June 20, 2025
Have you ever wondered how your competitors are showing up on every delivery app while your order volume stays the same? Or why some places that opened months after you already have a strong online customer base?
The answer might be simpler than you think—they partnered with DoorDash.
For many independent restaurants, quick service operations, and ghost kitchens across Canada, DoorDash has become more than just another delivery channel. It’s a sales driver.
A recent DoorDash survey found that most merchants say that without DoorDash, their customer growth (91%), overall revenue (86%), revenue growth (85%), and even profit margins (64%) would have been lower.
If you're trying to figure out how to join DoorDash as a restaurant, you're not alone and in the right place.
This guide covers everything you need to know: who’s eligible, how to sign up, what to prepare, and what happens after. Let’s get into it.
DoorDash is open to more than just large franchises or chains. In fact, it’s tailored for local businesses trying to grow their customer base without investing heavily in their own delivery fleet.
You can join DoorDash if you're operating in Canada and run:
If you’ve got a menu, a kitchen, and a way to fulfill orders, DoorDash is ready for you.
Before you dive into the signup process, you’ll want to get a few things ready. Having these in place will save you time and avoid delays.
Here’s what most restaurants need to provide during signup:
Even if you’re missing a few of these, DoorDash’s onboarding team will help you fill in the gaps.
Once you're ready, the process to get started is actually pretty simple. Here’s a quick walk-through of what to expect.
Head to the official DoorDash Merchant Portal. Make sure you’re on the Canadian site to avoid location mix-ups.
You’ll be asked for basic details, including your restaurant's name, address, hours, contact information, and type of cuisine.
If you don’t have one ready, you can email it in or even photograph it, and DoorDash will help digitize it.
Decide whether DoorDash should handle deliveries through Dashers or if you’ll fulfill them yourself.
Look over the terms carefully. This includes commission structures, fee details, and support policies.
Customize when you’ll be open for orders and how far your food will travel.
New restaurants in Canada can test DoorDash risk-free for 30 days. No commissions during this period.
Signing up is just the beginning. Once your form is submitted and reviewed, the next few steps happen fast:
The process usually takes a few business days, depending on how complete your application is.
Understanding DoorDash’s pricing helps you plan better. While the platform doesn’t publicly disclose exact commissions, you should know what to expect.
Here are the main cost areas to keep in mind:
This means the more orders you get, the more DoorDash earns—so there's some alignment of interest.
For a complete breakdown of all DoorDash fees and what they mean for your restaurant, check out How Much Does DoorDash Charge Restaurants? Full Fee Breakdown.
Before you decide, it’s worth weighing both sides. DoorDash offers a solid growth opportunity, but it’s not for every restaurant.
Pros:
Cons:
If you already run on thin margins, be cautious. But if your kitchen can handle more volume, it might pay off.
High commission fees, limited access to customer data, and reduced control over your ordering experience often make relying solely on DoorDash difficult for many restaurants.
Fortunately, iOrders addresses these pain points by offering a platform built to help you keep more revenue, own your customer relationships, and run your business your way.
Restaurants using iOrders have seen remarkable growth, including a 288% increase in revenue, 244% rise in monthly orders, and doubled customer frequency — all while enjoying greater control and significantly lower costs than typical third-party platforms.
Here's how iOrders AI-powered features help you overcome DoorDash's limitations:
iOrders allows you to accept orders directly through your platform, completely commission-free. This means you keep more of your hard-earned revenue while maintaining full control over customer relationships. Say goodbye to surprise fees and hello to predictable, fixed costs.
Simplify how customers place orders with custom-branded websites and QR codes. Your guests can order quickly and conveniently from their phones or desktops without app downloads or confusing third-party interfaces. This smooth experience encourages repeat business and reduces friction.
With iOrders’ flexible delivery options, you can offer commission-free delivery without hiring full-time drivers or paying high fees. Whether you use your delivery staff or leverage local couriers, iOrders integrates seamlessly, saving you costs and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Drive growth with personalized messaging and targeted marketing campaigns powered by iOrders' expert tools. Use actionable insights to connect with your customers, promote specials, and boost engagement — all while focusing your time on running your restaurant.
Build lasting customer loyalty through customizable reward programs and referral incentives. iOrders helps you turn one-time diners into regulars by offering points, discounts, and exclusive deals that encourage repeat visits and higher lifetime value.
Take the guesswork out of marketing with data-driven campaigns. iOrders analyzes customer behavior, and preferences to help you craft timely offers that resonate, increasing order frequency and revenue without extra guesswork.
Maintain a strong online reputation with AI tools that handle customer reviews and FAQs efficiently. iOrders automatically personalizes responses to feedback, keeping your communication consistent and timely — a crucial factor in attracting new diners.
Give your restaurant a professional edge with a fully branded mobile app for ordering dine-in, pickup, or delivery. The iOrders app provides a seamless user experience that keeps your customers engaged and loyal without losing brand identity to third-party platforms.
Bonus Feature: iOrders integrates easily with your existing POS systems, payment gateways, and delivery networks. This means no disruption to your current operations — just better margins, more control, and a loyal customer base.
Whether you're running a ghost kitchen in Toronto, a QSR in Calgary, or a neighbourhood favourite in Halifax, iOrders helps you grow without giving up control or profit.
DoorDash can be a powerful growth lever, especially if you're just starting with delivery or want to reach new customers quickly. But it doesn’t have to be your only tool.
Pair it with a platform like iOrders, and you get the best of both worlds: volume from third-party apps and direct profits from your own branded system.
In today’s restaurant economy, it’s not about choosing one or the other, but about building a system that works for you.
Want to see what iOrders can do for your restaurant? Start with a free demo today!
Your customers are already online—make sure they're ordering from you, not just through someone else.
