28.07.25
|Reading time:
5 min
Delivery Service even in Summer
Introduction: A Summer Slump in the Restaurant Business?
Summer is here, the sun is shining, and people are heading outdoors – but unfortunately, not always to your restaurant’s terrace. Many restaurateurs in Switzerland are familiar with the phenomenon: when the summer holidays begin, foot traffic declines, regulars go on vacation, and spontaneous walk-ins become rare. Indoor spaces remain empty, outdoor business depends on the weather – and even a full beer garden doesn’t always generate enough revenue to cover operating costs.
But there is a solution: modern ordering apps, POS systems with delivery functions, and a well-thought-out delivery service can cushion the drop in sales – and in many cases, even drive growth.
Summer Holidays = Fewer Guests in the Restaurant
A Local Challenge for Swiss Hospitality Businesses
Whether in Zurich, Bern, Basel, or smaller cities like Chur or Thun – during the summer months, restaurants across Switzerland often experience a noticeable drop in guest numbers. Holiday season, outdoor events, and hot weather all contribute to guests opting for picnics by the lake or backyard BBQs with friends instead of dining out.
Revenue – Only When the Weather Is Nice?
Restaurants with outdoor seating often rely heavily on terrace business in summer. But this model comes with risks: sudden weather changes can lead to cancellations or no-shows. A delivery service, on the other hand, is independent of the weather and can run parallel to your in-house operations – without causing staff shortages.
Features and Benefits of Ordering Apps
What Modern Ordering Systems Offer
Ordering apps like Order Anywhere from Lightspeed allow guests to place orders independently – whether at the restaurant, on the terrace, or from home. Combined with an integrated POS system like Lightspeed Restaurant, the entire order and payment process is automated and error-free.
Key Benefits at a Glance
- Contactless ordering & payment
- Seamless POS integration
- Clear display of menu, daily specials & promotions
- Upselling opportunities through targeted product placement
- Reduced wait times & lower staff workload
Ideal for Delivery & Takeaway
Especially in summer, many guests prefer takeaway or home delivery. A seamless POS integration with your delivery service lets you stay in control – even during peak ordering times.
Learn more about the ordering app: Restaurant Ordering App
Real-World Examples: How Swiss Restaurants Benefit from Ordering Apps
1. Restaurant in Lucerne – Higher Revenue Despite the Summer Slump
A Lucerne-based restaurant with 60 seats introduced the Order Anywhere app in summer 2024. While in-house guest numbers slightly declined, the restaurant was able to increase its revenue by 27% compared to the previous year – thanks to targeted summer promotions via the app and its own delivery service.
2. Takeaway in Basel – More Efficient with a Digital POS
A takeaway concept in Basel uses a combination of the Lightspeed POS system and a mobile ordering solution. During peak season from May to August, 50% of orders are placed via mobile devices – easing the burden on staff and significantly improving operational efficiency.
Learn more: POS System for Restaurants in Switzerland
Increase Revenue with Your Own Delivery Service
Delivery in Switzerland – A Real Growth Opportunity
Rather than relying on third-party platforms like Uber Eats or smood.ch, more and more Swiss restaurants are turning to in-house delivery solutions. The benefits? Higher profit margins, direct customer relationships, and full control over the entire ordering process.
With an integrated delivery module built into your restaurant software – such as with Lightspeed or Vendomat – you can:
- Define custom delivery zones
- Bundle orders efficiently
- Process payments directly within the system
- Automatically send invoices & receipts
Local Delivery Instead of Platform Fees
Especially in smaller cities like Solothurn, Frauenfeld, or Zug, running your own delivery service is often more cost-effective than using third-party providers – and guests appreciate the local connection and personalized service.
Interested in launching your own delivery system? Delivery Systems for Restaurants
Why Restaurateurs Are Choosing Delivery Services
More Flexibility – Even for Smaller Businesses
A digitally supported delivery service doesn’t mean you need to handle hundreds of orders every day. Even 10 to 20 additional deliveries per day can significantly boost your summer revenue – especially when the process is automated via an ordering app.
Customer Loyalty & New Audiences
With custom discounts, summer deals, or family bundles, you can reach customers who might not otherwise visit your restaurant – for example through social media campaigns or QR-code flyers distributed locally.
Use Data for Smarter Marketing
With modern hospitality software like Lightspeed, you gain real-time insights into:
- Customer ordering behaviour
- Best-performing products & promotions
- Peak ordering times
These insights help you plan targeted campaigns – whether for a rainy Sunday or a hot summer evening.
Discover Lightspeed now:
Hospitality Software Switzerland
Conclusion: Upgrade Now and Make the Most of Summer
Swiss hospitality holds great potential – even during the summer months. With the right tools, you can increase capacity, attract new customers, and run your operations more efficiently. Ordering apps, POS systems with integrated delivery features, and a well-designed software solution are the key to long-term success.
Vendomat AG
Zentrumsplatz 1, 3322 Schönbühl
Piazza Grande 9a, 6600 Locarno (Ticino branch)
Opening hours
Monday: closed
Tuesday to Friday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
On-call service – 365 days a year
Monday: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tuesday–Friday: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday–Sunday: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
