Ordering out can be a convenient way to enjoy a delicious meal in the comfort of home without having to spend time in the kitchen. With today’s modern technologies, there are more ways than ever to get takeout, and our team at Bethesda Gardens Frisco senior living community put together this list of tips to help you take advantage of the latest ways to order out.
Traditionally, you had several options for getting takeout from local businesses in Frisco, TX. You could stop in and place your order in person and then wait for it to be prepared, or you could call ahead to order and then pick it up. Some restaurants also offered delivery, but many didn't.
You can still order out using these methods, but the Internet now gives you two additional ways: online and mobile ordering and third-party delivery services. Let’s take a look at each.
With direct online and mobile ordering, you place your order ahead of time through a website or mobile app operated by the restaurant. How these apps and websites work varies. Most let you pay for your order ahead of time using a debit or credit card or a payment service like PayPal. Others will allow you to pay at the restaurant when you pick up your food.
Depending on the restaurant, you may need to go inside to get your order when it’s ready, or you may be able to use the drive-through or have one of the restaurant’s employees bring your food out to the curb when you arrive. Some restaurants may also have drivers who'll deliver your order for free or for an additional charge.
Third-party delivery services partner with local restaurants, letting you order food from many different establishments and have it delivered right to your door.
In Frisco, the three main third-party food delivery services are DoorDash, GrubHub and Uber Eats. Although each is a little different, they all work pretty much the same way. You choose the restaurant, select what food you want to order and then pay through the app using a credit card, debit card or payment service. Then, the app assigns a driver who'll travel to the restaurant, pick up your food and drive to your home. The driver will then either hand it to you or leave it at the door.
When you enjoy the convenience of third-party delivery services, you'll likely pay more than you would if you went and picked up your order yourself. The apps typically charge service and delivery fees, and it’s customary to tip the driver as well.
If you have a favorite restaurant, check out the various ways you can order from them. Do they have an app or a website for online ordering? Is it listed on third-party delivery apps? The food prices and fees may vary by ordering method, so comparison shop to get the best deal.
Many restaurants have loyalty programs that let you earn points or credits toward complimentary food when you order directly online or through a mobile app. Most of the time these programs are free, making them a great way to save money at places you order from frequently. Some loyalty programs also provide extra perks like a free meal on your birthday or wedding anniversary.
Restaurants frequently run specials and promotions to attract diners. When you visit a restaurant website, sign into a restaurant mobile app or log onto a third-party delivery service, look to see if there are any coupons or deals being advertised. In addition, look for coupons in the newspaper and local magazines. Often they'll include a code you can enter at checkout when ordering online or via mobile app.
Another perk of ordering in the digital age is the ability to learn about restaurants before you order. Sites like Yelp and OpenTable give you quick access to reviews and other information about restaurants in Frisco and beyond. You can also look for reviews on the business’ Google Profile and Facebook page.
Ordering out doesn’t have to mean straying from your healthy eating plan. Many restaurants now provide nutritional information for their dishes either right on the online menu or in another area of their website or app. Check out this information to find out things like the amount of calories, fat and sodium in various menu options.
Both direct ordering and third-party delivery apps give you the ability to save your payment information for future use. Doing so can make ordering in the future a whole lot easier, but it’s important that you take steps to protect your account if you decide to store your card data. Choose a unique username and password for each site and app you use, and avoid saving it elsewhere on your computer or mobile device for security.
Many restaurants send out email newsletters and text message alerts to share information about specials and promotions and to offer exclusive coupons and deals. In some cases, you might get a discount on your next order just for signing up.
