While online ordering isn't exactly a brand new innovation, there are plenty of unique ventures that are looking to push the boundaries of traditional food delivery apps. From SMS lunch services to concierge-grocer partnerships that enable fun chauffeured shopping trips, there are plenty of ways in which apps are using special deals or technological advances as a marketable asset.
A great example of assessing a business idea and brainstorming what other possible opportunities it may create, Ressy is a food service app that hones in on local last minute discounts, so that in addition to searching for something delicious nearby, it will also be at a special price.
Additionally, social platforms are able to make a foray into services normally offered by food delivery apps like when Foursquare partnered with GrubHub, offering the unique opportunity to place an order when a user checks in at a location.
20 Ordering App Innovations

20
Drink Pre-Ordering Apps
Starbucks' Mobile App Will Soon Let You Order and Pay in Advance

19
On-Demand Delivery Apps
The WunWun Allows Consumers to get Products Delivered for Free
18
Meal-Ordering Bots
The 'OrderNow' Bot Takes Food Orders Via Kik Messenger
17
On-Demand Delivery Apps
The Jinn App Allows You To Have Anything You Want Delivered in One Hour
16
Food Mapping Apps
The Foodmento Food Finder App Catalogs a City's Best Dishes with Photos
15
On-Demand Alcohol Services
'Drinkfly' Lets Users Easily Order Their Usual Drinks of Choice
14
SMS Ordering Services
'Magic' Ordering Lets You Buy Everything from Food to Flights Via Text
13
Food-Ordering Chatbots
Domino's Pizza Can Now Be Purchased Through Facebook Messenger
12
Restaurant App Expansions
A Planned Zomato Expansion is Fueled by a Successful Round of Funding
11
Predictive Ordering Apps
The Square Order App Improves User Experience
10
SMS Lunch Services
Toronto's Gob is a Service That Lets You Order Lunch by Text Message
9
Pizza-Ordering Bots
Consumers Will Soon Be Able to Order Pizza Hut Pizza Via Facebook Messenger
8
Flower-Ordering Bots
1-800-Flowers.com Makes the Experience of Ordering Flowers Conversational
7
Transformative Dining Apps
The maegan App is the Most Efficient Way to Order Food In Toronto
6
Quality-Pushing Restaurant Apps
The Zomato App Aids Food Delivery and Encourages Good Service
5
Concierge Partnership Apps
The Uber and Zomato Partnership Wants to Bring Over Dinner
4
Virtual Restaurant Queue Apps
The NoWait App Makes Waiting for a Table Painless
3
Social Food Ordering Apps
The Popular Foursquare App Now Lets You Order Food From Anywhere
2
Taco Ordering Apps
The Mobile Ordering Taco Bell App Lets You Pay and Pick Up with Ease
1
Restaurant Discount Apps
Ressy Searches For Last Minute Dining Deals in Pune, India
Related Ideas
Fresh Grocery Delivery Partnerships
FreshDirect and Uber Eats Teamed Up to Offer Produce and More
AI Healthy Living Assistants
Hungryroot's SmartCart Simplifies Shopping and Meal Planning
AI Resale Apps
Croissant Debuted an Industry-First Shop Now, Sell Later Resale Experience
AI Food Photography Apps
MenuSnap Helps Restaurants Capture, Edit & Optimize Images
Anti-Food Waste Delivery Services
Gopuff and Misfits Market Partnered to Expand Fresh Food Options
AI-Powered Restaurant Recommendations
Google Maps Now Uses AI to Recommend New Food Places
Takeaway Tasting Menus
Ynyshir Partners with Uber Eats to Create a Tasting Menu for Home Delivery
Digital Sustainable Food Solutions
Special Projects Debuts Eco Lenses to Help with Decision-Making
Informational Real Estate Apps
The Oyssey App Redefines the Home Search with Data-Driven Insights
QSR Employee Support Apps
Blink and McDonald's Partnered to Support Crew Members
Content-Based Shopping Experiences
Gopuff Launches 'Recipe Hub' for Quick Meal Ideas
Brainstorming Business Idea Tools
IdeaMate is the Solution to Fighting Stale Business Ideas
Food Transparency Apps
WISEcode Positions Its App as a Powerful Tool in the Food Industry
AI-Powered TV Cookbooks
Samsung Food Enhances Culinary Possibilities Directly Through Your TV
Personalized Ecommerce Updates
Google Shopping Introduces a 'For You' Feed for its Ecommerce App
AI-Powered Pickup Systems
Pickpad is a Modular Solution Powered by Sensors & Machine Learning
Social-First Nutrition Tracking Apps
gymii.ai Merges Artificial Intelligence with Social Features
Mobile-Order-Only Restaurants
Chick-Fil-A is Opening a Restaurant with No Seating Space
Social Commerce Apps
GIST is an App-Based Social Platform for Sharing Purchases with Friends
Automated Hot Food Kiosks
Sodexo and Automated Retail Technologies Teamed Up for New Kiosks
Rebranded Food Delivery Apps
Skip Revamps Its Brand Identity to 'Skip to the Good Part'
Authenticity-Promoting Social Media Apps
The Viberse App Emphasizes Authenticity and Spontaneity
Music-Inspired Restaurant Recommendations
The Spotify, Amex, Resy Partnership Links Music & Dining
Efficient Robotic Food Deliveries
DoorDash and Coco Robotics are Expanding on Their Partnership
Mixed-Reality Shopping Apps
StockX Launched an Immersive Way to Shop with the Apple Vision Pro
Comprehensive Dietary Restriction Apps
Fig: Food Scanner & Discovery Features Over 2000 Options
Food Delivery Retail Partnerships
Amazon Users can Now Order Grubhub from the Amazon App
Dumpling Restaurant Rewards
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop Unveils its New Loyalty Program
Restaurant Marketing Platforms
Cheff Connect Helps Restaurants Create Custom Marketing Emails
Data-Driven Grocery Deliveries
Burq Last-Mile Delivery is Aiming to Transform Grocery This Year
Beauty Supply Delivery Services
Uber Eats and Sally Beauty Launch a New Delivery Option
AI-Based Order Recommendations
ezCater Smart Ordering Simplifies Decisions for Complex Orders
AI-Powered Review Insights
Yelp Adds New AI Features for Restaurant-Goers and Owners
Healthier Food Choice-Promoting Apps
To Better Health Debuts the BetterBites™ Nutrition App
Expanded Food Delivery Apps
Instacart Partners with Uber Eats to Expand its Delivery Services
Rapid Grocery Delivery Services
Instacart and Albertsons Companies Have Expanded Their Partnership
Bagel Shop Loyalty Apps
Jeff's Bagel Run Debuted its Proprietary App for Loyal Customers
AI-Powered Pizza Experiences
Papa Johns and Google Cloud Partner to Optimize Delivery Routes
AI-Powered Food Waste Reduction
SnapSnack Uses AI To Turn Ingredients Into Meals
Delivery-Based Food Rescue Initiatives
Albertsons Companies and Uber Partner on Food Rescue
Expanded Personalized Nutrition Apps
MyFitnessPal Acquires Intent to Expand Its Services
Recipe Voting Apps
Swipe, Vote, and Match Recipes for Dinner with the Dinners App
Personal Security Apps
The 'Protector' App Connects Users to Trained Security Professionals
AI-Powered Meal Planning Apps
YouFitness Helps You Create Custom Diet and Fitness Plans
Group Ordering Retail Deliveries
Gopuff GoGroup Lets Multiple People Order Items for Delivery
Social Shopping Apps
Locker Helps Users Organize, Share, and Earn from Online Wishlists.
In-Store Audience Engagement Solutions
Social Shelf® Has a Novel Approach to Customer Engagement
Custom Event Invitation Apps
Apple Invites Enables Users to Create Engaging Invitations
Autonomous QSR Meal Deliveries
Serve Robotics Will Star Delivering Shake Shack Uber Eats in LA
Modern Mobile Fridge Concepts
Junho Han Designs the Amity Relationship Mobile Fridge Concept
Connection-Emphasizing Online Dating Coaches
The Rizz App Offers a Meaningful Approach to Dating
Virally Inspired Virtual Menus
The Creator's Kitchen As Seen on TikTok Menu is Ever-Changing
Food Sample-Focused Services
TiffinStash Announces Its New Feature — Taste Drive
Personal Shopping Apps
Beamble is Redefining Luxury with On-Demand Personal Shopping
Comprehensive Health Care Suites
Bright Sits on the Intersection of Technology and Health
Neighborly Contracting Apps
Pigybak Ride Helps Neighbors Support Neighbors with Home Projects
Sponsored Post-Birth Meals
Grubhub's Special Delivery Treats New Moms to the Meal They Dreamed of
Waste-Minimizing Food Apps
"Oh, a Potato" Suggests Meal Ideas Based on Inventory
Gamified AI Meal Planning
Meal Genius Let's Users Swipe Left or Right on Recipe Ideas
Food Discovery Platforms
JaiFaim Maps Finds Influencer-Tested Restaurants Across Paris and France
Tech-Powered Business Solutions
Apple Business Connect Leverages the Brand's User Base
Idea Generation Platforms
Mycutesoft Generates a Unique App Idea Just for You Through a Quiz
AI-Powered Food Waste Apps
Leanpath Empowers Culinary Professionals with Real-Time Insights
Rewarding AI Shopping Apps
The ShopUp App Revolutionizes In-Store Shopping with AI Data
Robotic Restaurant Support Solutions
These New RobotLAB Automated Systems are Dining Room-Ready
White Label Delivery Partnerships
Toast Announces its New Expanded Partnership with UberEats
Shoppable Fridge Screens
Samsung Unveils a New Partnership with Instacart for On-Fridge Shopping
Customizable Profile Social Platforms
The 'noplace' App Prioritizes Socialization
AI Meal Planners
Sousy is an AI Sous Chef That Turns Short Chats into Weekly Meal Plans
Convenient Cafe Delivery Options
Consumers Can Now Get Coffee Through Starbucks and DoorDash
Dynamic Meal Ordering Kiosks
Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop is Bringing Samsung Kiosks to Locations
Burger Brand Catering Menus
The Habit Burger Grill Launched a Catering Program with ezCater
AI-Powered Cooking Oil Apps
Sunny and Appetite Creative Partnered on Connected Packaging
Personality-Focused Dating Apps
The Bokay App Expands Its Services Across Canada
Nutritional Supplement Deliveries
Uber Eats and The Vitamin Shoppe Have Forged a Partnership
Smart Grocery Shopping Support
SmartChef Converts Grocery Lists Into Actionable Data
From-Scratch Soup Deliveries
Jane Foodie and FreshDirect Partnered to Expand Access
Customizable Baby Food Apps
Bébé Foodie Launched to Assist Parents in Making Informed Decisions
Extra-Speedy Last-Mile Deliveries
Snappy Shopper and Stuart Announced a New Partnership in the UK
Navigational Grocery Store Apps
Speed Grocer is a Trusted Companion for a Quicker Shop
Short-Form Foodie Feeds
Uber Eats is Testing Out a New Vertical Feed Like TikTok and Instagram
Private Social Photo Apps
The 'Retro' App Focuses on Mindful Sharing with Select Others
Car Transfer Service Apps
Andersen Collaborated with a Ride-Sharing Provider on This New Product
In-House Delivery Services
Bok a Bok Chicken Partners with Cartwheel to Enhance Service
Meal Planning Platforms
Bentofy Organizes Meals, Recipes and Groceries In One Simple Platform
Smart Meal Planning
Kitchen Savvy App Uses AI To Personalize Recipes And Save Time
Bridal On-Demand Delivery Partnerships
David's Bridal Collaborates with DoorDash
Delivery-Oriented AI Tools
Grab Teams Up with OpenAI to Enhance its Automated Offerings
Personalized Retail Media Networks
Thrive Market Collaborates with Instacart on a New Network
Streamlined Omnichannel Experiences
Lightspeed Partners with Uber to Enhance Its Service
AI-Powered Business Discoveries
Yelp Unveils a New AI Assistant and 'Project Ideas' Feature
Self-Driving Food Delivery Services
Uber Eats is Launching Waymo Delivery Services in Phoenix
Simplistic Mobile Ordering Apps
Ferraro Foods Taps Pepper to Debut a Mobile Ordering App
Tech-Focused Delivery Expansions
Best Buy is Now Allowing Scheduled Deliveries in Some U.S. States
App-Based Grocery Discounts
Olio and Gander Introduce a New Deals Section on its Mobile App
Bidding Reservation Apps
diibs Helps Diners Secure Last-Minute Spots at Sought-After Restaurants
Multi-Brand E-Commerce Expansions
Multiple Grocers are Adapting Instacart's Storefront Pro Tool
Real-Time Nightlife Finders
HotSpot Discovers Trending Nightlife Spots With Real-Time Insights
Social Dining Networks
Recce Discovers and Shares Trusted Restaurant Picks Easily
Diet Tracking Apps
SnapFood Helps Track Your Meals and Improve Your Diet with AI Assistance
Tiered Restaurant Rewards
Chopt Enhances its Rewards Program and Secures an Influencer Partnership
Chicken Rewards Platforms
Wingstop is Enhancing its Customer Service with the MyWingstop Platform
AI Supply Chain Chatbots
Grubhub's AI Chatbot Offers Tailored Support to Food Industry Businesses
All-in-One Meal Planning Tools
Eatlicious Optimizes The Cooking Process, Start to Finish
Self-Ordering Kiosk Apps
Evexi's New Self-Ordering Kiosk App Integrates with Square
No-Code Delivery Tools
RestoApp Builds Food Delivery Platforms Without Developer Support
Immersive Restaurant Rewards App
Bella Italia is Unveiling a New Digital App for its Guests
Personalized Nutrition Assistants
Cheffie Customizes Meals And Menus Based On Your Dietary Needs
Tech-Enabled Ice Cream Trucks
Alsies Reimagined a Nostalgic Experience for the 21st Century
Community-Led Grocery Initatives
CaringBridge and Instacart Unite to Enhance Delivery Services
Second-Hand Tech Deliveries
CeX and Just Eat Takeaway.com Will Deliver Pre-Owned Gaming Products
Social Gathering-Scheduling Apps
Tecatita Light Debuts the Convenience-Focused Momentitos App
Mobile App Builders
AppBuzz Transforms Your Ecom Site into a Mobile App in 60 Seconds
Third-Party Coupon Providers
Instacart Taps Ibotta to Provide Customers with Digital Coupons
Grab-and-Go Hot Food Services
The Onvo Food on the Fly Program Prioritizes Time Savings
Online Menu Platforms
Menuzet Transitions Paper Menus to Digital Alternatives
Consumer Insights Partnerships
Paytronix is Working with Ovation to Improve Feedback Acquisition
Connective Foodie Apps
Letslicious is a Foodie Social Media App Connecting Likeminded People
AI Restaurant Operations Tools
iOrder is a System Designed To Revolutionize Restaurant Orders
AI-Powered App Assistants
Yelp Unveils the Yelp Assistant Leveraging AI to Find Contractors
Restaurant Online Ordering
Yaha Simplifies Online Ordering and Boosts Restaurant Revenue
Complimentary Order Aggregation Features
Lunchbox Helps Restaurants Grow Their Revenue
Goal-Oriented Health Apps
The 'Bright' App Offers a Holistic View of One's Health
Curated Flight Deal Apps
The Going App Offers Expert and Personalized Travel Deals
Foodie Social Platforms
DineIT is A Social Network for Food Lovers, Bookings, and Restaurant Promo
QR Menu Solutions
Dishtup Enhances Dining with a Digital Menu & QR Code Technology
Comprehensive Business Loyalty Solutions
BusinessQR Helps Brands Build Customer Loyalty
Parental Guidance Shopping Apps
The 'Auggie' App Connects Experienced Parents to New Ones
Food Show Finders
TVFoodMaps Discovers Restaurants Seen on Your Favorite Food Shows
Explorative Entrepreneur Ideas
Hustle Momumtum Invites You to Discover and Launch Side Hustles
Live Music Booking Apps
Gig App is an All-in-One Platforms for Artists and Venues
Pre-Launch B2B Startup Apps
Faindrr Focuses on Growth and Connections Between new Startup Founders
Streamlined Task Outsourcing Platforms
Taskapron Connects Users with Skilled Professionals
Accessible Home Services Marketplaces
Urban Company Recently Made Its Platform More Accessible
Connective Handy Services Apps
HandyFriend Connects Home Owners With Maintence Workers
Mental Health Community Engagement
OOt Social Health Recently Launched Its Application
Collaborative Restaurant Recipe Kits
GRUBBY and LEON Grocery Partnered on Limited-Edition Dishes
Loyalty-Focused BBQ Apps
Sonny's BBQ Debuts a Mobile App Alongside an Exclusive Rewards Program
Flexible Food Delivery Services
DoorDash Supports Parents & Individuals with Disabilities
Social Restaurant Review Platforms
CRUBSTER Let's You See Reviews From People You Follow and Trust