Rapido Launches Ownly, Shakes Up Food Delivery

Rapido Enters Food Delivery with Ownly, Promises Fairer Deals for Restaurants and Customers

Rapido, the popular ride-hailing platform known for its vast network of two-wheeler rides, is making a bold move into India’s competitive online food delivery market. The company has announced the launch of its new platform, “Ownly,” set to begin pilot operations in Bengaluru by late June or early July 2025. With Ownly, Rapido aims to address long-standing complaints from restaurants about high commissions and hidden charges, promising a model that could change the way Indians order food online.

What Is Ownly and How Does It Work?

Ownly is Rapido’s dedicated food delivery platform, designed to let customers directly browse and order from their favorite restaurants. Unlike existing food delivery giants, Ownly is built on a zero-commission model for restaurants. Instead of charging hefty percentages on every order, Rapido will eventually collect a flat subscription fee from restaurants once the service scales up.

During the pilot phase, restaurants will pay a fixed delivery fee: ₹25 for orders under ₹400 and ₹50 for orders above ₹400. This means the effective commission rate for restaurants will range from 8-15%—much lower than the 16-30% typically charged by current market leaders. This approach is expected to make Ownly especially attractive to small and independent eateries that have struggled with the high costs of existing platforms.

A Partnership with the National Restaurant Association of India

To strengthen its offering, Rapido has partnered with the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), which represents over 50,000 eateries nationwide. This collaboration is key to ensuring a wide variety of food options for customers while making the platform more economically viable for restaurant owners.

Transparent Pricing for Customers

One of the standout features of Ownly is its commitment to transparent pricing. Restaurants will not be allowed to add separate packaging charges, and prices will be the same whether customers order online or dine in person. This means customers will only pay the menu price plus GST—no hidden platform or restaurant mark-ups. This move directly addresses consumer frustration with unpredictable fees and inflated online prices.

Leveraging Rapido’s Delivery Network

Rapido plans to use its extensive network of more than 2 million two-wheeler riders to power Ownly’s delivery service. This gives the company a logistical edge, allowing for quick and efficient deliveries across Bengaluru and, eventually, other cities. Additionally, restaurants with their own delivery capabilities will have the option to handle logistics themselves, offering even more flexibility.

Why This Move Matters

The launch of Ownly comes at a time when many small and independent restaurants have voiced concerns about the high commission rates and lack of transparency on dominant food delivery platforms. By offering a more affordable and straightforward alternative, Rapido is positioning itself as a champion for both restaurant owners and customers.

For restaurants, the lower commission model means better margins and more control over their business. For customers, it promises fairer pricing and a wider selection of eateries, especially local favorites that may have previously avoided online platforms due to high costs.

The Road Ahead

While Ownly is starting with a pilot in Bengaluru, Rapido’s ambitions go much further. If the model proves successful, it could expand to other cities, challenging the dominance of established players and potentially reshaping the food delivery landscape in India.

By focusing on transparency, affordability, and partnership with restaurants, Rapido’s Ownly could be a game-changer for everyone who loves to order food online.