Grubhub Clone App Development: Readymade vs Custom Solutions

  • By Anupreet Ruby
  • December 17, 2025
  • Comments (0)
Grubhub Clone App Development: Readymade vs Custom Solutions

In today’s fast-paced world, on-demand food delivery apps have become an essential part of everyday life. Platforms like Grubhub have revolutionized the way people order food, making it faster, more convenient, and highly accessible.

This rising market is a great opportunity for businesses and entrepreneurs. A Grubhub clone app launch is a way to enter the online food delivery market to create a platform that connects the customers, restaurants, and delivery partners in a smooth way. 

But the main question about development deciding is mostly the same: whether to use a readymade solution for a quick launch or to invest in custom development for an app that fully meets your requirements? This guide will help you understand the features, ways, prices, and plans of a successful Grubhub clone app creation. 

What is a Grubhub Clone App?

The Grubhub clone app is a food delivery platform that works similarly to Grubhub. It is not a brand copy but a platform that allows users to look for restaurants, order food, and track delivery in real-time. 

Basically, a Grubhub clone app serves to link the three major user groups: 

  • Customers – using a smooth mobile interface, they are able to find restaurants, access the menus, order food, and pay for it. 
  • Restaurants– They take care of their menus, get the orders, and update the status in real-time. 
  • Delivery Partners- They take up delivery requests, find the routes easily, and deliver on time. 

By launching a Grubhub clone app, companies can imitate the success of the already existing food delivery models and, at the same time, add their own features, brand, and services. 

Ready to Build Your Grubhub Clone App?

Whether you’re planning a quick launch with a readymade solution or a fully custom food delivery platform, TechBuilder can help you bring your idea to life.

 

Essential Features of a Grubhub Clone App

To make a successful Grubhub clone app, the features that serve three user groups, namely customers, restaurants, and delivery partners, should be there. The points below illustrate each: 

  1. Customer App Features 
  • User-Friendly Search & Filters: Customers can easily find – restaurants, cuisines, or dishes. 
  • Real-Time Order Tracking: Order tracking from preparation to delivery. 
  • Secure Payments: Options for – credit/debit cards, digital wallets, UPI, and cash on delivery. 
  • Reorder & Favorites: Reordering quickly and marking favorite restaurants or dishes. 
  • Reviews & Ratings: Customers can share their experience, thus making the platform more trustworthy. 
  1. Restaurant Panel Features.
  • Menu Management: Adding, removing, or updating menu items is very easy. 
  • Order Management: In real-time, get and handle orders. 
  • Analytics & Insights: Track sales, performance, and customer preferences. 
  1. Delivery Partner App Features 
  • Navigation & Route Optimization: Delivery partners use it to get to customers most efficiently. 
  • Availability Scheduling: Work hours can be – managed, and active deliveries can be tracked. 
  • Earnings Dashboard: Check real-time earnings and performance stats. 
  1. Admin Panel Features 
  • Platform Management: Manage users, restaurants, and delivery partners. 
  • Commission & Pricing Settings: Fix commission rates and pricing models. 
  • Reports & Analytics: Keep an eye on the overall platform performance and trends. 

Developing a Grubhub clone app with all those features means that it will be operational, easy to use, and expandable; thus, everyone will get a smooth experience. 

Development Approaches: Readymade vs Custom

A business that wants to develop a Grubhub clone app usually has two options: either to use a readymade solution or to opt for custom development. Both have their pros and cons and different use cases. 

  1. Readymade Solutions 

Readymade or white-label solutions refer to apps that are already built and can be quickly personalized with your branding. 

Advantages:

  • Its launch is much quicker; sometimes it can be done only in a few weeks.
  • There is a lower initial cost of development.
  • It is a perfect solution for testing the market or launching an MVP.

Limitations:

  • There is a limited number of customization options.
  • By the time you decide to extend the features or the regions, you may face the problem of scaling.
  1. Custom Development 

With custom development, one would have to build the app from the ground up based on the particular needs. 

Advantages: 

One has the absolute freedom to decide on features, the look, and the working of the app.

  • Being very scalable, it allows for growth and expansion.
  • Uniqueness of branding and user experience.

Disadvantages: 

  • The cost of development is quite high.
  • It takes longer to be launched compared to a readymade solution.
  • Which method to use depends on your business objectives, money availability, and timetable. 

Readymade solutions work well when you want to launch quickly, whereas custom development is better for you if you wish to have scalability and be different in the long run. 

Choosing Between Readymade and Custom Development

Deciding whether to go for a readymade solution or a custom one is very important in the process of Grubhub clone app development. The choice that you make will have an impact on when you will be able to launch, how much you will spend, whether your app will be scalable, and whether you will be able to grow for a long time. 

Opt for a Readymade Solution If:

  • You want to launch quickly and start testing the market.
  • Your budget is tight, and therefore, you need to find a cheap option.
  • You do not need a lot of customization, nor do you require any unique features.

Choose Custom Development If:

  • One of your goals is to build an absolutely unique platform with a lot of advanced features.
  • Long-term scalability and multi-city expansion are your priorities.
  • You want to have complete control over the UI, UX, and branding.

Key Tip: A readymade solution is the best tool if your main concern is to validate the market quickly. On the other hand, if you want to build a scalable app, has unique features and is differentiated from the others, the better option would be custom ‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌development. 

 

Not Sure Which Development Approach Is Right for You?

Our team will help you choose between readymade and custom Grubhub clone app development based on your goals, budget, and growth plans.

 

Step-by-Step‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌ Guide to Grubhub Clone App Development

  1. Market Research & Competitor Analysis

Understanding the market is necessary before development:

  • Identify Target Audience: Understand who your users are — busy professionals, students, families, etc.
  • Analyze Competitors: Take a look at the current platforms like Grubhub, Uber Eats, DoorDash, and find out what they are good at and where they lack.
  • Spot Opportunities: Find the places without delivery services, the local foods, or the new features that can make your app different.
  • Trend Analysis: Be always updated with delivery trends, for example, contactless delivery, AI-based recommendations, or loyalty programs.

Good research is the basis for a new app. It ensures that your app will solve real problems for customers and will have features – that give it a competitive advantage.

  1. Define Features & Workflow

After market research, sketch out your app functionalities:

  • Customer Features: Search, filters, order tracking, multiple payment options, ratings, and favorites.
  • Restaurant Panel Features: Menu management, order notifications, analytics, and stock management.
  • Delivery Partner Features: GPS navigation, route optimization, delivery status updates, and earnings tracking.
  • Admin Panel Features: Commission management, reporting, platform oversight, and dispute resolution. 

Write down the user journey for each user type so that the flow of work is understandable, user-friendly, and minimizes the friction at every step.

  1. Choose Development Approach

Decide to opt for a ready-made solution or custom development:

  • Ready-made Solutions: They are quicker and cheaper, and are good for MVPs and market testing.
  • Custom Development: Gives you total freedom, scalability, and a unique brand for long-term growth.
  • Which one you take will influence the development time, the money, and the scalability.
  1. UI/UX Design

The design stage is very important because the user experience decides the adoption:

  • Wireframes: Draw simple layouts for customer, restaurant, and delivery partner apps.
  • Prototyping: Work on the clickable prototypes to see the interactions.
  • Visual Design: Make sure the navigation is user-friendly, the design is clean, and the branding stays the same.
  • User Testing: Get the interface feedback from the potential users to make it better.
  • A good UI/UX design – lowers the app abandonment rate and increases user satisfaction.
  1. Development & Integration

This is the main phase when your app is being made:

  • Frontend Development: Do the customer-facing interface for iOS, Android, or web.
  • Backend Development: Build a strong server, database, and APIs to handle orders, users, and payments.
  • Integration: Enable the use of external services like payment gateways, SMS/email notifications, and GPS tracking.
  • Security Measures: Implement encryption, secure authentication, and data privacy standards.

Good development decisions lead to an app that is speedy, dependable, and secure.

  1. Testing & Quality Assurance

Testing is very important for a flawless and effortless user experience:

  • Functional Testing: Check that all features are working properly.
  • Performance Testing: Make sure the app can handle the heavy traffic for a long time without losing speed.
  • Security Testing: Keep user data safe and stop hackers from finding weaknesses.
  • User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Get feedback from real users just before the launch.
  • Fully testing the app makes it less likely there will be problems after the release and helps build trust.
  1. Launch & Deployment

After testing, your app can be launched to the public:

  • App Store Submission: Get your apps onto the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
  • Marketing Prep: Get ready for launch campaigns, social media announcements, and influencer promotions.
  • Performance Monitoring: In the first weeks, keep a close eye on the app downloads, user engagement, and order volumes.

The main aim of a successful launch is to make sure your app gets – to the target users in an effective way.

  1. Post-Launch Support & Continuous Improvement

The process of development is not over with the launch. Continuous support is important:

  • Bug Fixes & Updates: Regularly fix bugs and roll out new features.
  • User Feedback: Get the app experience through users’ reviews and suggestions – for improvement.
  • Scaling: Have the user base, optimize the back end, and add the high-level features.
  • Marketing & Retention: Send out alerts, set up loyalty programs, and offer personalized deals to keep users engaged.

The ongoing development of your Grubhub clone app assures – that it stays competitive and that it can grow gradually.

Why Choose TechBuilder for Grubhub Clone App Development

Creating a Grubhub clone app requires not only the right technical skills but also a good understanding of the food delivery market. TechBuilder is the answer to that problem. Here are the reasons clients choose us:

  1. Know-How of Both Readymade and Custom Solutions

In case you want a readymade solution that can be launched quickly or a fully customized app, TechBuilder is capable of both. Based on the goal, budget, and scalability requirements, we help startups and enterprises decide the right way.

  1. Services Covering All the Phases of Development

TechBuilder is all you need from market research, UI/UX design, development, testing to deployment. You get a platform ready for the launch without having to bother with the technical side of things.

  1. Apps That Can Grow With Business and Are Ready for the Future

Our apps can be of great help to your business in the long run. They are able to easily adapt to your changing needs and add more features, multi-city support, and advanced analytics as your user base grows.

  1. Quality Assurance & Support

We ensure that your software is bug-free, secure, and performs well by running extensive tests and offering ongoing support. After the launch, we offer updates, enhancements, and help to keep your platform up-to-date.

  1. A Proven Track Record

TechBuilder has been successful in the creation and delivery of numerous on-demand and food delivery apps. On-time delivery, innovative solutions, and great results are the benefits that our clients enjoy.

By working with TechBuilder, you not only get an app, but you get a strategic partner who is committed to your Grubhub clone app’s success.

Conclusion

The need for on-demand food delivery apps is constantly increasing, thus opening up a great opportunity for startups and businesses. With a Grubhub clone app, you can enter the market fast and provide a convenient experience to customers, restaurants, and delivery partners.

It is very important to make the right decision with regard to the development approach that you will take – readymade or custom. Readymade solutions work well for quick launches and MVPs, whereas custom development provides more freedom, scalability, and a unique brand identity.

If you have the correct plan, features, and a reliable partner like TechBuilder, you will be able to launch a successful, scalable, and competitive Grubhub clone app, which will attract customers in the growing food delivery industry.

Launch a Scalable Food Delivery App with TechBuilder

Partner with TechBuilder to build a secure, feature-rich, and scalable Grubhub clone app designed for long-term success.

 

FAQs – Grubhub Clone App Development.

  1. What is a Grubhub Clone App? 

A Grubhub clone app is an online food ordering platform that operates in the same way as Grubhub. Customers, restaurants, and delivery partners are connected by the app – which enables users to place orders online and track their deliveries in real-time. 

2.‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌ How much does it take to develop an app like Grubhub clone? 

The costs differ a lot depending on – whether you decide to go for a ready-made solution or a custom-built one. Generally, ready-made apps are cheaper and faster to launch – while custom ones are more scalable but require a higher investment. 

  1. How long does it take to build a Grubhub clone app? 

It takes around 2-8 weeks to implement a ready-made solution, while custom development may be required for 3-9 months, depending on – features, complexity, and integrations. 

  1. Should I choose a readymade or custom solution? 

If you want to launch your MVP quickly or have a budget-friendly project, then choosing a ready-made solution would be a good idea. On the other hand, if full control, scalability, and unique branding are what you want, then custom development is the way to go. 

  1. Is there an option for customizing a readymade app later? 

Certainly, most of the ready-made solutions have a limited scope of customization. But, if you want to add a lot of features or want to grow, you will most probably require a platform that is custom-built. 

  1. What features should a Grubhub clone app have? 

The most significant features include live order monitoring, secure payment options, menu administration, delivery partner tracking, and an admin panel for analytics and platform management. 

  1. Can I launch the app in different cities? 

Certainly, both ready-made and custom solutions can support multi-city operations. However, custom apps are more suitable for large-scale expansions and high-volume orders. 

  1. How do delivery partners get orders? 

Delivery partners are able to receive order requests through their application, in which the optimization of routes and live navigation helps to make the delivery on time. 

  1. Is it possible to provide various payment options to customers? 

Definitely. You can do this by providing the use of credit/debit cards, UPI, digital wallets, and cash-on-delivery (COD) thus offering the various payment options to the customers. 

  1. What steps should I take to ensure my apps’ security? 

Usage of data encryption, secure authentication, and compliance with the privacy settings done by the authorized party allows your app to be secure. TechBuilder, however, makes sure all security best practices are implemented during the development. 

  1. Can I monitor app performance once launched? 

Yes, the admin panel provides very detailed analytics on – orders, revenue, user engagement, and delivery performance – which helps data-driven decision making. 

  1. Will the app be available for both iOS and Android? 

Yes, usually a Grubhub clone app works great when it is created for both iOS and Android so that users have access from anywhere. 

  1. How can customers be retained on my app? 

The implementation of loyalty programs, push notifications, personalized offers, and easy reordering will – greatly help customer engagement and retention. 

  1. Why is TechBuilder considered a reliable development partner? 

Besides TechBuilder providing development from start to finish, being skilled both in ready-made and custom solutions, post-launch support, as well as scalable app architecture, to ensure long-term success, TechBuilder also provides quality assurance. 

  1. Can I add features that are unique to my Grubhub clone application? 

Yes, you can create such features as AI-based recommendations, subscription plans, or gamification elements in order to set your app apart from the competitors, especially with custom ‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌development.

THE AUTHOR
Anupreet Ruby
Sr. Content Writer

Anupreet Ruby is a Content Strategist at TechBuilder with over 3 years of experience crafting data-driven content strategies that align technology with business objectives. She specializes in fintech, SaaS, healthcare, and on-demand services, where she excels at transforming complex concepts into clear, actionable, and engaging narratives. At TechBuilder, Anupreet leverages her expertise in content strategy, market research, and digital storytelling to build brand authority, foster trust, and drive measurable results. Passionate about impactful communication, she helps businesses articulate their value with clarity and confidence in today’s competitive digital landscape.

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