Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], August 13: India’s food delivery industry is at a pivotal crossroads. After years of growing dependence on a few dominant players, a new wave of restaurant sentiment is quietly transforming the delivery ecosystem. The shift isn’t loud—but it’s growing louder by the day.
In a few cities, some restaurants are taking a bold step: pausing or rethinking their ties with major delivery aggregators, while restaurant associations have raised points about commission structures and support. At the same time, new players like Zepto and Rapido are entering the space, promising lower commission rates to appeal to restaurants. Yet even amid this shakeup, one name is resonating more consistently among restaurateurs: Waayu.
Founded in May 2022, Waayu has positioned itself not just as another delivery app, but as a partner in the truest sense. Now live in eight cities and recently launched in Chennai and Vizag, the platform is gaining ground rapidly, especially among restaurants that have grown weary of the traditional commission-based model.
What sets Waayu apart is its approach. As it’s one of the restaurant partners and members of a local restaurant association in Chennai, Mr. N. Rubinath points out, “Waayu is proving that food delivery doesn’t need to come at the cost of restaurants’ profitability. Its focus on fair partnerships and sustainable growth offers a refreshing alternative in an industry that’s often been criticized for being one-sided.”
The Waayu Way: Built for Restaurants, Supporting Them
Waayu is designed to support restaurants, not compete with them. Currently working with over 6,000 restaurants, the platform aims to partner with 100,000 by the end of 2025. According to the company, restaurants using the platform typically report a 50% increase in sales and a 30% boost in profits.
Here’s what makes Waayu stand out for restaurants:
- No per-order commissions: Restaurants pay a flat subscription, not a cut from each order. This means predictable costs and better margins for restaurants.
- A tech enabler: Waayu provides the logistics and technology support. with the goal of supporting the restaurant industry, not competing with it.
- Full control retained: Waayu provides the delivery and technology support. While pricing, branding, and customer data remain with the restaurant, unlike traditional aggregator models.
A Growing Movement Across India
In Chennai alone, 100 restaurants signed up within the first month of Waayu’s launch in June 2025, many of them shifting away from larger platforms.
“We’re seeing a tangible shift,” says Mandar Lande, CEO & Co-Founder of Waayu. “In 2025, over 3,000 restaurants have already joined us across cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Jaipur, and Belagavi.”
Anirudh Kotgire, Managing Director & Co-Founder of Waayu, adds, “At Waayu, we serve as a breath of fresh air for restaurants. We’re helping restaurants regain control and enabling them to offer better pricing to their customers. It’s a win-win.”
The Future of Food Delivery?
As India’s food delivery market matures, the cracks in the old model are starting to show. For restaurants, profitability, autonomy, and sustainability are no longer negotiable; they are the new standards.
Waayu’s rise may just signal the beginning of a broader industry realignment—one where restaurants aren’t just listed, but supported.
For more information, please visit: https://waayu.app
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