How Much Does it Cost to Build a Food App Like Grill’d in Australia?

Prateek Saxena September 3, 2024
Cost to build a food app like Grill'd

The surge in demand for food delivery apps is undeniable, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior toward convenience and instant gratification. As more people seek hassle-free ways to enjoy their favorite meals, these apps have risen to the occasion, not only meeting this demand but also overcoming significant challenges in the process. 

By addressing issues like delivery logistics, customer preferences, and competition, food delivery apps have opened up new avenues for businesses to thrive, offering them opportunities to reach wider audiences and enhance customer satisfaction.

Moreover, food apps have streamlined the ordering process, enabling users to customize their meals and track deliveries in real-time, enhancing the overall dining experience. From reducing wait times to offering exclusive deals, the growing popularity of food apps in Australia is reshaping the food industry, making it more accessible, efficient, and customer-friendly.

As per the report of Business of Apps, the food delivery industry is expected to grow to $213 billion by 2030. This significant growth reflects the increasing demand and reliance on food delivery services. 

However, developing a food app is one of the biggest concerns when it comes to cost. To provide a general estimate, developing a food app like Grill’d can range anywhere from $40,000 to $300,000 or even higher. Various critical factors, including the app’s functionality and adherence to compliance standards, can greatly influence this cost.

So, without further delay, let’s dive deep into the growing demand for food apps and explore other valuable aspects such as how to build and monetize them, and more.

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Developing a Food App Like Grill’d: A Detailed Overview

Grill’d, a well-established name in the Australian dining scene, has taken its commitment to quality and customer experience into the digital realm with its innovative food app. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Richmond, Australia, Grill’d has grown to over 150 restaurants across the country by 2024. This impressive growth is supported not just by their physical locations but also by their digital strategies, particularly through their user-friendly food app.

The Grill’d app has become a pivotal tool in enhancing customer convenience and engagement. With the app, users can easily browse the menu, customize orders, and take advantage of exclusive deals and rewards. This digital platform has played a significant role in driving the company’s annual revenue, which stands between $500 million and $1 billion. The app offers a seamless ordering experience, which aligns with Grill’d brand ethos of providing fresh, healthy, and quality food quickly and efficiently.

A unique aspect of Grill’d’ growth strategy through the app is its focus on internal recruitment and franchise development. The app isn’t just a customer-facing tool; it’s also integrated into the company’s operations, helping streamline processes and support franchisees. Grill’d has successfully utilized the app to gather valuable customer data, which in turn helps franchisees better understand local market preferences and optimize their offerings accordingly. This data-driven approach has empowered franchise owners, most of whom are recruited internally, to maintain consistency in quality and service, which is critical as the brand continues to expand.

Grill'd App

How Much Does It Cost to Develop an App Like Grill’d?

Creating an app involves multiple factors that influence the overall cost to build a food app like Grill’d, including the complexity of features, technological innovations, design intricacies, and the location of the development team.

Features such as menu browsing, online ordering, real-time tracking, payment gateway integration, push notifications, user reviews, and compliance with food delivery regulations significantly impact the development expenses. Considering these aspects, the estimated cost of developing a custom food delivery app ranges from $40,000 to $300,000. However, the final cost may vary based on individual project requirements and development methodologies.

Here is an overview of the estimated timeline and the cost to develop a restaurant app like Grill’d :

ComplexityBasicIntermediateAdvanced
Development Time3-6 Months6-9 Months9+ Months
Development

Cost

$40,000 – $60,000$60,000 – $90,000$90,000 to $300,000

Factors Affecting Grill’d-like App Development Cost

The cost of developing an app like Grill’d can be greatly influenced by several factors. It’s essential for businesses to understand these factors to budget effectively and ensure the successful completion of their app development projects. Here are the key elements that impact the cost to build a food app like Grill’d:

Key Factors Influencing the Cost of Developing the Grill'd App

App Complexity and Features

The more complex and feature-rich the Grill’d app is, the higher the development cost. Features like online ordering, in-app payments, loyalty programs, real-time tracking, and custom user profiles require significant development time and expertise. Each additional feature adds to the app’s complexity, increasing the cost to build a food app like Grill’d.

Platform Compatibility

Developing an app for multiple platforms, such as iOS and Android, significantly impacts the food delivery app development cost like Grill’d. Native apps require separate codebases for each platform, leading to higher development efforts and costs. Alternatively, cross-platform development can reduce costs but may compromise on performance or access to certain native features.

UI/UX Design

A visually appealing and user-friendly interface is crucial for a food app like Grill’d. Investing in a high-quality UI/UX design enhances user experience but also increases development costs. Custom graphics, animations, and intuitive navigation require specialized skills and time, contributing to higher cost to build a food app like Grill’d.

Development Team Location

The location of the development team plays a significant role in determining the cost to develop an app like Grill’d. Teams based in regions like North America, Australia, or Western Europe tend to charge higher rates compared to those in Eastern Europe, Asia, or South America. However, choosing a team based solely on cost can impact quality, so a balance between cost and expertise is essential.

Third-Party Integration

Integrating third-party services, such as payment gateways, social media logins, and map services, can increase the overall cost to build a food app like Grill’d. Each integration requires additional coding, testing, and sometimes, ongoing fees for using the third-party services, adding to the development cost to build a food app like Grill’d.

Security and Compliance

Ensuring that the Grill’d app complies with security standards and regulations, particularly concerning payment processing and user data protection, is vital. Implementing robust security measures like data encryption, secure authentication, and GDPR compliance can elevate development cost to develop an app like Grill’d but is essential to safeguard user trust and app integrity.

Maintenance and Support

Post-launch maintenance and support are ongoing costs that must be factored into the overall budget. Regular updates, bug fixes, server maintenance, and customer support are necessary to keep the Grill’d app functioning smoothly, especially as new devices and operating system versions are released.

Scalability and Performance Optimization

Building an app that can handle increased user traffic, especially during peak times like meal ordering hours, requires careful planning and investment. Scalability features, such as cloud-based servers, load balancing, and optimized database management, ensure that the Grill’d app can grow with its user base. However, these features add to both the initial development and ongoing operational costs.

Features of Food Apps Like Grill’d

The benefits of a food app like Grill’d include streamlined ordering, enhanced customer engagement, and personalized deals, all of which boost customer satisfaction and loyalty. Developing an app like Grill’d can significantly drive your business forward by offering a seamless user experience. Here’s a breakdown of the features of food apps like Grill’d, categorized by the customer panel, restaurant panel, and delivery boy panel:

Customer Panel

Essential Customer Panel Features for a Grill’d-like App

User Registration & Login: Customers can easily create an account and log in, allowing them to manage their profile and personal information seamlessly.

Restaurant Discovery: The app provides users with a comprehensive search and filter functionality to explore a variety of restaurants based on their location, cuisine preferences, and customer ratings.

Menu Viewing: Users have the ability to browse detailed menus with high-quality images, descriptions, and pricing, helping them make informed decisions about their orders.

Order Placement: Customers can select their desired items, customize their orders to their taste, and place them directly with the restaurant through a streamlined interface.

Real-time Order Tracking: The app features real-time tracking so customers can monitor the status of their orders from preparation to delivery right from their devices.

Real-time order tracking

Payment Integration: Secure and diverse payment options are available, including credit and debit cards, digital wallets, and cash on delivery, ensuring convenience for all users.

Different Payment modes

Order History: Users can easily access a history of their past orders and reorder their favorite meals with just a few taps.

Reviews & Ratings: After receiving their orders, customers can leave feedback and rate their dining experiences to help others make informed choices.

Reviews and Ratings feature

Push Notifications: The app sends timely notifications about order updates, special promotions, and offers to keep customers engaged and informed.

Favorites & Wishlists: Customers can save their favorite restaurants and dishes to a personalized wishlist for quick and easy access in the future.

Customer Support: An integrated support system allows users to contact customer service via chat or support tickets to resolve any issues or queries efficiently.

Restaurant Panel

Must-Have Restaurant Features for a Grill’d-like AppRestaurant Profile Management: Restaurants can update their profiles with current details, including operational hours and menu offerings, to keep their information accurate and up-to-date.

Menu Management: Restaurant staff can easily add, modify, or remove menu items, along with updating prices and descriptions to reflect the latest offerings.

Order Management: The panel allows restaurants to view and manage incoming orders, track their progress, and update order statuses to keep everything organized.

Real-time Order Notifications: Restaurants receive instant alerts for new orders, enabling them to respond quickly and efficiently to incoming requests.

Inventory Management: Manage and monitor ingredient stock levels to avoid shortages and ensure that all menu items are available.

Sales Analytics: The app provides detailed reports and analytics on sales performance, popular menu items, and customer preferences, aiding in strategic decision-making.

Sales analytics feature for restaurant-side panel

Promotions & Discounts: Restaurants can create and manage special promotions and discount codes to attract more customers and boost sales.

Customer Interaction: The panel enables restaurants to respond to customer reviews and feedback, fostering better relationships and addressing concerns promptly.

Payment Settlement: Restaurants can track and manage financial transactions, including payments for completed orders and financial settlements.

Delivery Boy Panel

Key Delivery Features for a Grill'd-like App

Profile Management: Delivery personnel can set up and manage their profiles, including personal details and delivery preferences, ensuring their information is current and accurate.

Order Assignment: The panel allows delivery drivers to receive, accept, and view details of delivery assignments, including information about the restaurant and customer location.

Order assignment feature for delivery boy

Navigation & Route Optimization: Delivery boys can access GPS navigation and route optimization features to plan the most efficient routes and reduce delivery times.

Real-time Order Updates: The app enables delivery personnel to update the status of their deliveries in real-time, from pick-up to drop-off, keeping all parties informed.

Earnings Tracking: Delivery drivers can view and manage their earnings, including tips and payment history, ensuring they have a clear record of their income.

Customer Communication: The panel provides a communication feature for delivery personnel to contact customers directly for delivery updates or clarifications.

Delivery History: Drivers can access a log of their completed deliveries and related details, helping them track their performance and manage their work.

In-app Support: A built-in support system allows delivery personnel to get assistance with any issues they encounter during their deliveries, ensuring smooth operations.

 24*7 Support Feature for Delivery Boy

How to Make an App Like Grill’d

Developing a food app like Grill’d involves a series of steps, from initial planning to post-launch support. Here’s a detailed procedure to guide you through the process:

Creating an App Like Grill'd: A Comprehensive Approach

Market Research and Idea Validation

Begin by understanding the current market landscape. Research the latest trends in the food industry, analyze customer preferences, and perform a competitor analysis. Identify your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) to differentiate your app from competitors like Grill’d. This could be anything from a unique feature, a specific type of cuisine, or a strong emphasis on sustainability. To validate your idea, gather feedback through surveys, interviews, and focus groups to ensure there is demand for your app concept.

Define Features and Functionalities

Next, outline the core features and functionalities of your app. Focus on designing an intuitive User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) that offers easy navigation. Key features to include are a detailed menu display with descriptions, prices, and nutritional information, customization options for orders, and seamless order placement for delivery or pickup. Integrate secure payment gateways, location-based services for finding the nearest restaurant and tracking deliveries, and a loyalty program to reward regular customers. Push notifications, reviews, and ratings should also be part of your feature set which also enhances cost to build a food app like Grill’d.

Choose the Right Technology Stack

Select a suitable technology stack for food delivery app like Grill’d that aligns with your requirements. For the frontend, consider using technologies like React Native or Flutter for cross-platform app development. On the backend, you might use Node.js, Django, or Ruby on Rails to manage server-side logic. Choose robust databases like MongoDB or PostgreSQL for storing user data, menu items, and orders. Additionally, integrate third-party APIs for payment processing, location services, and notifications, and utilize cloud services such as AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure for scalable infrastructure. Choosing the right technology not only improves functionality but also enhance cost to build a food app like Grill’d.

UI/UX Design

Begin the design process by creating wireframes and prototypes to visualize the app’s flow. Focus on clean, user-friendly design principles that align with your brand’s identity. Conduct user testing with these prototypes to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments, ensuring the app meets user expectations before development.

Development Phase

During this phase, you’ll focus on coding the frontend interface and linking it with backend services. This involves setting up the server, database, and APIs to manage high traffic and large data volumes efficiently. Integrate essential third-party services such as payment gateways, maps, and analytics tools to ensure your app functions seamlessly. Considering the food delivery app development cost like Grill’d, ensure that these integrations are both robust and scalable to meet user demands.

Quality Assurance (QA) and Testing

Thorough testing is crucial before launching your app. Perform functional testing to ensure all features work as intended. Conduct performance testing under various conditions, such as high traffic and low internet connectivity. Implement security testing to safeguard against potential threats, particularly in payment processing and data protection. Lastly, release a beta version to a select group of users for real-world testing, gathering feedback for final adjustments. 

Launch the App

Prepare for launch by optimizing your app’s listing on app stores through App Store Optimization (ASO), focusing on the right keywords, descriptions, and visuals. Implement a comprehensive marketing and promotion strategy, leveraging digital marketing, social media, and influencer partnerships. Consider hosting a launch event or promotional campaign to generate excitement and attract initial users.

Post-Launch Support and Maintenance

After launching, continuously monitor app performance using analytics tools to track user behavior and key metrics. Regularly collect and analyze user feedback to identify areas for improvement. Provide consistent updates to fix bugs, enhance performance, and introduce new features based on user demand, ensuring your app remains competitive and user-friendly.

Scale and Expand

As your app gains traction, consider adding new features such as in-app chat, table reservations, or AI-powered recommendations to enhance the user experience. Expand your app to new markets by entering different cities or countries. Additionally, explore partnerships with other brands or delivery services to further broaden your app’s reach and impact.

We crafted a mobile app for Domino’s with a strategic and holistic approach, achieving a notable 23% boost in customer retention and app conversion rates. Our comprehensive process involved a deep understanding of the project requirements and careful analysis at every stage—conceptualization, product design, development, and deployment.

 24*7 Support Feature for Delivery Boy

How to Monetize a Food App Like Grill’d?

Monetizing a food app like Grill’d involves diverse strategies aimed at generating revenue while improving the user experience. Here, we delve into the key methods of monetization:

Generating revenue from Food App

Subscription Plans

Introduce a subscription service that offers users access to exclusive deals, faster delivery options, or complimentary add-ons. For a monthly or yearly fee, subscribers could enjoy perks like priority customer support, discounts on future orders, or early access to new menu items.

In-App Purchases

Allow users to customize their meals by adding premium ingredients or choosing exclusive menu items for an additional charge. This could include options like organic produce, specialty sauces, or larger portion sizes.

Delivery Fees

Charge for standard delivery while offering a premium delivery option at a higher cost, promising faster service. Implement dynamic pricing, where delivery fees increase during peak hours or in high-demand areas to maximize revenue.

Advertising and Partnerships

Integrate relevant advertisements within the app from brands that align with your customer base. Partner with complementary companies, such as beverage or dessert brands, and feature their products in the app, earning a commission on each sale.

Loyalty Programs

Develop a loyalty program that rewards users for their repeat business. Offer points for every purchase that can be redeemed for discounts or free items, encouraging customers to order more frequently and increase their lifetime value.

Harness Appinventiv’s Expertise to Create Your Own App Similar to Grill’d

Appinventiv, a leading mobile app development company in Australia, excels in partnering with businesses to create innovative and impactful food apps, tailored to meet your unique needs and objectives. Our food app development services include comprehensive concept ideation, strategic UI/UX design, seamless frontend and backend development, rigorous quality assurance testing, deployment, and ongoing maintenance.

Our seasoned experts combine unparalleled service with extensive expertise in food app development, ensuring a personalized approach for both established businesses and newcomers. By choosing Appinventiv, a leading restaurant app development company, to build a food app like Grill’d, you’re investing in a cutting-edge solution designed to engage users and drive business growth. We guarantee it.

We have developed a game-changing partnership with KFC, transforming their digital landscape. Through the implementation of predictive modeling, we launched seven AI-driven mobile apps globally. This advancement resulted in a 22% surge in conversion rates, with around 50% of orders placed through the app and a 60% increase in repeat customers. By leveraging AI to address business needs, we elevated KFC to new levels of success.

Creating an App Like Grill'd: A Comprehensive Approach

Reach out to us, and we’ll guide you through every step of your food app development journey.

FAQs

Q. How much does it cost to develop an app like Grill’d?

A. The cost to develop a customer food app like Grill’d can range between $40,000 to $300,000., depending on various factors such as app complexity, features, platform (iOS, Android, or both), UI/UX design, and the development team’s location. Custom features, backend development, and third-party integrations can further impact the overall cost.

Q. How long does it take to develop a food delivery app?

A. Developing a food delivery app can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months. The timeline depends on the app’s complexity, the number of features, the development process, and the team’s expertise. A basic app might take 4-6 months, while a more complex app with advanced features could take 9-12 months or longer.

Q. What makes a successful On-demand food delivery app?

A. A successful on-demand food delivery app typically includes:

User-Friendly Interface: An intuitive design that makes navigation easy.

Wide Range of Options: A diverse selection of restaurants and cuisines.

Efficient Order Management: Smooth ordering process, real-time order tracking, and reliable delivery.

Secure Payment System: Multiple payment options with secure gateways.

Customer Support: Prompt and helpful customer service.

Loyalty Programs: Rewarding users to encourage repeat business.

Scalability: The ability to handle a growing user base and expand services.

Q. Which food delivery app is most profitable?

A. The most profitable food delivery app is Grill’d. Known for its healthy, gourmet burgers, Grill’d has successfully leveraged its app to enhance customer engagement, streamline orders, and boost sales. This combination of quality offerings and a user-friendly app has made it a standout in the competitive food delivery market.

THE AUTHOR
Prateek Saxena
DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER
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