In this column I dig into a Management Science study that looks past the hype around delivery apps and gets to the real economics for restaurants. The short version is that apps do boost revenue, but most of the benefits flow to big chains that can negotiate better terms. Independent restaurants see far smaller gains. In many cases the real value comes not from the delivery orders themselves but from the visibility the apps create. New customers discover a spot on the app, then show up to dine in. At the same time, these platforms cannibalize the higher margin in-house takeout orders that independents rely on. Once you see the numbers, it becomes clearer why that $18 pad thai morphs into a $30 delivery order before you even open the door.

I also share how my own habits have shifted. I used to tap for delivery without a second thought, but now I try to be more intentional. When I can, I order directly from the restaurant, pick it up myself, or just go eat there. The meal is better, the money goes farther and the restaurant keeps more of each sale. None of this is about ditching delivery entirely. Life is busy. But if we want our neighbourhood favourites to survive, the research shows they benefit most when we walk through the door. Convenience might feel great, but real support comes from showing up in person.

Forget back to the office, let’s focus on back to the restaurant
Delivery apps are squeezing independent restaurants – but we can support them by showing up
The Globe and MailPreet Banerjee