Seize the Future: Embracing Pre-Ordering for a Competitive Edge

Rethinking the Customer Experience

Imagine a bustling Friday night in 2025. Customers flood your dining room with high expectations, and your kitchen staff are juggling multiple orders at once. Now picture the same scenario, but with a twist: many of these orders have been placed in advance—long before the diners even set foot in your restaurant. Food is prepped more efficiently, wait times drop, and diners are happier. That’s the power of pre-ordering, and it’s quickly becoming a cornerstone of modern hospitality in the UK.

According to UKHospitality, digital transformation in food service has skyrocketed, with pre-ordering cited as a top convenience factor for busy diners. By 2025, restaurants that don’t offer a pre-order option risk falling behind the curve. Pre-ordering solutions create a frictionless experience—both for your in-house team and for customers wanting to plan their meals ahead. Let’s explore why it’s time to take the plunge and how this new approach can future-proof your restaurant.

1. Speeding Up Service, One Order at a Time

Today’s diners expect quick service—even more so in 2025, when convenience tech will be the norm. Pre-ordering satisfies that demand. Rather than having to pore over menus at the table or wait on staff to relay orders to the kitchen, customers can place their orders online or through an app before they arrive.

• Reduced wait times: A pre-ordered meal can be fired up as soon as the customer checks in, cutting the time from seat to service dramatically.
• Streamlined table turnover: If you can serve guests sooner, you can seat more groups per shift. This frees up additional income potential without feeling rushed.
• Staff relief: Your servers can spend less time keying in orders and more time delivering great hospitality—recommending that new dessert or discussing wine pairings.

When everything is pre-set, your kitchen can plan cooking times more strategically, smoothing out peaks of activity. It’s all about creating a faster, more enjoyable dining experience, one that can spell the difference between a busy crowd and a hectic meltdown.

2. Offering Personalisation and Upselling Opportunities

Pre-ordering solutions give you fresh avenues for customisation. Not only can customers specify dietary preferences, but you can also present enticing upgrades or side dishes along the way. Think of it like an extended version of your menu, tailored for those who plan ahead.

• Tailored suggestions: If a customer often orders vegetarian options, the system can show them a brand-new veggie special. This personal touch increases the likelihood of upsells.
• Flexible meal kits: Pre-ordering can integrate well with “build your own” meal deals. Customers can pick their main dish, sides, and extras with clarity, so they know exactly what they’re getting.
• Pre-sold promotions: You can run exclusive pre-order deals, such as a discount when adding a dessert or a special beverage pair. Since the customer is already browsing, you have more chances to prompt them to spend a little extra.

Personalisation fosters loyalty. When regulars see you remember their preferences—or that your system suggests items they genuinely want—they’re more inclined to place orders again and again. By 2025, data-driven menu recommendations will be part of every forward-thinking restaurant’s toolkit.

3. Optimising Inventory and Reducing Waste

Ever over-ordered produce, worrying you might sell out of a popular dish? Pre-ordering can help. By knowing a portion of your orders upfront, you can plan better for daily ingredients, cutting down on wasted stock and unexpected shortages.

• Accurate forecasting: When half of your evening’s mains have been pre-booked, you’ll know precisely how many steaks or salmon fillets to thaw, minimising guesswork.
• Lower food costs: Less overproduction means fewer ingredients heading for the bin. Over time, this more efficient purchasing can significantly boost your profit margins.
• Eco-friendly appeal: Sustainability-minded diners appreciate a restaurant that curbs food waste. A pre-order option is a tangible way to show you’re serious about the environment and mindful resource use.

Saving on waste isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about shaping a more sustainable industry. And in an era where green credentials matter more than ever, diners might just choose you over the competition if they sense you’re making eco-friendly strides.

4. Elevating the Takeaway and Click & Collect Experience

Pre-ordering isn’t only for dine-in service. For Click & Collect orders or takeaway, letting customers schedule their meals in advance is a major time-saver. Instead of waiting in a queue, they can swoop in, grab their order, and go—perfect for the lunch rush or a hectic mid-week dinner scenario.

• Less queueing: With pre-orders, customers bypass lines and aimless waiting. This is particularly valuable in popular areas where foot traffic surges during peak times.
• More flexible scheduling: Diners can request specific pick-up times, spacing out your kitchen workload so you’re not slammed with a single wave of orders.
• High satisfaction levels: If your takeaway operation is known for minimal wait, local patrons are likelier to stick with you instead of exploring alternatives.

Pair pre-ordering with a reliable payment system—like sunday—and you reduce friction from start to finish. Customers pay online, you get immediate confirmation, and your staff can focus on top-notch preparation, not administrative details.

5. The Rise of Smart Payment and Tracking

By 2025, payment technology is set to be more advanced than ever, with options spanning everything from in-app card processing to contactless phone taps. Pre-ordering integrates seamlessly with these payment methods, so the moment a diner arrives, the transaction is basically done. No fumbling with a card machine, no fishing for loose change.

• Instant check-outs: Because the bill is settled online, the time between finishing a meal and leaving is nearly zero—an appealing benefit for busy professionals on lunch breaks.
• Real-time order tracking: Many pre-order systems let customers track order progress. They’ll know if it’s “In the Kitchen,” “Packaging,” or “Ready for Collection,” which can quell the worry of “Is my order lost?”
• Tip prompts: Often, customers will add a tip when prompted electronically—especially if you highlight how it supports staff. This can boost your team’s morale and bottom line at the same time.

Offering flexible payment flows is about more than just convenience; it’s about reflecting the modern habits of tech-savvy diners who demand speed and transparency in every aspect of their day.

6. Maintaining Customer Engagement in a Digital World

When a diner pre-orders, you collect data at multiple touchpoints. Over time, that information can help you tailor marketing campaigns, highlight new menu additions, or send targeted offers. Plus, engaged customers are more likely to leave positive reviews—boosting your online reputation among prospective guests.

• Timely email updates: After they place a pre-order, send a friendly confirmation. You can also add a small note—“We think you’ll love our new cheesecake!”—to pique their interest for the next time.
• Loyalty programmes: Pre-orderers might be your most frequent guests. Reward them with a simple points system or free item after a set number of orders. Show them you appreciate their loyalty.
• Social media teasers: If you have limited-time specials or themed meals, offer early access to those who pre-order. It can spur hype and encourage more advanced bookings.

Diners who feel taken care of—and who see you adopting new digital norms—will champion your brand in a competitive landscape. By bridging the physical and online dining experiences, you position your restaurant as forward-thinking and customer-centric.

7. Pre-Ordering as a Staffing Solution

Labour shortages are a recurring challenge in the hospitality sector. With pre-orders, you alleviate some of that pressure. Your staff can plan ahead, prepping popular dishes or organising kitchen stations to handle known quantities. This helps reduce employee stress and ensures more consistent results.

• Predictable shifts: If 40% of your evening covers are locked in via pre-orders, you’ll know exactly how many hands you need on deck—and avoid overstaffing or last-minute recruitment.
• Less guesswork: Staff can slice, marinate, or par-cook ingredients for the pre-ordered items well in advance, focusing on final touches when the diner arrives or the pick-up time nears.
• Fewer mistakes: Relying on an automated system for orders minimises human error, ensuring correct portions and cooking instructions—particularly useful if your menu includes complex or customisable dishes.

When your team has clarity, they can maintain high standards even during peak moments. That means consistent food quality, fewer stressed-out servers, and a calmer environment that rubs off on the entire guest experience.

8. Driving New Revenue Streams with Events and Special Menus

Pre-ordering doesn’t have to stop at daily service. It can also revolutionise how you approach events, holidays, and special promotions. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a weekend brunch, or a big local festival, inviting guests to pre-order ensures you manage capacity without guesswork.

• Exclusive set menus: By listing your Valentine’s Day set menu for pre-order, you reduce the chance of no-shows and can stock ingredients precisely for the surge in popularity.
• Pop-up experiences: If you’re running a themed pop-up or a tasting menu, pre-orders can help you determine exact demand, minimising leftover food and guaranteeing a full house.
• Private dining packages: Some restaurants let large parties pre-select their courses online, saving loads of time on the event day and letting your staff prepare with precision.

The result is a smoother operation for high-volume or special-event days—days that often present the biggest logistical challenges. With pre-ordering, you can remain nimble and capitalise on these opportunities more confidently.

9. Unlocking the Potential of Technology Like sunday

If you’re looking to ride the pre-ordering wave, having the right system is crucial. That’s where sunday can play a pivotal role. Known for letting customers pay in a snap by scanning a QR code, sunday also integrates seamlessly with pre-order processes. Guests can select their dishes and complete payment online, ensuring a swift flow once they arrive or your team starts cooking. Fewer queues, fewer payment hiccups, and more time for real hospitality.

This technology-forward approach doesn’t just cater to diner demands; it also positions your brand as modern and innovative—exactly what many customers look for in 2025. You’ll be able to focus on crafting the perfect menu and greeting customers warmly, while the pre-order and payment technology handles administrative steps behind the scenes.

10. Getting Ready for a Transformative 2025

Pre-ordering is more than a temporary convenience; it’s a glimpse into how restaurants will operate in the years ahead. Diners value time. They crave personalisation, transparency, and minimal friction from the moment they think about food to the final bite.

• Start small, learn quickly: You don’t need to overhaul your entire service overnight. Test pre-ordering with a select portion of your menu or a specific time window, gather feedback, and refine.
• Educate your staff: Everyone needs to understand the new workflow—kitchen prepping schedules, front-of-house check-in routines, and how to handle last-minute changes. Clear instructions boost confidence.
• Promote it effectively: Shout about pre-ordering on your website, social channels, and in-house signage. Show customers how simple it is, and they’ll try it at least once—often becoming loyal converts.

By 2025, restaurants that offer robust pre-order options can transform occasional guests into repeat fans, keep labour costs in check, and stay agile enough to handle changing consumer tastes. For many, it will be a key differentiator in an increasingly competitive market.

A Step Ahead for You and Your Diners

Modern diners are more digital-savvy than ever. They’re used to booking rides, scheduling appointments, and doing their grocery shopping online—so why not order their restaurant meals in the same streamlined way? Pre-ordering aligns with that lifestyle, ensuring people spend less time waiting, more time savouring, and fosters a deeper connection with your brand. Meanwhile, you benefit from better inventory control, smoother operations, and an uptick in loyalty.

While the shift might feel like a leap, the rewards are tangible. Embrace pre-ordering now, equip yourself with user-friendly tools like sunday, and you’ll be well on your way to a thriving, future-proof restaurant—one that customers flock to because you’ve mastered the art of convenience without sacrificing culinary charm. In 2025 and beyond, it’s precisely that blend of efficiency and authenticity that will keep your tables (and your bank account) brimming.