Rapido, widely known for its two-wheeler ride-hailing services, is now stepping into the food delivery space with the launch of a new platform called “Ownly by Rapido.” The company will pilot this service in Bengaluru by the end of June or early July. With this move, Rapido aims to challenge the current dynamics of India’s food delivery industry by offering restaurants and consumers a more cost-effective model.
Unlike conventional delivery platforms, Ownly by Rapido will function as a direct-to-consumer ordering platform, allowing users to browse and order from a wide variety of restaurants. The company has partnered with the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), which represents over 50,000 eateries across the country. This partnership will help Ownly by Rapido offer a broader selection while supporting smaller restaurants and independent food businesses.
New Pricing Model Aims to Disrupt the Market
Ownly by Rapido is built around a zero-commission model that sets it apart from major food aggregators. Instead of taking a percentage of each transaction, the platform plans to eventually shift to a flat subscription-based model once it scales. During the pilot phase, restaurants will be charged a fixed delivery fee: ₹25 for orders below ₹400 and ₹50 for those above. This approach effectively brings down commission costs for restaurants to 8–15%, significantly lower than the 16–30% charged by existing giants.
In an effort to promote pricing transparency and consistency, Ownly by Rapido has laid down specific conditions: restaurants will not be allowed to add separate packaging charges, and pricing must remain the same both online and offline. Customers will pay only the listed food price plus GST, with no extra platform or delivery mark-ups. This policy is expected to appeal to both consumers and restaurants tired of hidden costs.
Logistics Powered by a Strong Rider Network
Rapido intends to make the most of its already robust delivery infrastructure, which includes over 2 million two-wheeler riders across India. This existing fleet will form the backbone of the food delivery operations during the pilot and expansion phases. Additionally, restaurants will have the option to use their own delivery personnel if they prefer managing logistics internally.
The launch of Ownly comes at a time when many independent eateries and small restaurant owners have been voicing their frustration with the high commissions and lack of transparency on current food delivery platforms. Rapido’s entry into the sector, with its restaurant-first approach and simplified pricing, could serve as a game-changer, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of India’s online food delivery market.
With Bengaluru as the testing ground, all eyes will be on Ownly by Rapido’s performance and whether Rapido can bring lasting value to restaurants and consumers alike while competing with established players.
