How Nonna's Table Increased Direct Orders by 40%

Note: Nonna's Table is a representative example based on typical results from DirectOrders restaurants. Individual results vary based on market, execution, and other factors.

The Restaurant

Nonna's Table is a family-owned Italian restaurant in Austin, Texas. They've been serving authentic recipes for 15 years, with a loyal local following.

The Challenge

Like many restaurants, Nonna's became dependent on delivery apps during 2020. By 2024:

• 60% of their off-premise orders came through DoorDash and Uber Eats
• They were paying 25-30% commission on each order
• They had no direct relationship with their delivery customers
• Their profit margins on delivery were razor-thin

"We were busy but not making money," says Maria, the owner. "Every delivery order felt like we were working for the apps, not for ourselves."

The Solution

Nonna's Table signed up for DirectOrders in September 2025. The implementation included:

• Branded ordering website matching their restaurant aesthetic
• AI phone ordering to handle calls during peak hours
• Google Business integration for direct ordering from search
• QR codes on all packaging redirecting customers to order direct

The Results (After 90 Days)

Order Channel Shift

• Direct orders: 40% increase
• Third-party app orders: 35% decrease
• Total order volume: Unchanged

Financial Impact

• Commission savings: $4,200/month
• Average order value: +12% (customers order more on direct channels)
• Customer data captured: 2,400 new direct customers

Operational Improvements

• Phone time reduced by 60% (AI handles routine orders)
• Fewer order errors (no third-party tablet confusion)
• Same-day payouts improved cash flow

What Worked Best

1. QR Code Strategy

"The game-changer was putting QR codes on everything," says Maria. "Every bag, every receipt, every table tent. Customers who ordered through apps once started ordering direct the second time."

2. AI Phone Ordering

"Friday nights were chaos. The phone rang constantly while we're trying to run the kitchen. Now the AI handles 70% of calls, and it gets the orders right."

3. Reorder Marketing

"DirectOrders automatically emails customers who haven't ordered in 30 days. We've gotten back customers we'd lost to the apps."

Maria's Advice for Other Restaurants

"Don't try to eliminate delivery apps overnight. Just make direct ordering the better option. Lower prices, faster pickup, loyalty rewards. Customers will switch when you give them reasons to."

The Numbers

Want results like Nonna's Table? [Book a demo](https://www.directorders.com/demo) to see how DirectOrders can work for your restaurant.