Shopify for restaurants: The basics guide in 2023

As the eCommerce industry continues to thrive and expand rapidly, Shopify is emerging as a highly favored platform for businesses of all scales. This trend is particularly evident among restaurants, which can effectively utilize Shopify to establish an online store and expand their customer base.

Within this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to establish an eCommerce website for your restaurant using Shopify. Furthermore, we will delve into the advantages and disadvantages that Shopify offers to restaurants, along with valuable tips, popular themes, and essential tools to ensure the creation of a prosperous restaurant eCommerce website.

Why Should You Take Your Restaurant Business Online?

With the eCommerce industry poised for a continued growth rate of 12.7% this year, Shopify remains a standout choice as an essential eCommerce solution for businesses aiming to venture into online product sales.

Founded in 2006, Shopify has evolved into a significant marketplace that empowers businesses to swiftly establish personalized digital storefronts and effectively gather crucial customer data for future marketing endeavors.

Serving as a user-friendly eCommerce platform, Shopify offers a range of cost-effective do-it-yourself solutions tailored to the needs of restaurant businesses seeking to sell their delectable menu items and more in the online realm.

Considering that a staggering 90% of potential customers prefer to research eateries online before visiting, having your restaurant website hosted on a top-notch eCommerce platform like Shopify can significantly enhance your ability to attract a substantial influx of new clientele right from the start.

Shopify for Restaurants: Advantages and Disadvantages

The ongoing global pandemic has led to the unfortunate closure of numerous restaurants. However, it has also presented an opportunity for those establishments with an online presence. With an increasing number of consumers relying on the Internet for food ordering, this trend is expected to persist. If you are a restaurant owner, now is an opportune moment to establish an eCommerce website and commence selling your culinary offerings online.

Restaurant eCommerce websites come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages, necessitating careful consideration before making a decision.

Advantages

Expanded audience reach: By setting up an online store, you can access a wider audience compared to relying solely on brick-and-mortar establishments. This advantage is particularly pronounced if you provide delivery or pickup services.
Cost-effectiveness: Creating an online store is a more economical approach to selling your products compared to establishing a physical store. You can avoid expenses such as rent, utilities, and other associated costs.
User-friendly setup and usability: Shopify stands out as a highly user-friendly eCommerce platform, simplifying the process of establishing and managing an online store, even for those without advanced technical skills.

Disadvantages

Time and effort requirements: Despite the user-friendliness of Shopify, setting up an online store necessitates a dedicated investment of time and effort. Tasks such as store creation, inventory management, order processing, and customer service demand attention and commitment.
Additional costs: Although online stores generally offer cost savings, utilizing Shopify does come with associated expenses. You will need to consider the costs of a Shopify plan as well as any additional apps, themes, or plugins you choose to utilize.

When evaluating the pros and cons of utilizing Shopify for eCommerce restaurants, it becomes apparent that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. While the main drawback involves the time and effort required for a successful online store, the benefits far exceed these challenges. Consequently, Shopify emerges as an excellent option for restaurant owners seeking to expand their presence in the thriving eCommerce sector.

How to Set Up a Restaurant eCommerce Website with Shopify?

Setting up eCommerce websites with Shopify for restaurants is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1

First, sign up for Shopify Visit the Shopify website (www.shopify.com) and click on the “Get Started” button. Fill in the required information, including your email address, password, and store name. Once you’ve completed the sign-up process, you’ll be redirected to your Shopify admin dashboard.

Step 2

Second, customize your website Once you’re in your Shopify admin dashboard, you can start customizing your website to reflect your restaurant’s brand identity. Select a visually appealing theme from the Shopify Theme Store or upload your own custom theme. Customize the colors, fonts, and layout to create a unique and engaging online storefront.

Step 3

Third, Add your restaurant’s products In the Shopify admin dashboard, navigate to the “Products” section and click on “Add product.” Enter the details of your menu items, including their names, descriptions, prices, and images. You can also categorize your products (e.g., appetizers, main courses, desserts) for easier navigation. Be sure to include accurate and enticing descriptions that highlight the unique features of your dishes.

Step 4

Next, set up online ordering To enable online ordering on your website, you can either use Shopify’s built-in functionality or integrate a third-party app specifically designed for restaurants. Shopify’s native functionality allows customers to select items, customize orders, and make secure payments directly on your website. If you prefer to integrate a third-party app, visit the Shopify App Store and search for restaurant ordering apps. Select one that suits your needs and follow the app’s instructions for setup.

Step 5

Then, configure payment gateways Shopify offers a range of secure payment gateways that you can integrate with your restaurant eCommerce website. Popular options include Shopify Payments, PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.net. Choose the payment gateways that are most convenient for your customers and set up the necessary accounts. Once configured, customers will be able to make payments seamlessly during the checkout process.

Step 6

After that, configure shipping and delivery options If your restaurant offers delivery or takeout services, you’ll need to configure shipping and delivery settings. In the Shopify admin dashboard, navigate to the “Settings” section and select “Shipping.” Set up your shipping zones, rates, and delivery options. You can also integrate third-party delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Postmates for streamlined order management.

Step 7

Besides, optimize for mobile devices With the increasing use of mobile devices, it’s crucial to ensure that your restaurant eCommerce website is mobile-friendly. Shopify themes are already optimized for mobile devices, but it’s always a good idea to test your website on different smartphones and tablets to ensure a seamless browsing and ordering experience.

Step 8

Finally, launch your restaurant eCommerce website Before launching your website. Note that thoroughly test all the ordering and payment functionalities to ensure everything is functioning smoothly. Review your menu items, descriptions, and images to ensure accuracy and appeal. Once you’re satisfied, go to your Shopify admin dashboard and click on “Online Store” and then “Domains.” Purchase a domain or connect your existing domain to your Shopify store. Finally, click on “Launch Website” to make your restaurant eCommerce website live.

Congratulations! You have successfully set up a restaurant eCommerce website with Shopify. Remember to regularly update your menu, manage orders efficiently, and leverage Shopify’s analytics and reporting tools to optimize your operations and drive growth.

List of Best Restaurants

on Shopify

1. Luke’s Lobster

Luke’s Lobster is an online seafood business that takes pride in offering authentic and high-quality lobster rolls. As a family-owned enterprise, they prioritize delivering a memorable dining experience to their customers. Their website perfectly reflects their values with its sleek, stunning, and user-friendly design.

The website’s layout is clean and minimalistic, allowing the products to shine. The strategic use of color blocking draws attention to specific sections and highlights their enticing seafood offerings.

The designers have skillfully utilized white space, striking a harmonious balance that enhances the overall aesthetic. In addition, detailed product descriptions accompany the tantalizing food images, giving visitors a clear preview of the exceptional quality they can expect.

One notable feature is the inclusion of a recipe section, which not only keeps visitors engaged but also serves as a clever way to entice them to explore further. The design seamlessly guides users to sign up for the newsletter, place an order for their favorite seafood, or even book catering services, offering a smart upselling opportunity.

Feeling inspired to create your own restaurant website? Before you embark on that journey, let’s take a look at some crucial elements that your online restaurant website must have for success:

Engaging and authentic storytelling to connect with your patrons.
An easily accessible and visually appealing menu that keeps customers interested.
Essential contact details, working hours, and physical addresses are prominently displayed on the homepage to build trust from the start.
Social media links foster connections and engage with a broader customer base.
Responsive layouts that adapt seamlessly to different devices, maximizing conversions.

Now, let’s move on to a quick overview of Shopify for restaurants before delving into setting up your own Shopify restaurant website.

2. Mosaic Foods

This online store is a stunning visual creation. The background features a delightful palette of pastel shades that accentuate the product imagery, creating an eye-catching appeal.

The typography is exceptional, and the chosen font is bold and clear, ensuring effortless readability for customers as they navigate through the text.

Moreover, the food product descriptions are expertly crafted. They strike a perfect balance of simplicity, which is precisely what is desired in this context. Customers seek quick and easy access to information, and these descriptions deliver precisely that.

3. Foodizo

Foodizo is an exquisite Shopify theme meticulously crafted for online shops and restaurants, embodying a clean and elegant design. It serves as an ideal choice for a wide range of food-related businesses, including fast-food establishments, pizzerias, pizza delivery services, and restaurants. With its diverse array of homepage variations, header styles, and digital menu options, Foodizo caters to various food business categories.

Beyond the visually appealing header region, featuring a captivating slider to showcase your products, Foodizo offers much more than a mere online store. This template is optimized for high-resolution displays (retina-ready), ensuring a visually stunning experience. It is fully responsive and mobile-friendly, guaranteeing seamless user engagement across any device. Your website visitors will have the best possible browsing experience, regardless of the platform they use to access your site.

4. Sakara

Sakara stands out as a local food delivery business that specializes in delivering nourishing meals crafted by skilled chefs. Their focus is on providing nutrient-dense options to customers. To ensure freshness, they go the extra mile by delivering orders in coolers, which can keep the meals cool and fresh for up to two days after placing the order.

In contrast to many other online restaurants, the Sakara website adopts a more refined approach. The color scheme is subdued, exuding elegance and a touch of luxury through its deep colors and sophisticated typefaces.

Moreover, as soon as you visit the site, Sakara’s website automatically detects your location and offers relevant information about the brand. Even if you are located outside the United States and unable to receive food delivery, they extend a warm welcome and encourage you to explore more about their offerings.

5. Foodry

With this Shopify restaurants theme, you have the flexibility to select from five distinct homepages, each showcasing fast-food imagery. However, don’t be misled by the initial visuals, as these homepages can easily be customized to align with the unique atmosphere of your restaurant.

The main homepage is particularly noteworthy, featuring an Instagram gallery, sliders, and videos to engage visitors right from the start. This responsive theme encompasses a comprehensive range of features, including a dedicated blog section, seamless integration with social media accounts, and streamlined options for delivery and payment processing. No aspect has been overlooked in ensuring a seamless and efficient user experience.

Conclusion

Thanks to the aid of Shopify, establishing an attractive and efficient eCommerce website for your restaurant business becomes effortless, paving the way for increased online sales.

Shopify offers a comprehensive solution, providing essential components right from the start. It includes swift and dependable hosting, a flexible platform that can be tailored to your preferences, and an extensive selection of apps and themes to suit your needs. Leveraging Shopify, you can seamlessly handle order processing, effectively manage delivery or shipping operations, and even design a user-friendly online food menu for swift and convenient ordering.

Contact us if you are looking for an agency to help you with Shopify. At ONext Digital, we’re providing Shopify development with top-notch professionals. With +10 years of experience, we have helped hundreds of businesses achieve their goals rapidly. We are confident that we’ll bring high-quality services to you