The couch has never been more meaningful until mobile applications came along. Go to App Store, Amazon or Android Market and you will see applications of all sorts: from note-taking, social, gaming, physical fitness, healthcare, weather, geospatial, lifestyle and thousands more.  Lately, food apps have been getting attention for their gastronomic experience and recipes. Especially for people on-the-go, mobile apps are valuable. The influence spans across various segments of the food industry, particularly food services.

We are counting the days when calling for food deliveries will be over. The internet has changed the course of food services, as seen with restaurants giving their customers the option to order food via their website. But the dawn of smartphones and tablets has also signaled apps’ opportunity for this particular niche.

Seamless iPad App

With more than 8,000 restaurants listed in its system, Seamless is setting a trend in food services apps. It parades a location-based feature where customers enter an address to get restaurant recommendations within the vicinity. Today, the mobile and online service provider for ordering delivery and takeout food announced the launch of its iPad App.

Users are taken to the “I’ll have the usual” or “Show me the menus” upon opening the app. The former uses your order history  that makes reordering a trouble-free experience, while the latter utilizes intrinsic elements including cuisine filters, estimated delivery times, order minimums, ratings, reviews, discounts, and more.

Jonathan Zabusky, CEO of Seamless shares details on how this iPad App is panning out:

“Mobile is a key business driver for Seamless, with more than 25 percent of orders already being placed through our iPhone, Android and BlackBerry apps. We expect that the launch of our iPad App will further accelerate mobile order growth and extend our leadership position as the nation’s largest and most innovative food ordering company. The Seamless iPad App enhances our robust mobile offering and enables us to continue to deliver on our mission to bring food happiness to our members, and drive new customer and sales growth to our more than 8,000 restaurant partners.”

A mobile niche for foodies

The mobile tie-ins for the food service industry are only gaining in popularity, and many of the apps geared towards consumers have major appeal with restaurants as well.  For a restaurant owner, an app like GrubHub makes more sense: you only pay if a customer uses the service to order and there’s no commitment.  GrubHub has more than 25,000 eateries within its network, covering over 300 cities in the U.S., like Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Baltimore, San Jose, Austin, Madison, Vegas, Milwaukee, Ann Arbor and Hartford. It also has the same intuitive interface that endeared users so many years ago. They also allow coupon redemption.

GrubHub has gone from zero to hero in seven years. The Chicago-based multi-million dollar company has seized the food order taking and delivery market with its user friendly design and massive network. The business raised $50 million in September and bought Campusfood and Allmenus.

Menulog Home Delivery app is also a delight to those who have very intricate cravings. It’s a one-stop shop (and delivery of course) for people who are looking for Italian, Thai, Indian, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines. This app is connected with more than 1,200 specialty restaurants in Australia. In Miami, they have Urge Food Delivery app that can deliver even when you are on the beach. Customers will be provided with a list of restaurants based on Yelp ratings.