Third-party delivery has evolved far beyond being a simple convenience, it’s now a critical strategic differentiator in the restaurant industry. For multi-unit operators, this year will usher in a new era marked by heightened consumer expectations, rapid technological advancements (delivery drones are HERE!), and both complex operational challenges and opportunities.

Let’s dive into the transformative trends shaping third-party delivery in 2025 and discuss actionable strategies to help your brand stay competitive and profitable in the new year.

1. Elevated Consumer Expectations

Today’s diners expect more than just fast food—they want convenience. A recent survey revealed that “72% of consumers prefer brands offering carbon-neutral delivery options, while 57% of U.S. consumers favor delivery or takeout over dining in" (Descartes, 2024). These preferences are reshaping the priorities for restaurant operators, making eco-conscious practices and seamless service non-negotiable for customer retention and loyalty.

Convenience is driving demand, with over half of U.S. consumers favoring delivery or takeout. Diners now expect personalized service, from tailored menu recommendations to real-time delivery updates. Restaurants that embrace these trends and leverage data-driven insights can boost sales, customer satisfaction, and drive repeat business.

2. The Future of Drone Delivery in 3PD

Drone delivery is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s becoming a reality for convenience-driven operations. Companies like Wing, a subsidiary of Alphabet, have already completed over 400,000 deliveries through Doordash with drones that fly at speeds of 65 miles per hour and up to 150 feet high. If you're in an eligible zone, you can order DoorDash from over 50 vendors by drone. These drones excel at rapid, small-item deliveries, ideal for those “oh shoot” moments when customers forget essential items at the store, offering doorstep delivery within minutes. While current capabilities include a 12-mile round-trip range, a 2.5-pound weight limit, and daytime-only operations, the technology is advancing rapidly.

To stay ahead, restaurant leaders should monitor this technology’s progress and evaluate its potential for time-sensitive orders. Incorporating drone delivery into operations could differentiate brands by meeting consumer demands for speed and convenience.

3. The Rise of AI Efficiency

AI doesn’t just enhance back-office efficiency, it elevates the guest experience. By continuously monitoring store downtime, AI tools auto-resolve 3PD disruptions, ensuring uninterrupted service and revenue streams. 

In a time of labor shortages and rising minimum wages, any operational inefficiencies, such as having staff manually dispute chargebacks weekly and constantly monitor store downtime on 3PD platforms can quickly erode profitability.

AI-powered tools can significantly reduce the burden on overextended staff. Instead of restaurant managers arriving early to dispute chargebacks, AI automates this process, saving hours each month and preventing burnout. This allows staff to focus on what matters most—the guest experience—while recovering lost profits. 

4. Overcoming Operational Hurdles with Data-Driven Decision Making

Beyond operations, AI addresses menu optimization with laser precision. By analyzing delivery performance data, these tools identify problematic menu items that don’t travel well or are prone to errors by your staff  allowing operators to refine or replace them, minimizing food waste and ensuring the customer's meal arrives as intended.

In fact, according to a recent report by McKinsey, businesses that effectively use AI-driven analytics see a reduction in operational errors by up to 25%, significantly improving their bottom line. With AI-powered delivery insights, restaurants can focus on dishes that deliver top quality from kitchen to doorstep, leading to higher customer satisfaction, reinforcing brand trust while improving margins. 

Choosing the right solution

The third party delivery landscape of 2025 is dynamic and full of opportunities for those ready to adapt and innovate. By fostering loyalty through branded apps while leveraging third-party platforms for market expansion, restaurants can strike the right balance. 

The rapidly-evolving third-party delivery landscape demands proactive strategies and innovative solutions. Leveraging AI tools empowers restaurants to align with evolving consumer preferences and secure a path to sustainable growth.

Focus on scalable solutions to manage growth without increasing complexity. Since third party delivery touches every aspect of your restaurant, your 3PD strategy tool should too. Loop AI is best-in-class and enterprise-ready, empowering restaurants to confidently navigate change by optimizing marketing spend, reducing operational errors, and fostering trust within franchise networks. With Loop AI, restaurants streamline delivery operations and drive profitability seamlessly.

The future of third-party delivery is here. Are you ready to embrace it?

As you position your restaurant for success in 2025 and beyond, see how Loop AI can help you optimize your delivery strategy for maximum profitability and efficiency. Schedule a personalized consultation today at alexis@tryloop.ai.

TLDR; Takeaways:

• Adapt to consumer expectations
  •  by offering personalized experiences and eco-conscious delivery options, with 72% of consumers favoring carbon-neutral delivery (Descartes, 2024).
• Streamline operations by using AI 
  • to automate chargeback disputes, reconcile third-party delivery fees, reduce store downtime, reducing labor and operational costs while boosting profitability.
• Leverage data and new technology
  • to optimize menu offerings with AI-driven insights, and stay ahead of the competition by exploring delivery drones, offering faster, eco-friendly solutions for time-sensitive orders and differentiating your brand.
• Future-proof your restaurant 
  • by integrating AI-powered tools like Loop AI to navigate the evolving third-party delivery landscape, optimize operations, and foster brand loyalty.