GoTo Place offers pickup and delivery, reservations and a loyalty program. | Image courtesy of SpotOn

SpotOn Launches GoTo Place

POS provider SpotOn is entering the competitive market of restaurant “super apps” like DoorDash and Uber Eats with the introduction of their mobile ordering app, GoTo Place. Launched on Monday, this app offers a seamless way for customers to place orders from local restaurants utilizing SpotOn’s online ordering software.

Features of GoTo Place

GoTo Place allows consumers to easily order food for pickup or delivery, make reservations, and benefit from a loyalty program that rewards frequent customers. Notably, restaurants do not incur commissions on orders made through GoTo Place, although a fixed fee applies for delivery, which is facilitated by DoorDash.

A Cost-Effective Solution for Restaurants

By offering an affordable alternative to third-party delivery services, SpotOn aims to shift the focus back to restaurants. “Unlike third-party ‘super apps’ that promote multiple restaurants while charging high fees, GoTo is restaurant-first by design,” stated Bryan Solar, Chief Product Officer. This approach ensures that restaurants maintain their brand identity while leveraging digital tools.

Location-Based Convenience for Customers

Customers using GoTo Place can view nearby restaurants based on their current location, facilitating quick and easy ordering. Additionally, the app allows users to search for specific restaurants, enhancing the convenience and versatility of the mobile experience.

Adapting to Mobile Ordering Trends

GoTo Place is tailored to meet the growing preference for mobile ordering, as over 80% of consumers now place orders via their smartphones. SpotOn highlights that around 40% of users return to the same restaurant within a week, showcasing the app’s potential in fostering customer loyalty.

Comparison with Competitor Apps

This isn’t SpotOn’s first venture into mobile applications; they previously launched a similar app under their brand. GoTo Place bears resemblance to Local by Toast, a platform offered by competitor Toast, which was rebranded earlier this year from its original name, Toast TakeOut.

The Evolving Landscape of Food Delivery Services

With major delivery businesses like DoorDash and Uber Eats expanding their offerings to include reservations and advertising solutions, the landscape of food delivery is rapidly changing. This evolution has led some to term these platforms as “super apps,” reflecting their comprehensive services for both restaurants and consumers.

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

SpotOn Launches GoTo Place: A Game-Changer for Restaurant Ordering

SpotOn has introduced a new mobile ordering solution called GoTo Place, setting its sights on established food delivery giants like DoorDash and Uber Eats. This innovative app allows customers to connect directly with nearby eateries that utilize SpotOn’s cutting-edge online ordering software.

Features of GoTo Place

With GoTo Place, users can seamlessly place orders for pickup or delivery, make reservations, or join waitlists—all while earning reward points. Notably, restaurants using the platform do not incur commission fees on orders, although standard delivery charges apply when utilizing DoorDash for logistics.

Affordable Alternatives for Restaurateurs

The primary aim of GoTo Place is to provide a cost-effective alternative to high-commission third-party delivery services. As Bryan Solar, Chief Product Officer at SpotOn, emphasizes, this app prioritizes restaurants’ needs and brand identities, distinguishing itself from conventional “super apps” that often overshadow individual restaurants.

Local Restaurant Focus

Customers using GoTo Place can view nearby restaurants based on their location, ensuring convenience and ease of access. They also have the option to search for specific restaurants, fostering a more personalized experience that encourages repeat visits.

Capitalizing on Mobile Ordering Trends

SpotOn’s initiative comes at a time when mobile ordering is becoming increasingly popular. Studies indicate that over 80% of consumers prefer to place orders via their smartphones, with 40% returning to the same restaurant within the week. GoTo Place is tailored to help restaurants capitalize on this trend, streamlining the mobile ordering process for greater efficiency.

Evolution of SpotOn’s Mobile Offerings

GoTo Place is not SpotOn’s first venture into mobile applications; the company previously released a SpotOn-branded app that offered similar functionalities. The continuous development highlights SpotOn’s commitment to enhancing its services and adapting to industry needs.

Competitive Landscape

In a rapidly evolving food delivery space, companies like DoorDash and Uber Eats have begun diversifying their services, including reservations and targeted online advertising. As these giants expand, the perception of them as “super apps” grows, making innovations like GoTo Place even more significant for restaurants looking to maintain control over their brand and customer relationships.

For restaurants and consumers alike, GoTo Place represents a shift towards more sustainable and beneficial ordering practices, fostering loyalty while prioritizing the establishment’s individuality. By choosing the right platform, restaurants can better navigate the competitive landscape and meet the growing demands of tech-savvy customers.