Ride-hailing company Rapido has entered the food delivery space with the launch of Ownly, a new platform that operates on a zero-commission model for restaurants. The service has been rolled out in Bengaluru as the company’s first market, with plans to expand if the model proves successful.
Unlike traditional food delivery platforms that charge restaurants commissions ranging from 15% to 30%, Ownly allows restaurants to list their menus and receive orders without paying any commission. Rapido said the initiative aims to create a more sustainable and profitable system for restaurant partners while keeping food prices affordable for customers.
Under the new model, restaurants handle food preparation and pricing independently, while Rapido manages delivery logistics through its existing network of bike taxi riders. The company believes this structure will help reduce costs for restaurants and encourage more eateries, particularly small and mid-sized outlets, to join the platform.
The launch comes at a time when many restaurant owners have expressed concerns over the high commissions charged by major food delivery aggregators. By removing these charges, Rapido hopes to offer restaurants greater control over pricing and customer relationships.
For customers, the company claims the zero-commission structure could lead to more competitive pricing, as restaurants will not need to inflate menu prices to offset aggregator fees. Orders placed through the Ownly app will be delivered using Rapido’s extensive rider network, which already supports its ride-hailing and logistics services.
Rapido also said the platform will focus on a curated selection of restaurant partners rather than a large marketplace. This approach is intended to maintain quality, ensure faster deliveries and provide better service for users.
Currently available only in Bengaluru, the company will closely monitor the platform’s performance before considering expansion to other cities across India.