Off The Menu: Restaurant chains using digital platforms for orders, payments Updated Feb 13, 2021; Driven by pandemic-fueled sales growth in takeout and delivery, the development of so-called “digital platforms” seems to have become a restaurant industry imperative. Most major chains already have such digital platforms, and those that don’t are scrambling to roll them out. Loosely defined, a “digital platform” is the ability to accept customer orders and payment remotely via the internet. Digital platforms usually involve a smartphone app linked to a debit or credit card; most such platforms also incorporate a loyalty program that encourages frequent use. In the last few weeks, several major industry players have stepped up their digital platform development.