Affordable POS for independents
Aldelo + DirectOrders
Aldelo is a cloud-based POS system built for restaurants, offering an affordable solution for small operators including independent restaurants, pizzerias, and family-owned eateries. It provides order management, table tracking, and basic reporting at a lower price point than many competitors. Connecting DirectOrders with Aldelo allows small restaurant owners to launch a professional online ordering website without the high commissions of third-party delivery apps. You keep Aldelo for day-to-day in-store operations while DirectOrders gives your customers a branded way to order takeout and delivery directly from you. This is especially valuable for small operators where every dollar of margin matters.
Aldelo Express (cloud)
The modern iPad product, with an open REST API and an App Marketplace. This is where a deeper integration lives.
Aldelo for Restaurants (classic)
The older Windows desktop product. DirectOrders runs side by side here too, printing to your Epson, no desktop change needed.
Why Aldelo restaurants add DirectOrders
- Keep Aldelo as your affordable in-store POS solution
- Launch a professional branded ordering website without high upfront costs
- Eliminate per-order commissions that cut into already-tight margins
- Own customer data so you can encourage repeat direct orders
- Simple setup with no technical expertise required
The Aldelo integration surface
Express REST API, the marketplace, and how DirectOrders maps
Aldelo documents the Aldelo Express REST API at doc.aldelo.io and its developer program at aldelo.com/developers.
Aldelo Express REST API (v1)
An open REST API for third-party developers, documented at doc.aldelo.io.
DirectOrders: Speeds menu import on Aldelo Express. Deeper order sync is on the roadmap.
App Marketplace
Third-party apps connect to Aldelo Express merchants through Aldelo's marketplace.
DirectOrders: A clean distribution path for DirectOrders to connect to Aldelo Express.
Masa+ (native ordering)
Aldelo's own QR menus, online storefront, loyalty, and digital wallet.
DirectOrders: DirectOrders is the branded, multi-channel alternative with a customer database you own.
Aldelo Pay + EDC
Aldelo's integrated payments, with an Aldelo Pay developer API.
DirectOrders: Stays on Aldelo for in-store. DirectOrders runs its own gateway for the direct online channel.
Limitations to know
Two different platforms
Aldelo Express (cloud) is where the open REST API and App Marketplace live. Classic Aldelo for Restaurants is an older Windows desktop product, so which one you run shapes how an integration connects. DirectOrders' side-by-side model works for both.
Ecosystem pull toward Masa+ and Aldelo Pay
Aldelo nudges restaurants toward its own Masa+ ordering and Aldelo Pay processing. That is convenient, but it keeps the brand and customer data inside the Aldelo ecosystem.
Best for small operators on tight margins
Aldelo's sweet spot is affordable POS for independents, where every point of margin matters. That is exactly why a commission-free direct channel is worth the most here.
Step by step
A simple five-step go-live
Aldelo restaurants are typically live on DirectOrders in 7 to 14 days, with no technical work on your side.
- 1Keep Aldelo (Express or classic) for in-store POS and payments.
- 2Mirror your Aldelo menu inside the DirectOrders dashboard.
- 3Configure delivery zones, prep times, and Voice AI on your existing phone number.
- 4Point your branded ordering domain at DirectOrders.
- 5Wire DirectOrders to your existing Epson kitchen printer.
What Aldelo does not do, and DirectOrders does
Aldelo's online ordering is minimal
Aldelo focuses on affordable in-store POS, but its online ordering features are basic. DirectOrders gives small restaurants a professional branded ordering website that competes with chain-quality online experiences.
No branded website for your restaurant
Aldelo does not provide a customer-facing ordering website with your branding. DirectOrders gives you a professional site with your restaurant's name, photos, menu, and domain, making small restaurants look as polished as national chains.
No Voice AI for phone orders
Aldelo has no AI phone answering. For small restaurants where the owner often works the line, DirectOrders adds Voice AI that answers calls, takes orders, and handles menu questions so you never miss a sale.
No multi-channel ordering
Aldelo does not distribute your menu externally. DirectOrders places your menu on 15+ channels (Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, Apple Maps, SMS) so customers find you where they already search for food.
No delivery without marketplace fees
Small restaurants on Aldelo typically rely on marketplace delivery, paying 15 to 30 percent per order. DirectOrders integrates Uber Direct and DoorDash Drive at lower costs, keeping more margin in your pocket.
No customer marketing tools
Aldelo tracks transactions but does not help you bring customers back. DirectOrders builds a customer database and provides SMS, email, and loyalty tools designed for small-restaurant budgets.
Common questions about Aldelo + DirectOrders
Is DirectOrders affordable for small restaurants using Aldelo?+
Yes. DirectOrders charges a flat monthly fee with no per-order commissions, making it predictable and budget-friendly for small operators.
Do I need to change my Aldelo setup?+
No. DirectOrders operates as a separate online ordering channel. Your Aldelo POS continues to work exactly as it does today.
Can I manage my online menu myself?+
Yes. The DirectOrders dashboard lets you add, edit, and remove menu items, set prices, and update availability without any technical skills.
Does DirectOrders help small restaurants compete with chains on delivery apps?+
Yes. Instead of competing for visibility on DoorDash or Uber Eats where chains dominate promoted placement, DirectOrders gives you your own branded ordering website. Customers order directly from you, search engines index your site, and you build a customer database for repeat business without paying per-order marketplace fees.
What delivery options does DirectOrders offer for Aldelo restaurants?+
DirectOrders integrates with Uber Direct and DoorDash Drive for on-demand delivery, or you can use your own drivers. You set delivery zones, fees, and estimated times. This gives small restaurants professional delivery without the 15-30% marketplace commissions.
DirectOrders features Aldelo restaurants use most
Other POS integrations
Add direct ordering to Aldelo
Book a demo and we will mirror your Aldelo menu, set up Voice AI on your existing number, and route printing to your Epson. Your Aldelo POS stays exactly as it is.