iPad POS for QSR & bars
Lavu + DirectOrders
Lavu is an iPad-based POS system designed for restaurants, bars, and quick-service establishments. It offers menu management, table layouts, employee scheduling, and reporting through a tablet interface that is easy for staff to learn. Lavu is popular among smaller restaurants and bars that want a modern POS without the cost of traditional hardware terminals. Integrating DirectOrders with Lavu lets you launch an online ordering website that operates independently of your in-store POS. Your kitchen receives direct orders through DirectOrders while Lavu handles dine-in and walk-in business. This setup eliminates third-party commissions on online orders and puts your restaurant in control of the customer experience.
Why Lavu restaurants add DirectOrders
- Continue using Lavu on iPad for dine-in, bar, and walk-in orders
- Launch a branded online ordering site without switching POS systems
- Eliminate third-party delivery commissions on direct orders
- Collect customer emails and phone numbers for repeat business
- Quick setup with no hardware changes needed
The Lavu integration surface
An open API, middleware, and how DirectOrders maps
Lavu describes its integrations and open API at lavu.com/integrations.
Open API (POSLavu)
Lavu markets an open API, with a long-standing POSLavu interface for menu and order data.
DirectOrders: Speeds menu import. Deeper order sync is on the roadmap.
Online ordering into the POS
Lavu connects online ordering directly to the iPad POS so tickets land on one screen.
DirectOrders: DirectOrders runs as a clean separate channel today, printing to your Epson.
Middleware partners
Integrations also run through certified middleware such as Flipdish and GetOrder.
DirectOrders: The same proven pattern DirectOrders can use for POS injection on the roadmap.
MenuDrive (native ordering)
Lavu's own online ordering product, acquired to round out the suite.
DirectOrders: The branded, multi-channel alternative customers come back to is DirectOrders.
Limitations to know
The open API is older
Lavu's API has been around a while and community tooling is dated, so a robust integration is built and tested carefully rather than assumed turnkey.
Native ordering is template-bound
MenuDrive works, but it is template-bound and keeps the customer database inside the Lavu ecosystem rather than handing it to you.
iPad-centric operations
Lavu runs on iPad, which is great on the floor, but the direct ordering brand, Voice AI, and delivery orchestration live better in a dedicated platform alongside it.
Step by step
Going live alongside Lavu
Most Lavu restaurants are live on DirectOrders in 7 to 14 days, with no change to the iPad setup.
Keep Lavu on iPad
Dine-in, bar tabs, and walk-in orders stay on the Lavu tablet interface exactly as your staff knows it.
Mirror your menu
The DirectOrders team rebuilds your Lavu menu, with modifiers, prep times, and online-only pricing where it helps.
Set delivery + Voice AI
Configure delivery zones and tips, turn on Uber Direct or DoorDash Drive, and activate Voice AI on your existing phone number.
Point your domain
Aim your branded ordering URL at DirectOrders, or use the domain provided during onboarding.
Wire your Epson printer
Online and Voice AI orders print on the same Epson thermal tickets your kitchen already uses for Lavu dine-in orders.
Scroll to see all five steps.
What Lavu does not do, and DirectOrders does
Lavu's online ordering is basic
Lavu offers online ordering as an add-on, but its capabilities are limited for restaurants that want a professional branded experience. DirectOrders provides a full ordering website with modifier menus, scheduled orders, delivery zones, and branded checkout.
No Voice AI for phone orders
Lavu does not offer AI phone answering. For bars and restaurants where staff are busy mixing drinks or running food, DirectOrders adds Voice AI that answers calls, takes orders, and handles menu questions without pulling staff off the floor.
No multi-channel ordering distribution
Lavu's online ordering is a single channel. DirectOrders places your menu on 15+ platforms: Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, Apple Maps, SMS, and more, bringing orders from where your customers already are.
No delivery driver dispatch
Lavu does not coordinate delivery drivers. DirectOrders integrates Uber Direct and DoorDash Drive for on-demand delivery, letting bars and restaurants offer delivery without building a fleet.
Limited customer marketing tools
Lavu focuses on POS operations, not customer retention. DirectOrders builds a customer database from every direct order and provides SMS, email, and loyalty tools to turn first-time customers into regulars.
No same-day payouts
Lavu's payment processing follows standard timelines. DirectOrders offers same-day payouts so you access direct order revenue without waiting for next-week deposits.
Common questions about Lavu + DirectOrders
Does DirectOrders work with Lavu's iPad setup?+
Yes. DirectOrders runs independently as your online ordering channel, so it does not require any changes to your Lavu iPad configuration.
Can I use DirectOrders for both takeout and delivery?+
Yes. DirectOrders supports both takeout and delivery orders. You can configure delivery zones, fees, and estimated times in the dashboard.
How do I receive online orders?+
Online orders placed through your DirectOrders website are sent to you via the DirectOrders dashboard, with notifications so your kitchen can begin preparation immediately.
Does DirectOrders integrate with Epson kitchen printers used with Lavu?+
Yes. DirectOrders can route online orders to your existing Epson kitchen printer. Orders print on the same thermal tickets your kitchen staff already uses for Lavu dine-in orders, keeping the workflow consistent across all channels.
Can I use DirectOrders for catering and large orders?+
Yes. DirectOrders supports order scheduling, delivery time windows, and large order handling. Bars and restaurants using Lavu can accept catering orders through their DirectOrders website alongside regular takeout and delivery orders.
DirectOrders features Lavu restaurants use most
Other POS integrations
Add direct ordering to Lavu
Book a demo and we will mirror your Lavu menu, set up Voice AI on your existing number, and route printing to your Epson. Your iPad POS stays exactly as it is.