-liv-er-ee ray-dee-us | The maximum geographic distance within which the restaurant will fulfil delivery orders | "Our delivery radius is 5 miles / 8km." |
Delivery window | deh-liv-er-ee win-doh | The estimated time range within which an order is expected to arrive | "The delivery window is 30 to 45 minutes." |
DoorDash | dor-dash | A major third-party food delivery platform operating primarily in North America | "Check the DoorDash tablet for incoming orders." |
Driver app | dry-ver ap | A mobile application used by delivery drivers to receive, navigate, and complete delivery orders | "Check the driver app for real-time delivery status." |
Drop-off instructions | drop-awf in-struhk-shunz | Specific customer directions for where and how to leave a contactless delivery | "Follow the drop-off instructions — leave at the front door." |
ETA | ee-tee-ay | Estimated time of arrival: the predicted time a delivery or driver will arrive | "Driver ETA is 15 minutes — notify the customer." |
Ghost kitchen | gohst kich-en | A delivery-only restaurant concept with no physical dining space or customer-facing presence | "Our ghost kitchen operates three separate delivery brands." |
Grubhub | gruhb-huhb | A major third-party online ordering and delivery platform operating primarily in North America | "Grubhub order is ready for pickup at the pass." |
In-house delivery | in-hows deh-liv-er-ee | Delivery fulfilled directly by restaurant-employed drivers without using a third-party platform | "We run in-house delivery on weekends to avoid platform fees." |
Insulated bag | in-suh-lay-ted bag | A thermally lined bag is used to maintain food temperature during delivery | "Use insulated bags to keep food hot during transit." |
Last-mile delivery | last-myl deh-liv-er-ee | The final leg of the delivery journey from a local hub or kitchen to the customer's address | "Last-mile delivery speed directly impacts customer satisfaction." |
Online ordering | on-lyne or-der-ing | A system allowing customers to place orders through a website or app for pickup or delivery | "Enable online ordering through your own platform to reduce commission costs." |
Order accuracy | or-der ak-yoo-rah-see | The rate at which completed orders match exactly what was requested by the customer | "Order accuracy is our top priority — check every bag before sealing." |
Order ahead | or-der ah-hed | A feature allowing customers to place orders in advance for a specified future pickup or delivery time | "Customers can order ahead through our app up to 24 hours in advance." |
Packaging | pak-ij-ing | The containers, bags, and wrapping used to safely hold and present takeout and delivery orders | "Use eco-friendly, leak-proof packaging for all orders." |
Pickup order | pik-uhp or-der | An order placed by a customer who will collect it from the restaurant themselves | "Pickup order for Johnson is ready at the counter." |
Platform | plat-form | A third-party technology service connecting restaurants with customers for ordering and delivery | "We are listed on three delivery platforms." |
QR code menu | kyoo-ar kohd men-yoo | A scannable code that directs customers to a digital menu, commonly used for contactless ordering | "Scan the QR code menu at the table to order." |
Ratings | ray-tingz | Customer scores and reviews submitted after an order are used to assess quality and service | "Maintain high ratings by ensuring accuracy and presentation." |
Reorder rate | ree-or-der rayt | The percentage of customers who place a second or subsequent order, indicating satisfaction and loyalty | "A high reorder rate indicates strong customer satisfaction." |
Shelf life in transit | shelf lyf in tran-zit | The length of time a prepared dish remains safe and acceptable in quality during delivery | "Consider shelf life in transit when designing the delivery menu." |
Surge pricing | serj pry-sing | A dynamic pricing model where delivery fees increase during periods of high demand | "Surge pricing during peak hours affects customer order volume." |
Tamper-evident | tam-per ev-ih-dent | Packaging designed with a seal that visibly shows if the order has been opened or interfered with | "All orders must be sealed with tamper-evident stickers before dispatch." |
Third-party delivery | thurd par-tee deh-liv-er-ee | Delivery services operated by external platforms rather than the restaurant itself | "We are on all major third-party delivery platforms." |
Uber Eats | oo-ber eets | A major global third-party food delivery platform operated by Uber | "Uber Eats commission is among the highest of all platforms." |
Virtual restaurant | vur-choo-uhl res-tor-ant | An online-only food brand that exists solely as a delivery concept with no physical dining room | "The virtual restaurant operates exclusively through delivery platforms." |
Zone pricing | zohn pry-sing | A delivery fee structure where the charge increases the further the customer is from the restaurant. | "Zone pricing applies — orders beyond 3km carry a higher delivery fee." |