Restaurants Admit Takeout and Dine-In Food Quality Differs: “We Can’t Survive Without It”

A recent investigation has revealed a troubling trend in the food delivery sector: restaurants are reportedly offering disparate quality between their dine-in and takeout options. According to media reports, some establishments are serving fresh, high-quality ingredients, such as freshly grilled meats and vegetables, to their in-house customers. However, the same restaurants are allegedly using frozen meats, pre-fried and then electro-grilled, for their delivery orders, allowing them to fulfill orders in as little as eight minutes from order placement to doorstep.

One restaurant owner claimed that “platform commissions increase almost every year, and operating without inflated prices means taking a loss.” They continued, stating it is simply impossible to survive without resorting to a “two-tiered” system.

Industry experts suggest that high commission rates charged by delivery platforms, coupled with the costs associated with platform-mandated discounts and promotions (often absorbed by the restaurants), are squeezing already thin profit margins. This, compounded by the pressure to meet delivery time targets and maintain high ratings, further incentivizes the practice of quality “double standards.”

To offset the financial burdens imposed by these platforms, restaurants are reportedly resorting to cheaper, lower-quality ingredients. The logic is simple: with profit margins drastically reduced after platform fees are deducted, cutting corners on ingredient costs becomes a necessary evil to maintain profitability. This ultimately impacts the consumer’s dining experience and undermines the integrity of the entire food delivery ecosystem.

This creates a dangerous cycle for the food delivery industry, potentially leading to a “high commission – merchant attrition – forced price increases – user churn” downward spiral.

Delivery platforms must embrace a greater sense of corporate responsibility. Greater transparency in fee structures is crucial, providing restaurants and delivery drivers with the confidence and financial viability needed to thrive. This is vital in order to meaningfully contribute to the sustainable growth and ethical operation of the online food delivery market.

Restaurants, on the other hand, need to prioritize integrity as a cornerstone of their business. Standardized processes ensuring equal quality and pricing, between dine-in and delivery options, are essential. Rigorous adherence to protocols across ingredient sourcing, preparation methods, and packaging standards is vital to protecting consumers’ rights and establishing trust.