Delivery and Take-Away for Restaurants: The Complete Guide

Since 2020, the delivery market in Switzerland has grown 240%. For many Italian restaurants, delivery and take-away now account for 25–40% of total revenue. Restaurants that optimize this channel see 35–50% revenue increases with net margins of 15–22%. The difference between a profitable delivery operation and a losing one comes down to three things: the right products, the right packaging, and the right menu strategy.

Key figures: Restaurants with optimized delivery increase revenue by 35–50%, with net margins of 15–22% (vs. 8–12% for non-optimized operations).

Delivery vs. Take-Away: Differences and Advantages

Take-Away

The customer orders and picks up in person.

Advantages: Zero platform commissions (100% margin stays with you), full quality control, zero logistics costs.

Average net margin: 25–35%

Delivery

The order is delivered to the customer via platforms (Uber Eats, Just Eat, Smood).

Advantages: Extended geographic reach, significantly higher order volumes, visibility on major platforms.

Disadvantages: Platform commissions 25–35%, packaging costs 1–3 CHF/order.

Average net margin: 12–18% (platforms), 20–28% (own drivers)

Professional Delivery Packaging

Pizza

Corrugated cardboard box with ventilation holes: prevents condensation, keeps pizza crispy (0.60–1.00 CHF).

Pasta

Kraft cardboard or aluminum container: keeps food warm, recyclable (0.40–0.90 CHF).

LAPA tip: For pasta with sauce (Carbonara, Amatriciana LAPA), pack the sauce separately if delivery time exceeds 20 minutes.

Appetizers (Burrata, Cold Cuts)

Rigid plastic tray: protects delicate products (Burrata LAPA), airtight seal (0.40–0.80 CHF).

The Delivery Menu: What Actually Works

Ideal for delivery

Pizza (travels well, high margins), Baked Pasta (holds structure), Salads (with dressing on the side), Antipasti Mix (no cooking, maximum margin).

Avoid for delivery

Fried foods (go soggy), overcooked long pasta (continue cooking en route), elaborate plating.

LAPA products ideal for delivery

Guanciale Amatriciano LAPA IGP: Pre-portioned, stays creamy even after 30 minutes in delivery.

Burrata Pugliese LAPA: LAPA airtight packaging, 7-day shelf life, premium product.

Fiordilatte LAPA for Pizza: No water release — pizza stays crispy for 30+ minutes after baking.

All LAPA products available at shop.lapa.ch, 24–48h delivery, no minimum order. Over 2,000 products selected for food service professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the average net margin on delivery?

12–18% with platforms, 25–35% with direct take-away, 20–28% with own drivers.

How many delivery platforms should I use?

Ideal: 2–3 platforms (e.g. Uber Eats + Just Eat + direct channel).

How much does packaging cost per order?

1.50–3.00 CHF per average order. You can add a transparent “packaging fee” of 1.50–2.50 CHF.

Conclusion: Optimized Delivery = Profitable Business

Delivery and take-away are not a compromise — they are a core revenue channel representing 30–50% of total sales for optimized restaurants. With the right ingredients, the right packaging, and a clear pricing strategy, every order becomes genuinely profitable.

With professional ingredients from LAPA, you can deliver authentic quality straight to your customers’ doors. Over 2,000 carefully selected products, 24–48h delivery across Switzerland. Contact our team at +41 76 361 70 21.

LAPA: 2,000+ professional products for quality delivery. Guanciale IGP, Burrata, Fiordilatte, San Marzano DOP. 24–48h delivery across Switzerland. Order at shop.lapa.ch