Rapido Food Delivery: India’s food delivery market is getting a shake-up with the bold entry of Rapido food delivery, challenging the Zomato–Swiggy duopoly.
Enter Rapido, the popular two-wheeler ride-hailing platform, now expanding into food delivery with a brand-new platform called Ownly.
Also Read: UPI Apps Giving Cashback: Best Options to Earn Rewards on Payments
With a launch planned in Bengaluru (June–July 2025), this move could redefine restaurant partnerships and customer expectations in the gig economy.
What makes this different? The zero-commission model and low flat-rate pricing for restaurants could disrupt the duopoly of Zomato and Swiggy.
Let’s dive deep into the business model, impact, and what to expect from Rapido’s new food delivery arm.
Why Rapido Food Delivery? Why Now?
India’s food delivery market has grown significantly, especially post-COVID. The total market size is expected to cross $12 billion by 2026.
However, it’s been a tough terrain for restaurants due to the high commissions charged by Swiggy and Zomato (often 25–30%).
Rapido Food Delivery entry comes at a strategic time:
- Restaurants are actively seeking fairer alternatives
- Customers are weary of extra “platform” and “packaging” charges
- Delivery infrastructure is already strong in cities like Bengaluru
This makes the timing perfect for Rapido’s Ownly.
What is Rapido’s Ownly App?
Ownly is Rapido’s standalone food delivery platform, designed to:
- Eliminate high commissions
- Offer predictable pricing to restaurants
- Deliver food at minimal cost to consumers
It will not operate under the existing Rapido app but will be a dedicated app for food delivery — streamlining user experience and branding.
The Rapido food delivery approach isn’t just another app—it’s a platform rethinking how restaurants and customers interact online.
By removing excessive commissions and hidden charges, Rapido food delivery puts fairness at the core of its business strategy.
Launch Details: Bengaluru First
- 📍 Pilot Launch City: Bengaluru
- 📆 Timeline: June–July 2025
- 🎯 Strategy: Begin in Rapido’s home city and scale based on restaurant and user feedback
- 👥 Restaurant Partners: Small and mid-sized eateries being onboarded rapidly with NRAI support
Pricing Model – A Bold New Approach
For Restaurants:
| Order Value | Platform Fee |
|---|---|
| Below ₹400 | ₹25 |
| Above ₹400 | ₹50 |
Compared to the industry average of 25–30% commission, this flat-rate model works out to just 8–15% in most cases.
For Customers:
- No packaging fee
- No platform charges
- Small delivery fee (only on orders < ₹100)
Future Plans:
Rapido may introduce monthly subscription models for restaurants, making costs even more predictable.
Key Features of Rapido Food Delivery – Ownly
✅ Zero Commission Model
No more 30% cuts — restaurants keep most of their earnings.
✅ Real Menu Pricing
What you see online is what you get offline. No inflated pricing!
✅ Transparent Charges
Both restaurants and consumers can see exactly what they’re paying for.
✅ Speed & Delivery Accuracy
With Rapido’s existing fleet of two-wheeler riders, delivery logistics will likely be robust from day one.
Swiggy and Zomato – The Current Landscape
| Feature | Swiggy | Zomato | Rapido Ownly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commission | 25–30% | 25–30% | ₹25–₹50 flat |
| Customer Fees | Platform + Packaging | Platform + Packaging | Minimal |
| Menu Pricing | Often Inflated | Often Inflated | Same as in-store |
| Support from NRAI | Limited | Limited | Strong support |
The biggest issue plaguing restaurants using Swiggy or Zomato is margins. In some cases, they end up making less than 60% of the order value.
Industry Impact – What This Means for Fintech & Startups
For Restaurants:
- Better margins
- More control over delivery pricing
- Transparent revenue streams
For Consumers:
- Affordable food delivery
- No hidden charges
- More trust in pricing
For Investors & Startups:
- Rapido’s entry could lead to:
- New foodtech funding rounds
- Pressure on existing players to innovate
- Emergence of niche apps for hyperlocal delivery
Collaboration with NRAI – A Strategic Advantage
Rapido is working closely with the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), which has long advocated for fairer treatment of restaurants in the online delivery space.
This partnership boosts credibility and encourages more restaurants to list early on.
Investor Buzz & Market Reaction
Following the announcement:
- Zomato shares dipped by ~2%
- Swiggy investors reportedly reconsidering pricing structures
- Rapido received ₹125 crore investment from Nexus Venture Partners to fuel the launch
Clearly, the industry is watching.
Challenges Ahead
While the model is promising, Rapido will face several challenges:
- Customer acquisition in a crowded market
- Restaurant onboarding at scale
- Building trust for a new food app from scratch
- Avoiding quality/service drop as it scales
However, Rapido’s prior experience in logistics and two-wheeler dominance gives it a solid foundation.
What Can Users Expect?
📱 From the Ownly App:
- Simple UI focused on local food
- Quick sign-up and order process
- Real-time rider tracking (powered by Rapido’s tech)
- Seamless payment via UPI, wallets, and cards
Will Rapido Succeed?
Rapido already serves millions with its bike taxi service.
Its logistics backbone, large fleet, and growing user base give it an edge in cost-effective food delivery.
Success will depend on:
- User adoption in initial cities
- Ability to scale restaurant listings
- Keeping the platform affordable without compromising service quality
Conclusion: A Disruption Worth Watching
The launch of Rapido food delivery’s Ownly app marks a major shift in how food delivery can work in India—affordable, fair, and transparent.
With its flat pricing, zero-commission model, and customer-friendly approach, Rapido is not just entering the market — it’s challenging the very foundation of how food delivery apps have operated so far.
For restaurants, this is a much-needed ray of hope. For customers, it promises better value. And for competitors, it’s a loud wake-up call.
FAQs
Q. Is Ownly a part of the Rapido app?
No, it will be a standalone food delivery app from Rapido.
Q. When will Ownly launch?
Expected rollout is June–July 2025 in Bengaluru.
Q. What makes Ownly different?
Zero-commission model, flat fees for restaurants, no hidden charges for customers, and same pricing as dine-in.
Q. Will it expand to other cities?
Yes, after the pilot in Bengaluru, Rapido plans to scale to major Indian metros.
Q. What makes Rapido food delivery unique?
Unlike traditional platforms, Rapido food delivery offers a zero-commission model, real menu prices, and minimal customer charges—benefiting both restaurants and users.
💡 Are you a restaurant owner?
Consider joining the Ownly platform to reduce commission fees and retain better margins.
📲 User in Bengaluru?
Be the first to try Rapido Ownly once it launches – affordable, transparent, and fast!
🔁 Share this article with friends who are tired of inflated food delivery charges!