How to Build an App Like DoorDash: Features, Tech Stack & Cost Explained

The online food delivery industry has witnessed massive growth, and on-demand delivery apps stand as leading examples. If you want to launch a food delivery app, understanding its business model, features, technology stack, and costs is crucial.

Understanding the DoorDash Business Model

To develop a DoorDash-like app, you must first understand how the platform operates.

The Y-Shaped Business Structure

• Users browse menus and order meals.


• Restaurants prepare the meals and receive commissions per order


• Dashers (delivery partners) deliver the orders

Revenue Model of DoorDash

• Commission Fees – 15%–30% per order


• Delivery Fees – dynamic based on distance and demand


• Advertising Revenue – restaurants pay for visibility

Key Features of a DoorDash Clone App

To compete with DoorDash, your clone must include a full feature set.

Customer App Features

• Simple registration/login


• Search by cuisine or restaurant


• Real-time order tracking


• Secure gateway integration


• Ratings and reviews

Driver App Features

• Profile & verification system


• Accept/reject delivery requests


• GPS navigation support


• Earnings dashboard

Restaurant Partner Features

• Menu & price management


• Order acceptance panel


• Revenue insights


• Discount campaign tools

Admin Panel Features

• Centralized admin control


• User & restaurant management


• Delivery management tools


• Revenue monitoring features

Technology Stack for Building a DoorDash Clone

Your DoorDash clone app must be built on robust frameworks and APIs.

• Frontend: React Native / Flutter


• Secure server-side tech


• Scalable data storage


• Real-Time Tracking: Google Maps API, Mapbox


• Multiple payment gateways
cost of building an app like DoorDash

• Push Notifications: Firebase, Twilio


• Hosting: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud

Cost of Building an App Like DoorDash

Budgeting for a food delivery app involves several cost factors.

Estimated Cost Range

• Basic DoorDash Clone: $25,000–$35,000


• Mid-Level App: $40,000–$70,000
advertising revenue

• Scalable app with premium features

Development Cycle of a DoorDash Clone

1. Studying competitors & target audience


2. Design mockups


3. App coding phase
Ruby on Rails

4. Payments, GPS, notifications


5. Bug fixing and optimization


6. Publishing on iOS & Android stores


7. Feature updates and scaling

Conclusion

Building a DoorDash clone app can be a profitable venture if executed strategically. Whether you choose a ready-made DoorDash clone script or a custom-built app, the food delivery industry offers huge potential in 2025 and beyond.