Owner.com vs Grubhub (2026)
the honest breakdown for restaurant owners
Owner.com
Grubhub
| Owner.com | Grubhub | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Direct online ordering + marketing | POS / delivery marketplace |
| Commission on direct orders | 0% (fees at cost) | 0% direct (add-on) |
| Works with your existing POS | Yes, POS-agnostic | Varies |
| Built-in marketing (email/SMS/loyalty) | Included | Add-on / limited |
| Branded mobile app | Included | Varies / extra |
| Contract / hardware lock-in | None | Common (esp. Toast) |
| Best for | Restaurant online ordering | Marketplace delivery reach |
| Pricing | $499/mo flat · free demo | 15 to 30%+ commission per order on the marketplace |
The short answer
Grubhub can bring orders, but at 15 to 30%+ commission on margins of 3 to 5%, the marketplace often profits more than you do. Owner.com moves those repeat customers to your own commission-free channel. Use Grubhub for discovery if you like, but own your regulars on Owner.com where the margin stays yours.
Where Owner.com wins
👍 Owner.com advantages
- 0% commission on direct orders vs 15 to 30%+ marketplace fees
- Own your customer data and marketing instead of renting access
- Branded ordering channel built to convert repeat customers
- Automated marketing brings diners back commission-free
Where Grubhub is stronger
To be fair, Grubhub has real advantages: Large existing marketplace audience; Discovery for new customers without your own marketing; Handles the delivery logistics. It's a genuine option depending on what you prioritize.
The bottom line for restaurant owners
Independent restaurants lose 15 to 30% of every marketplace order to commission, on 3 to 5% net margins, that erases the profit on those orders entirely. Owner.com exists to fix exactly that: a branded website and app, commission-free direct ordering, delivery passed at cost, and marketing automation (email, SMS, loyalty) that brings diners back, all working with the POS you already have.
If your goal is to take orders back from the delivery apps and own your customer relationship, Owner.com is built for the job. Choose Grubhub instead when you specifically need established marketplace with a large existing customer base.
Free demo · no commitment · works with your current POS
Owner.com vs Grubhub: FAQ
Is Owner.com better than Grubhub?
For growing direct online orders and marketing without commission fees, Owner.com is the more purpose-built choice. Grubhub is stronger if you specifically need established marketplace with a large existing customer base. They solve different halves of the problem.
Can I use Owner.com and Grubhub together?
Often yes, Owner.com is POS-agnostic and works alongside your existing setup. Many restaurants keep Grubhub for its strengths and add Owner.com for direct ordering and marketing.
Does Owner.com charge commission on orders?
No. Owner.com takes 0% commission on direct orders and passes delivery fees at cost (around $7/order), unlike the 15 to 30% marketplace commissions that erode restaurant margins.