Restaurant ordering in Vancouver: what the numbers say
Vancouver grew 4.9% between 2016 and 2021, a steady rate. In a settled market, repeat customers are what keep a restaurant busy, so offers for returning guests and easy reordering matter more than chasing new reach.
At about 5,750 people per km², Vancouver is one of the densest places in Canada. Short delivery trips are possible, so a tight radius with a low delivery fee usually works better than a wide one. Pickup is also popular where people walk past your door.
Delivery zones across Vancouver
You can draw separate zones and fees for the parts of Vancouver you serve. Restaurants here often think in terms of areas like these:
- Gastown
- Chinatown
- Kitsilano
- Mount Pleasant
- Commercial Drive
- Yaletown
- West End
- Main Street
- Punjabi Market
- Kerrisdale
Local facts for Vancouver restaurants
In British Columbia, prepared food is generally exempt from the 7% PST, so most restaurant meals carry only the 5% GST, while liquor carries 10% PST.
Sources: B.C. Ministry of Finance.
Nearby cities you can reach
The closest large municipalities to Vancouver are North Vancouver (7 km), District of North Vancouver (9 km), Richmond (11 km), Burnaby (11 km), New Westminster (16 km). Distances are straight-line from the city centre. If your kitchen sits near a boundary, one Chefzi delivery zone can cover customers on both sides of the line.
Sales tax on online orders in British Columbia
Restaurant food in British Columbia carries the 5% GST. Prepared food is generally exempt from BC’s 7% PST, but alcohol sold with meals carries a 10% PST. For rebates on small purchases and the full rules, see sales tax in British Columbia.
Chefzi shows tax on the checkout and receipt using the rates you set.
Direct ordering vs delivery apps in Vancouver
Delivery apps bring discovery; your own ordering page keeps the order and the customer. Most Vancouver restaurants keep both: the apps for new customers, a direct link for regulars. Compare costs in commission-free online ordering and the Uber Eats, DoorDash and SkipTheDishes alternatives.
Delivery in Vancouver without your own drivers
Deliver with your own staff, or let Chefzi’s courier integration send orders from your own site to Uber Eats or DoorDash (DoorDash Drive) couriers. See delivery courier integration. Set zones and fees per area so long trips pay for themselves.
Dine-in, pickup and QR ordering
One Chefzi menu serves delivery, pickup and table ordering. Put a QR code on each table so guests order from their phone; see the QR code menu guide.
POS and payments: what to check
- Chefzi has its own POS and kitchen display in Canada, so online orders don’t need retyping.
- Card payments go straight to your restaurant; budget for card processing on every card order.
- Tax rates shown at checkout and on receipts (see the tax section above).
Going live in Vancouver: 6 steps
- Build the menu with modifiers, photos and hours.
- Draw delivery zones and fees.
- Run cash and card test orders to the kitchen tablet or printer.
- Add the order link to your Google Business Profile, website and Instagram.
- Print QR codes for tables and bags.
- Tell regulars who opted in (CASL).
One system for Vancouver restaurants
- Online ordering on your own site, with no commission per order. Guests order in the browser, with no app to download.
- POS and kitchen display, so online orders are never retyped.
- Table reservations and a loyalty program.
- Delivery by your staff or Uber Eats and DoorDash couriers.
- Card payments go straight to your restaurant. Menu setup and onboarding are free; plans are month-to-month, with discounts on 1-, 2- and 3-year plans. See pricing.
BC rules for restaurants taking online orders
- PST: meals and most non-alcoholic drinks are exempt from BC PST. Liquor is taxed at 10% PST and soda beverages at 7%, and PST must be shown separately on the receipt. A restaurant that sells only exempt food does not have to register for PST (BC government, PST for food and beverage service providers).
- Health permit: a food service establishment needs a permit from a health officer, posted where customers can see it (BC Food Premises Regulation).
- FOODSAFE: the operator must hold FOODSAFE Level 1 or an equivalent, and when the operator is away, at least one employee on site must hold it (BC food safety courses).
- Set these rules up in Chefzi: tax rates per item (food, soda, liquor), and receipts that show PST separately.
How Chefzi works for Vancouver restaurants
Pricing is a flat monthly fee: see plans in CAD. Moving from GloriaFood? Read our GloriaFood migration guide.
- Your own ordering page and app, with your name and menu, and no commission per order.
- Delivery, pickup and table ordering from one menu.
- Orders go to a tablet or printer in your kitchen.
- Customer list and offers you control, for repeat orders.
- Card payments paid out to your own account.
Frequently asked questions
Do I charge PST on food orders in BC?
Generally no. Prepared food for human consumption is PST exempt in BC, so food orders usually carry only GST, while liquor is taxed. Confirm your rates with BC's Ministry of Finance.
Does Chefzi take commission on orders in Vancouver?
No. Chefzi charges a flat monthly fee. Card processing fees still apply to card payments, as with any payment provider.
Can I deliver from Vancouver to North Vancouver?
Yes, if it fits your kitchen. You choose your delivery radius or draw zones on a map, and you can charge a higher fee for longer trips.
Do I have to leave Uber Eats or DoorDash to use Chefzi in Vancouver?
No. Many restaurants keep the apps for discovery and send regulars to their own ordering page, where Chefzi charges no commission.
Can I offer delivery in Vancouver without hiring drivers?
Yes. Chefzi integrates with Uber Eats and DoorDash (DoorDash Drive) couriers for orders from your own site, or you can use your own staff.
Does Chefzi have a POS?
Yes. Chefzi offers its own restaurant POS and kitchen display in Canada, so counter and online orders run in one system.
How do I get more direct orders in Vancouver?
Put your order link on your Google Business Profile, website and social accounts, add QR codes to tables and bags, and give regulars a reason to reorder, such as a promo code.
Do I charge PST on soft drinks in BC?
Soda beverages are taxed at 7% PST. Meals, coffee, tea and other non-alcoholic drinks that are not soda beverages are exempt (BC government).
Do I charge PST on delivered alcohol in BC?
Liquor is taxed at 10% PST, shown separately on the receipt. Check your liquor licence covers delivery.
Who needs FOODSAFE in a BC restaurant?
The operator, and at least one employee on site whenever the operator is away (BC Food Premises Regulation).
Does Chefzi have a POS and kitchen display in Vancouver?
Yes. Chefzi offers a POS, kitchen display, reservations and loyalty in Canada.
Do you set up my menu for me?
Yes. Menu setup and onboarding are free.
Is there a contract?
Plans are month-to-month, with discounts on 1-, 2- and 3-year plans.