How strong is your off-premise strategy for in today’s takeout-and-delivery-driven world?
The National Restaurant Association’s Off-Premises Restaurant Trends 2025 report offers a clear message: takeout, delivery, and drive-thru are not just conveniences—they’re expectations. And for many independent restaurants, they’re a critical path to growth. That’s why having a strong off-premise strategy for independent restaurants is no longer optional—it’s essential.
Whether you’re running a cozy café, a bustling bistro, or a neighborhood pizza joint, understanding how off-premises dining is evolving can help you meet customer expectations, boost revenue, and run a smarter, more efficient business.
Let’s break down what today’s data tells us and how you can take full advantage.
Off-Prem Is No Longer Optional
The way customers interact with restaurants has changed dramatically—and it’s not going back. According to the report:
But the biggest shift? Younger adults are leading the charge, with more than 60% of Millennials and Gen Zs saying they use takeout, drive-thru, and delivery more often now than they did a year ago.
What This Means for Operators:
Off-prem is no longer a secondary revenue stream—it’s a primary way people dine. If your restaurant isn’t meeting guests where they are (which is often not inside your dining room), you’re leaving money on the table.
Off-Prem Must-Haves: No Longer Nice-to-Have
Today’s off-prem guests expect more than just convenience—they expect a seamless experience. And if they don’t get it? They’re not likely to return.
According to the report, these five elements are now table stakes:
How to Apply This:
- Audit your online ordering system. Is it clunky or smooth? Are there too many clicks?
- Train staff for off-prem efficiency. Order accuracy and speed directly affect guest satisfaction.
- Lean into loyalty. Even a punch card or simple rewards app can make a big difference.
Together, these components form the foundation of a successful off-premise strategy for independent restaurants aiming to stand out in a crowded market.
Value Is the Name of the Game
Let’s face it. Guests are feeling the pinch. And value-driven deals are more influential than ever. The report found that 8 in 10 customers say promotions like BOGOs, limited-time offers, and discounts during off-peak hours influence their decision to order.
And it’s not just about price; it’s about perceived value. Meal bundles, family packs, and mix-and-match items help guests feel like they’re getting more for their money.
Ways to Add Value Without Cutting Margins:
- Offer bundled deals using high-margin items. Example: a sandwich, side, and drink for a fixed price.
- Create daypart promotions. Slow Mondays? Offer 10% off takeout during lunch hours.
- Highlight your best sellers. Use them as the foundation for high-traffic bundles.
Rethink Your Menu: It’s More Than Just a To-Go Box
Customers aren’t just looking for your regular menu in a takeout container—they’re craving off-prem exclusive items that match their lifestyle.
Popular enhancements include:
- Snack-sized portions for on-the-go eating
- Family or meal bundles for convenience
- Alcohol to-go, where allowed, as a premium upsell
Menu Tips for Off-Premise Success:
- Use packaging that holds up. Quality packaging helps protect food integrity and presentation.
- Keep it simple. Not everything travels well—focus on items that do.
- Test new items. Use off-prem as a way to experiment with new LTOs or snack concepts without risking dine-in operations.
Set Yourself Up for Sustainable Growth
There’s a big difference between adding off-prem options and building a strategy around them. Independent operators face unique challenges such as limited labor, tight margins, and less access to tech or big-budget marketing.
That’s where the right partner makes a difference.
Level Up Your Off-Prem Game with Dining Alliance
Off-prem isn’t just about meeting demand. It’s about meeting it profitably. At Dining Alliance, we help independent restaurant operators optimize their off-prem strategy in practical, cost-saving ways.
Through our purchasing power, you can:
- Access discounted pricing on high-quality packaging, containers, and supplies that make off-prem work better
- Get data-backed insights to track your purchasing trends and identify cost-saving opportunities
- Take advantage of rebate programs on 175,000+ line items including everything from to-go bags to drink carriers
- Partner with suppliers that understand independent restaurant needs, not just big chains
Let’s Build a More Profitable Off-Prem Model
You don’t need to overhaul your entire operation—but you do need to make intentional decisions around off-prem to stay competitive. With the right off-premise strategy for independent restaurants and the right partners, you can boost efficiency, increase margins, and keep guests coming back (even when they’re not dining in).
Ready to make your off-prem sales work harder for your bottom line? Fill out the form below and join Dining Alliance today!
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