Small restaurants often struggle to keep up with digital tools transforming the food industry, relying instead on manual systems that can slow down service and limit growth.
As demand for convenience and faster service grows, digital ordering platforms are becoming increasingly important for businesses looking to stay competitive.
A young entrepreneur is hoping to bridge this gap. At just 19 years old, Matimba Khumalo has developed EasyMenus, a digital ordering platform designed to help small restaurants serve customers faster and operate more efficiently.
Helping small restaurants go digital
Khumalo, who is currently studying computer science and mathematics at the University of Rwanda, said the idea for EasyMenus came from observing challenges faced by both customers and small food businesses.
“I noticed that customers don’t want long waits or confusing menus just to get food. At the same time, many small restaurants don’t have access to advanced digital tools to grow their business,” he said.
Across South Africa and other developing markets, many small and township-based restaurants still rely on handwritten orders and paper menus, while larger chains benefit from advanced digital systems and delivery platforms.
EasyMenus allows customers to browse menus and place orders online in just a few taps, while restaurants receive and manage those orders in real time.
The platform is currently accessible via a website, making it easy for users to access without needing to download an application.
“EasyMenus is a platform that makes ordering fast, simple and smart, while also helping businesses run better using technology like analytics and recommendations,” Khumalo said.
Empowering under served businesses
Unlike larger platforms, Khumalo said EasyMenus is designed specifically for small and independent restaurants.
“We focus on small restaurants because they are the most underserved in the food industry,” he said.
Industry trends show that while food delivery platforms have expanded rapidly, high commission fees and operational costs can make it difficult for smaller businesses to fully benefit from these services.
Khumalo said EasyMenus aims to offer a more accessible alternative.
EasyMenus is designed to empower these businesses with affordable, smart technology so they can compete and grow,” he said.
Flexible and accessible model
The platform offers flexibility for small businesses, allowing them to use it for free or opt for a monthly subscription.
Restaurants that choose the free option pay a small service fee per order, while those on a subscription plan do not incur per-order charges.
This hybrid model is increasingly common among digital platforms looking to balance accessibility with sustainability.
Since its launch in April last year, EasyMenus has seen early adoption from small restaurants.
Khumalo said about 24 restaurants signed up in the early stages, although the platform has since been refined to better meet user needs.
“We introduced a new version, and it is working much better now,” he said.
He added that the platform is currently being used by a smaller number of active restaurants as development continues.
Looking ahead, Khumalo plans to expand the platform’s reach and introduce more advanced features.
