33 Food & Restaurant App Business Ideas You Can Start Today [2024]
Interested in starting a food & restaurant app business in 2024?
We put together 33 of the best food & restaurant app businesses you can start in today.
For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of other food & restaurant app businesses to help you see what it really takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Create a meal planner app
Meal planners are used by millions of people around the world to stay organized, create meals, and even lose weight.
The weight loss services industry is currently valued at $22B and growing.
2. Start an automatic coupon applier app business
Struggling to keep up with online deals and discounts? Consider starting an automatic coupon applier app. This business idea revolves around developing an application that automatically finds and applies the best coupons at checkout for users, thus saving them both time and money.
Building this platform involves coding skills, partnership-building with retailers for exclusive deals, and continuous updates to ensure the app applies the best, most current coupons. While the competition in this space is stiff, the growing trend of online shopping provides a fertile ground for new, innovative solutions.
If streamlining the shopping experience and helping consumers save money interests you, an automatic coupon applier app could be an engaging venture to embark on.
How much you can make: $450,000/month
Trainual is a software platform that helps small businesses effortlessly scale by capturing every process, role, and responsibility, creating a consistent, teachable, and scalable knowledge base. With over 15k users in over 80 countries, Trainual has grown to $2M ARR by catering to businesses looking for something more manageable than an enterprise learning system.
3. Start a parking space finder app business
Struggling to find parking can drive anyone nuts. Enter the parking space finder app.
This business idea revolves around creating a mobile application that helps users locate available parking spaces in real-time. By leveraging data from parking meters, garages, and even user feedback, the app dramatically reduces the time spent circling for a spot.
Imagine the relief of your users when they can navigate directly to open parking slots, thanks to your app. Start with a minimal viable product (MVP), refine the user experience, and build partnerships with parking facilities for comprehensive data coverage.
This isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme; it’s an opportunity to solve a common problem while potentially earning through subscriptions and partnerships. If you're keen on addressing everyday hassles with tech solutions, this venture could be right up your alley.
How much you can make: $100,000/month
Learn how the Co-Founder and CEO of NOSON grew their business to $1.2M in revenue in 27 markets using tools like Typeform, Zapier and Google for only $300 a month, and their advice for entrepreneurs just starting out.
4. Start a where to eat app business
5. Start a driver tracking app business
6. Start a food waste reduction app
7. Start a reviews and rating app business
Imagine a platform where users can discover the best products and services using authentic, crowd-sourced opinions. That's the essence of a reviews and rating app business.
This app serves as a reliable hub where consumers rate and review various items, giving potential buyers valuable insights before making decisions. It bridges the gap between users and quality products, enhancing shopping experiences through trustworthy feedback.
To get started, you’ll need to focus on developing a user-friendly interface, ensuring genuine reviews through verification processes, and driving user engagement. Building partnerships with businesses and maintaining a robust backend for data management are core tasks.
Creating such an app can carve out a niche in a market that thrives on social proof, making this a promising venture for those interested in tech and community-driven platforms.
How much you can make: $40 — $50,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Travel-tech startup RatePunk created a browser extension that compares hotel prices across different booking websites for free and achieved over 3,000 installs within a few weeks of launch, while learning valuable marketing lessons from social media platforms, micro-influencers, and online communities.
8. Start a home-cooked food delivery app
Imagine savoring the taste of home-cooked meals without stepping into the kitchen. A home-cooked food delivery app makes this a reality by connecting talented home chefs with hungry customers craving authentic, homemade cuisine.
This business involves developing an app where users can browse diverse meal options crafted by local cooks. The platform would handle orders, payments, and logistics, allowing chefs to focus on creating delicious, wholesome dishes. It's an appealing idea because it combines convenience with the nostalgic joy of homemade food—perfect for busy professionals, students, or anyone who longs for the comforting flavors of home.
To launch this venture, you'll need to invest time in app development, build a network of reliable cooks, and ensure stringent quality and safety standards. While it requires effort and coordination, the potential to offer something truly unique to the market could make it highly rewarding.
The blend of technology with authentic, home-prepared meals can create a new culinary experience, tapping into the growing demand for healthier, more personalized dining options.
How much you can make: $1,500/month
This case study showcases an entrepreneur who purchased an established online business generating $1,200 per month, and provides insights into what it takes to grow and run a successful yet small business while improving skills in digital marketing.
9. Start a drive-thru ordering app business
Streamline fast food convenience with a drive-thru ordering app. The concept is straightforward: a mobile application allowing customers to place and pay for their orders before arriving at the drive-thru, reducing wait times and increasing efficiency for both diners and restaurants.
For those keen to enhance the fast-food experience, this idea offers a compelling opportunity. The app can integrate with existing restaurant systems, providing real-time order status updates and reducing miscommunication. It involves not just app development, but also partnerships with local and national food chains, ongoing maintenance, and user acquisition marketing.
This opportunity taps into the growing demand for quicker service and touchless transactions. With a user-friendly interface and reliable service, this business has the potential to reshape how people order from their favorite fast-food joints, making it a captivating venture for tech-savvy entrepreneurs.
10. Start a food recommendation app business
Imagine having a digital food guru that knows exactly what you’re craving. A food recommendation app business does just that, enhancing meal choices with personalized suggestions.
The concept is straightforward: develop an app that curates food recommendations based on users' preferences, dietary needs, and past reviews. Essentially, it acts as a virtual chef, guiding users to discover new dishes they’ll love.
This business model opens the door to exciting opportunities in food tech. By leveraging AI and user data, you can create tailored experiences that stand out in the crowded food app market.
Starting this business will require dedication to both development and continuous improvement, ensuring the app stays relevant and engaging for its users. If you’re passionate about food and tech, and ready to dive into app development, a food recommendation app could be your perfect venture.
How much you can make: $1,800,000/month
11. Start a frozen food delivery app business
Have you ever wished your favorite restaurant-quality meals could arrive at your doorstep, ready to enjoy at a moment’s notice? Starting a frozen food delivery app business could make that happen.
In simple terms, this business involves creating an app where customers can order from a wide selection of frozen meals, snacks, and desserts, and have them delivered straight to their homes. You'd partner with local and specialty food suppliers to offer a diverse menu that appeals to various tastes and dietary needs.
The beauty of this idea lies in the convenience factor; busy consumers are constantly looking for fresh, quick, and reliable meal solutions. By solving this pain point, you position your business as a go-to resource for time-strapped individuals and families.
Think about the new norm of meal planning—where your frozen food delivery app becomes an indispensable part of people’s weekly routines. This venture offers high demand, endless culinary creativity, and a strong potential for repeat customers.
How long does it take to build: 272 days (?)
12. Start a food delivery app business
Hungry for a business idea that taps into modern convenience? Consider starting a food delivery app business. This venture involves creating an app that partners with local restaurants to deliver their meals directly to customers' doorsteps. It's about facilitating the link between culinary establishments and consumers seeking meal options without leaving home.
With the ongoing demand for quick, convenient dining solutions, a food delivery app can fill a critical need in both urban and suburban areas. Your primary roles will include app development, establishing relationships with restaurants, and managing the logistics of delivery.
Success in this field hinges on robust technology and excellent service coordination. If you can ensure a seamless user experience and timely deliverables, you’ll carve out a niche in the competitive food delivery market. Evaluate local dining options, leverage tech resources, and tap into an ever-growing consumer base to make your mark.
This could be your chance to innovate how people dine at home.
How much you can make: $1,800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
13. Start a nutrition app business
14. Start a snacks delivery app business
Think about the last time you craved your favorite snack but couldn’t find the time to go out and grab it. A snacks delivery app makes sure that never happens again. This business idea involves developing an app that delivers a variety of snacks right to your door.
The concept is simple: users browse an extensive range of snacks, place their orders through the app, and have them delivered within minutes. It’s convenience at your fingertips, catering to those late-night cravings or mid-day munchies.
Starting this business requires developing a user-friendly app, partnering with local snack vendors, and setting up a reliable delivery system. The demand for convenience is ever-increasing, making this a great opportunity to tap into.
For those interested in merging tech and food services, a snacks delivery app presents a unique and appealing venture. It’s all about leveraging modern technology to bring joy to snack lovers everywhere.
How much you can make: $1,800,000/month
15. Start a grocery delivery app business
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
16. Start a make your own dish app business
Craving a tech-savvy way to showcase your culinary skills? Consider making your own dish app business. With an app focused on sharing unique recipes or local cuisine, you'll engage food lovers while offering them a valuable resource. Your app could feature step-by-step cooking guides, ingredient shopping lists, and even video tutorials.
By capitalizing on our increasingly digital world, you'll meet a growing demand for accessible culinary experiences. The initial work involves app development, securing mouth-watering content, and tapping into the foodie community.
Picture it: a thriving platform where users can explore and share culinary delights right from their devices. It might take consistent effort to create and maintain compelling content, but the potential for a dedicated user base makes it enticing. For anyone passionate about food and tech, this business idea is worth a deep dive.
How much you can make: $50,000/month
David created DesignEvo, an easy-to-use logo maker that has over 29 million worldwide users and brings in about 1 million dollars each month, by realizing that there is a large number of users without professional graphic or multimedia editing skills, and building sufficiently user-friendly tools.
17. Start a billing and invoice app business
Tired of managing messy invoices and billing errors? A billing and invoice app could be your next business venture. This app simplifies the invoicing process by automating the creation, sending, and tracking of invoices. Tailored for small business owners and freelancers, it ensures you're paid accurately and on time without the hassle of manual entry.
Developing this app involves market research, design, and coding, followed by testing and refinement to ensure it meets users' needs. Once launched, continuous updates and customer support will keep your clients satisfied and your business thriving.
In an era where time is money, such an app will save countless hours and reduce stress for business owners. If you’re tech-savvy and have an eye for detail, starting a billing and invoice app business could be the rewarding challenge you're looking for.
How much you can make: $850 — $375,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
HoursLogger, a time tracking and invoicing app, was founded by two brothers who started the business as a side project over 6 years ago and made around $9k in passive income last year, with the app in a great position to grow.
18. Start a payments app business
Fed up with cumbersome transactions and outdated payment methods? Enter the payments app business. This idea revolves around developing a mobile application that facilitates smooth and secure financial transactions.
By offering a streamlined solution for payments, both small businesses and consumers can experience enhanced convenience and efficiency. In essence, a payments app allows users to link their bank accounts or cards to make instant payments, split bills, and even manage budgets—all within a few taps.
With the increasing shift towards digital transactions, particularly in the era of contactless payments, the market for such apps is ripe for innovation. Building a payments app requires a blend of sound financial know-how, user-focused design, and robust cybersecurity measures. If you're willing to invest the effort, this business idea offers the potential to revolutionize how people handle their money.
How much you can make: $1,700,000/month
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
VizyPay is a bootstrapped fintech that provides transparent and cost-saving payment processing solutions to small business merchants across rural America, with over $27 million saved for merchants through their Cash Discount Program, experiencing a revenue growth of 28% year-over-year in Q1.
19. Start a calorie tracker app business
If you're interested in health and technology, starting a calorie tracker app could be the perfect business idea. A calorie tracker app helps users monitor their daily food intake, providing insights into their diet, nutrition, and overall wellness.
Building this app involves developing a user-friendly interface and incorporating a database of foods and their nutritional information. By offering personalized goals and real-time tracking, you make it easier for users to stay committed to their health objectives.
A standout feature could include integration with wearable devices to automatically log calories burned through physical activity. Think of the potential: unique selling points, loyal user base, and eventually, premium subscriptions for a more tailored experience.
This venture needs a mix of tech-savvy development skills and a genuine interest in health and wellness. It’s a rewarding path that combines innovation with helping people lead healthier lives.
How much you can make: $50,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
FitSW founder Jacob Montoya bootstrapped his company to $25K monthly revenue, helping over 20,000 personal trainers manage their businesses through software that enables them to create workouts, track progress, plan meals, accept payments, and manage schedules, and has now expanded to include FindTrainGain, enabling people to join live online fitness classes from the comfort of their homes.
20. Start a calling a waiter app business
21. Start an advance food ordering app business
Hungry for a tech-savvy, customer-centric business venture? Consider starting an advance food ordering app. This app allows users to pre-order meals from their favorite restaurants, streamlining the dining experience and minimizing wait times.
Creating this app involves partnering with local eateries, setting up a seamless interface for users, and ensuring smooth backend operations for order fulfillment. It would require initial investments in app development and marketing to attract both restaurants and users.
With people increasingly valuing convenience and efficiency, an advance food ordering app addresses a clear market demand. Not only does it enhance the customer experience, but it also helps restaurants manage orders more effectively.
If you have a knack for technology and a passion for improving everyday experiences, launching an advance food ordering app could be a rewarding endeavor. It's a business that blends innovation with practicality, promising scope for growth and success.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Sprwt, a meal prep software platform, generated over $1 million in revenue per month by listening to customer feedback and incorporating creative solutions, such as pick-up locations and a route planning system, while also focusing on employee empowerment and training.
22. Start a baby food suggestions app business
Worried about what to feed your little one? Consider starting a baby food suggestions app. This app is designed to take the guesswork out of meal planning for parents and caregivers by offering personalized baby food recommendations tailored to each child’s age, dietary restrictions, and nutritional needs.
Users simply input information about their baby, and the app generates a variety of meal ideas, recipes, and serving suggestions. Imagine the convenience and peace of mind you’d be providing to families while also creating a dependable revenue stream through subscriptions or in-app purchases.
This business requires a blend of tech development and nutritional expertise, but the potential market is vast and growing. With the increasing desire for convenient and healthy baby food options, now might be the perfect time to launch this app.
23. Start a cooking recipes app business
Ever thought about turning the joy of cooking into a tech-savvy business? Consider developing a cooking recipes app. This venture involves creating an app that curates and organizes diverse recipes for users, simplifying the cooking process.
With growing interest in home-cooked meals and dietary flexibility, your app can cater to various culinary needs—vegan, gluten-free, keto, you name it. Users could filter recipes by ingredients they have at home, skill level, or cuisine type. Engaging features like video tutorials and interactive shopping lists can elevate the user experience.
The real work lies in recipe sourcing, app development, and ongoing content updates. You'll need to collaborate with chefs, nutritionists, and tech developers. Effective marketing strategies, such as partnerships with food bloggers or influencers, can help your app gain traction. If you’re passionate about food and tech, this is a rewarding business idea with significant growth potential.
How much you can make: $17,000 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Sprwt, a meal prep software platform, generated over $1 million in revenue per month by listening to customer feedback and incorporating creative solutions, such as pick-up locations and a route planning system, while also focusing on employee empowerment and training.
24. Start a double discount app business
25. Start an experimental cooking app business
26. Start a kitchen management app business
Struggling with kitchen chaos? Consider launching a kitchen management app business. This idea revolves around creating an application designed to streamline kitchen operations, manage recipes, track inventory, and plan meals effectively.
A kitchen management app consolidates essential functions into one user-friendly platform, making it easier for both home cooks and professional kitchens to stay organized. Picture chefs effortlessly tracking ingredient levels, accessing diverse recipe collections, and crafting meal plans without the usual stress.
By addressing common culinary pain points, this business can tap into a broad market, ranging from busy households to bustling restaurants. While developing the app will require strategic planning, technical expertise, and ongoing updates, the end result is a high-value tool that simplifies daily kitchen tasks. If you have a passion for tech solutions and a knack for organization, this could be a rewarding path to explore.
How much you can make: $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $7,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Sprwt, a meal prep software platform, generated over $1 million in revenue per month by listening to customer feedback and incorporating creative solutions, such as pick-up locations and a route planning system, while also focusing on employee empowerment and training.
27. Start a pizza delivery app business
28. Start a food app
Food App:
Imagine controlling your meals and culinary cravings right from your phone. The food app business concept revolves around connecting hungry consumers with a variety of food options from local restaurants, food trucks, and home chefs, all at their fingertips.
The core idea is simple: create an intuitive platform where users can browse menus, place orders, and arrange deliveries or pickups, streamlining the dining experience. By partnering with local eateries and delivery services, you can curate a vast and varied menu selection, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs.
With people increasingly seeking convenience, this idea taps into a thriving market. Building a food app does require rigorous planning, tech development, and partnership negotiations, but it positions you at the intersection of technology and cuisine. Providing a seamless interface and reliable service can make this venture both fulfilling and profitable.
How much you can make: $1,800,000/month
29. Start a burger constructor app business
30. Start a restaurant exploring AR-based app business
Enhance dining experiences using augmented reality with a restaurant AR app business. The concept involves developing an app that restaurant patrons can use to interact with menus and learn more about their dishes through immersive AR features. Imagine customers pointing their phones at a menu item to see a 3D representation of the dish, complete with ingredients and preparation information.
For restaurateurs, it's more than a gimmick—it's a powerful tool for engaging visitors and upselling premium offerings. Customers become more informed, reducing order anxiety and increasing satisfaction. Building this business requires tech development skills or a partnership with an AR developer, a keen understanding of the dining market, and effective marketing strategies.
If you're driven to combine culinary arts with futuristic technology, this AR-based app business offers a unique opportunity. It's the future of dining experiences, setting the table for both innovation and increased revenue.
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
31. Start a customized food ordering app business
Imagine an app that knows exactly what you like to eat and how you like it. A customized food ordering app business offers precisely that. It merges technology with culinary preferences, providing a tailored dining experience right from the palm of your hand.
In essence, you'll be creating a platform where users can personalize their meals according to dietary needs, flavor profiles, and favorite cuisines. Think of it as bringing a personal chef into everyone’s home, without the expense. This business idea responds to the growing demand for personalized services in the food industry, catering to those who desire convenience without sacrificing their unique tastes.
Starting this venture will involve developing user-friendly software, partnering with local restaurants, and ensuring seamless delivery logistics. If you’re passionate about food and technology, this venture offers a great opportunity to revolutionize how people enjoy their meals.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $4,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Sprwt, a meal prep software platform, generated over $1 million in revenue per month by listening to customer feedback and incorporating creative solutions, such as pick-up locations and a route planning system, while also focusing on employee empowerment and training.
32. Start a restaurant table reservation app business
33. Start a digital menu app business
Imagine streamlining dining experiences with a digital menu app.
A digital menu app allows restaurants to replace their traditional paper menus with dynamic, interactive digital versions accessible via smartphones or tablets. Customers simply scan a QR code to view the full menu, place orders, and even pay—all from the convenience of their devices.
This business taps into the growing demand for contactless dining solutions and offers substantial benefits, including real-time menu updates, enhanced customer engagement, and data-driven insights for restaurant owners. It’s a practical venture that combines tech expertise and a keen understanding of the hospitality industry.
If you're passionate about tech and want to make dining more efficient, a digital menu app business could be a rewarding path to explore. It’s not just a trend—it’s a tangible solution to modern dining challenges.
How much you can make: $300,000/month
MustHaveMenus is a cloud-based design and print service for restaurants that allows them to quickly create professional menus and marketing materials in just a few clicks, using templates and an easy-to-use editor, making it a one-stop-shop for all their design needs.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
