Decide what “online ordering” means for you
Pickup only? Delivery with your riders? Browse online and confirm on WhatsApp? Each model changes the build. Be honest about staffing before promising 40-minute delivery across half the city.
Build the menu like an operations tool
Categories, modifiers, sold-out states, and clear names matter more than fancy animations. If staff cannot mark an item unavailable in seconds, you will overpromise mid-rush.
Capture orders as tickets, not chat archaeology
Every order should store customer name, items, notes, and time. Notify the counter. Confirm to the customer. That is the core system — payments and loyalty can come later.
Connect WhatsApp without duplicating chaos
Many Pakistani restaurants succeed with: order on site → notify on WhatsApp → status updates automated. The site structures; WhatsApp communicates.
Skip the mobile app (for now)
Customers will not download an app for one restaurant unless you are already a large brand. A mobile website plus WhatsApp covers most direct-order needs. Put app money into menu quality and kitchen process instead.