App2Food Vs. Slice: Which Platform is Designed for Your Restaurant?

The global pandemic has accelerated technology adoption across restaurants, creating a strong digital ecosystem for businesses in food services.

For many restaurants, investing in a branded app or listing on aggregator platforms was once out of reach due to high costs. Now, accessible online ordering systems like App2Food and Slice have made it easier than ever for restaurants to tap into the digital market, driving widespread adoption and redefining the way restaurants engage with customers.

Both offer many unique features, functions, and benefits of both brands to restaurants that set them apart from each other. However, which is better? This article provides a detailed comparison of App2Food vs. Slice, covering burning questions you might have, such as:

• How do the two online ordering systems work?
• Which online ordering system is more appropriate for a restaurant?
• Who is doing better in terms of technology and innovation?

Business Overview

App2Food

If you’re considering launching an online presence for your restaurant through an aggregator platform or digital marketing agency but are working with a limited budget, think again.

App2Food allows you to own a fully functional online restaurant at zero commissions or fees. That’s right—no charges! App2Food exemplifies how online ordering systems can enhance restaurant operations by streamlining order preparation and delivery, helping expand your customer base in both dine-in and takeout models.

With App2Food, your online presence operates just like a private restaurant website, creating a fully personalized experience with complete control over operations. Unlike aggregator platforms, you retain control, guaranteeing your unique touch is reflected in every aspect of the customer experience.

In addition to a website, your restaurant can also benefit from a mobile app—without paying third-party commissions. App2Food offers a comprehensive suite of tools, supporting restaurants with a robust ecosystem designed to help them reach revenue targets laid out in their business plans. And the best part? It’s all free.

Slice

App2Food welcomes all restaurants and food corporations to its online ordering system, with no restrictions or specific conditions. Whether you specialize in sushi, burgers, or fine dining, App2Food is designed for any type of food business.

However, Slice, also known as Slice Life, exclusively caters to pizza suppliers. If you operate a pizzeria, Slice offers a centralized solution tailored to help local pizza shops across U.S. states and cities compete with major pizza chains. Many local pizzerias rely on Slice to streamline operations and bring their unique pizzas to a broader customer base.

Both App2Food and Slice simplify restaurant operations with user-friendly web and mobile platforms, though Slice focuses specifically on the pizzeria market. So, if you own a pizza restaurant, Slice could be an ideal fit for your business needs, while App2Food presents broader options for all types of restaurants.

Solutions for Restaurants

App2Food

App2Food’s solutions are purpose-built to streamline restaurant operations online, presenting a powerful alternative to traditional websites and third-party apps. With App2Food, you gain access to a full suite of online ordering tools, including restaurant mobile apps, self-ordering kiosks, cloud kitchens, and more, all crafted to support seamless digital operations for your restaurant.

This comprehensive ecosystem not only enables you to launch and manage your website with ease but also puts complete control of your digital portfolio in your hands. Real-time business insights and customer data become easily accessible, empowering you to make informed decisions.

Best of all, App2Food handles all repair and maintenance costs for your website and app, so you can focus on personalizing your business profile without the usual technical worries. Marketing tools and additional features are available with just a click, and the entire range of solutions comes at no cost to you. Simply list your restaurant on the App2Food platform, update your profile, and start benefiting from a streamlined, fully supported digital presence.

Slice

Slice presents three primary online ordering solutions tailored to pizzerias, each designed to support different aspects of your business. You can select individual solutions or combine all three for a comprehensive approach—opting for the bundle may even come with discounts. Here’s a breakdown of Slice’s solutions:

• Manage Ordering

Slice’s web ordering system makes sure your business is accessible to pizza enthusiasts by centralizing in-store and digital sales. A unified dashboard lets restaurant operators manage menus seamlessly, simplifying the workload and enhancing control over sales.

• Streamline Operation

Slice integrates with mobile and digital platforms, linking to pizza-specific POS systems to eliminate common errors and streamline operations. This niche focus allows Slice to give additional support, including packaging, supplies, and branded promotional items. For broader POS integration, platforms like App2Food cater to all types of restaurants, bringing flexibility beyond the pizza niche.

• Effective Marketing

Slice’s marketing solution aims to improve your brand’s visibility in Google search results, though the overall impact on rankings is still being evaluated. Basic marketing tools are also available, helping you reach more customers and boost your restaurant’s online presence.

Getting Started Process

App2Food

Getting started with App2Food is refreshingly simple. Unlike many other platforms or aggregators, App2Food doesn’t require extensive documentation. If you’re ready to roll out your menu online or want to get comfortable with the system first, App2Food delivers flexibility. You can dive straight into the platform or schedule a demo to explore its online ordering system at your convenience. Here’s how to get started with a straightforward sign-up process:

1. Click the “Sign Up” button on the App2Food interface.
2. A pop-up window will prompt you to enter basic information, including the restaurant’s name, owner or partner’s name, email, phone number, address, zip code, state, and city.
3. After submitting, read and accept the App2Food Terms of Service by ticking the box.
4. Complete the sign-up, and an App2Food representative will contact you to continue the setup process.

Once your profile is activated, you can launch your online ordering page on both the website and mobile app. Start by adding your business description and brand logo, then update your menu and adjust features as needed. Explore the interface to become familiar with the platform, which gives full access to all App2Food features—completely free of charge.

Slice

Getting started with Slice is also straightforward. The online ordering service doesn’t require extensive documentation—just a quick form-filling process. Begin by entering basic information, such as your name, email address, phone number, restaurant name, and address.

Next, simply check the boxes for the services you’re interested in, whether it’s digital advertising, direct mail, menu cards, tamper-proof stickers, or any other options from Slice’s offerings. Based on your selections, a representative will reach out with tailored solutions designed to best support your restaurant.

Slice’s offerings are organized around these services, making it easy for you to evaluate and choose the options that fit your business needs.

Operation Handling

App2Food

POS (Point of Sale) systems are key in the restaurant industry, streamlining operations and simplifying accounting. However, many restaurants still handle tasks manually on these advanced machines, often missing out on the full potential of automation. App2Food addresses these limitations by coming with seamless integration between its online ordering system and a variety of POS systems, allowing for smoother operations across the board.

App2Food’s platform is compatible with almost all POS machines, guaranteeing reliable performance in both financial and managerial functions. From receiving and processing orders to launching promotions and rewarding customers through loyalty programs, App2Food enhances the POS experience. This integration supports an efficient, automated flow for all tasks, bringing added convenience and responsiveness to restaurant management.

Slice

Slice’s POS system is tailored specifically for pizzerias, suggesting that its online ordering solutions may not cater to a wide range of restaurant types. By focusing exclusively on pizza suppliers, Slice can optimize its platform for the unique needs of pizzerias, potentially limiting its compatibility and effectiveness for other restaurant models.

The system centralizes order processing, making activities easily viewable and manageable through POS integration. However, Slice has not disclosed extensive details on the specific POS systems it supports or how these integrations benefit day-to-day operations. As a result, questions around POS compatibility and business benefits remain somewhat unclear, leaving pizzeria owners to evaluate whether the system fully aligns with their operational needs.

Marketing Solutions to Restaurants

App2Food

App2Food brings a comprehensive marketing solution for restaurants, enhancing their online presence and boosting customer engagement. The online ordering system includes SMS marketing capabilities that effectively target mobile users, significantly increasing conversion rates. This marketing channel plays a vital role in the sustainable growth of your business.

Once a customer places an order, a pop-up notification is immediately sent to their device, and additional notifications can be strategically dispatched for branding, remarketing, and retargeting purposes. Many of these notifications are automated, minimizing the need for manual intervention from restaurant operators. In addition to SMS marketing, App2Food also employs email marketing as a powerful tool for outreach and promotion.

The marketing network supports restaurants in numerous ways, including Google Listing Management, which safeguards your online business profile from external threats. Restaurants can also benefit from free QR codes, promotional materials, gift cards, and loyalty programs, creating a well-rounded marketing strategy at no cost.

For those seeking enhanced visibility, App2Food also offers premium social media marketing support upon request, delivering an additional layer of marketing assistance to help restaurants thrive in the competitive landscape.

Slice

Slice Life’s marketing package promises to boost repeat customer rates by 50%, leveraging loyalty programs that allow restaurants to reward their customers online. The platform also brings automated marketing solutions, including email notifications and app alerts, similar to those provided by App2Food.

One notable commitment from Slice is its guarantee that your brand will rank among the top Google search results. However, this claim raises some concerns, as achieving organic rankings typically requires time and effort through white-hat SEO practices. A sudden spike in visibility might suggest the use of black-hat SEO techniques, which can pose risks to your brand’s reputation.

For an additional fee, Slice runs promotional campaigns for businesses seeking to increase traffic to their pizza restaurants. If you’re willing to invest more to enhance your restaurant’s visibility, Slice may be a suitable option. However, if you prefer a cost-effective solution, App2Food delivers similar marketing services at no cost, making it an attractive alternative for restaurant owners looking to maximize their marketing efforts without incurring extra expenses.

Marketing Cost

App2Food

It’s important to highlight that App2Food does not impose any additional charges for its marketing services. This special offer allows restaurants to access valuable marketing tools at no cost, making it an excellent opportunity for those looking to grow their business. While there are options for a social media marketing program available for those interested, the free services alone give significant potential to help meet your business objectives.

The primary focus should be on your branding; making sure that your brand’s theme and logo are well-crafted and clearly defined is necessary. Ambiguity in branding can undermine your efforts, so take the time to develop a strong visual identity.

Additionally, App2Food eliminates concerns about hidden fees or extra marketing costs. Its free offerings are specifically designed to support startups and new business ventures, providing a solid foundation for growth without the financial burden often associated with marketing initiatives.

Slice

On the flip side, Slice Life’s charges for marketing tools vary significantly. The online ordering platforms bring four marketing solutions to customers:

• Digital advertising campaign
• Direct Mail Campaign
• 2000 Promotional Flyers
• 1000 box stickers

Under a special marketing scheme, these exclusive solutions are available for $500 over a three-month period. Restaurant operators also have the flexibility to choose individual services based on their needs.

Additionally, Slice assists restaurant operators with loyalty programs, automated marketing, and targeted campaigns, but these may come with additional costs. Specific pricing for these services can be found in individual plans organized by Slice, tailored to meet the unique requirements of each restaurant.

The Overall Pricing

App2Food

App2Food stands out by delivering its services completely commission-free, allowing you to set up your online restaurant for $0. This means you’ll receive a complimentary website, an online ordering system, and integration facilities without incurring any charges.

When you sign up for their services, you gain access to 24/7 support, with no hidden fees involved. However, if you require thermal printer integration, there is a one-time investment of $349. App2Food also provides options for a social media marketing program to enhance your online presence.

What sets App2Food apart is that their free offering does not compromise personalized branding benefits. While most online ordering platforms charge upwards of $399 per month for their comprehensive services, and third-party aggregators often take a hefty 30% commission per transaction, App2Food takes a different approach. They do not charge commissions from either restaurant operators or customers. Instead, the company generates revenue only when a restaurant profits, making it a unique initiative that makes sure you have nothing to lose if your business doesn’t thrive.

Slice

Slice comes with a structured pricing plan for its online ordering services, with each tier bringing specific features and benefits. While these plans can be costly, they cater to the various needs of restaurant operators. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the available pricing plans:

• Slice Complete

The Slice Complete plan helps restaurants centralize their order chain, streamline staff time, and optimize automated marketing. The plan even includes a POS system designed for pizzerias.

Pricing charges for this service are $2.50 per online order and $0 for online orders under $10. In addition, a $69 subscription fee per month is charged, which includes a processing fee as low as 2.5%.

• Slice Premium

The Slice Premium plan assists in setting up online ordering with a free custom website. This even includes assistance in boosting search engine rankings. Automated loyalty marketing is also served in this plan against $2.50/order, and $0 for orders under $10. A card processing fee may also be charged.

• Slice Essentials

The Slice Essentials plan gives your restaurant brand direct access to being featured on Slice’s pizzeria marketplace. Simply put, you get the opportunity to establish a storefront on the slifelife.com website and application.

The plan comes with a built-in rewards program and 24×7 support for a price of $2.99 per order and $0 for orders under $10. A processing fee may also be charged on card payments.

Mobile Application

App2Food

App2Food’s mobile app is packed with features that give restaurants a competitive edge in the digital space. With a streamlined layout and user-friendly interface, it gives restaurant operators powerful tools for customization and engagement:

• Push Notifications: From notifying customers about order placements and processing updates to sending out special offers, the push notification feature can significantly boost conversions.
• Profile Flexibility: Restaurant operators have full control to personalize their business profiles, differentiating from generic listings on aggregator platforms. This feature allows for updates to menus, pricing, and more, guaranteeing that customers always have access to accurate and transparent information.
• Automated Marketing Tools: App2Food’s built-in marketing tools focus on conversion and business growth, reducing the workload on operators by automating outreach to mobile users.
• Availability: The app is accessible to both Android and iOS users, expanding reach and accessibility for customers across devices.

Slice

The Slice Life mobile app, available for both iOS and Android, provides a responsive layout with all key features easily accessible on-screen. Through the Slice Essentials plan, restaurant operators can manage their profiles and reach customers via a storefront on Slice’s app. However, this comes at a cost of $2.99 per order.

One notable limitation is that Slice’s app focuses exclusively on pizzerias, which could restrict reach to primarily pizza enthusiasts, potentially limiting visibility among customers interested in broader dining options. While it offers a specialized platform for pizza shops, this niche focus may be a drawback for restaurants seeking to reach a more diverse customer base.

User Support

App2Food

App2Food excels in customer support with a highly responsive and friendly team. Users can easily reach out via multiple channels, including:

• The Contact Us
• Direct Mail
• Phone Number
• Live Chat

Slice

Slice offers a more limited approach to support, providing two main channels for interaction:

• A phone number to connect with a Slice Life representative
• A chat box on the Slice Life website, where users can submit their name and email to initiate a conversation

Between App2Food v. Slice, both have solid online ordering systems, but their focus and pricing structures differ significantly. App2Food provides a versatile and cost-effective platform suitable for a wide range of restaurants, with extensive support options. Slice, while delivering a strong platform for pizzerias, charges fees per order and focuses primarily on pizza shops. This makes App2Food an attractive option for diverse restaurant types looking for a no-cost, comprehensive solution with robust customer support.

Ready to try it for yourself? Get started today.