Delivery-Only / Dark Kitchen Margin 2025/26

Deliveroo and Uber Eats typically charge 25–35% of the food order value (excluding customer delivery fee) in 2025. The exact rate depends on the restaurant's negotiated contract, which is influenced by order volume, exclusivity and marketing spend. High-volume operators can negotiate lower rates; new operators typically start at the higher end. Just Eat charges a per-order commission plus an optional marketing fee.

Dark kitchens can be viable with the right menu, volume and cost management — but margins are thin. The key success factors are: high average order value (to dilute commission as a % of total food cost), streamlined menu for operational efficiency, high order volume (to cover fixed kitchen rent and labour), and strong repeat ordering from loyal customers. Many successful dark kitchens operate multiple brands from the same kitchen to maximise revenue from a single set of fixed costs.

Yes — dark kitchens must register as a food business with the local authority and meet Food Standards Agency requirements. If they sell alcohol, a premises licence is required (though most dark kitchens do not). Planning permission may be required for commercial kitchen use in some premises. Dark kitchens using shared kitchen space must ensure the space itself holds the appropriate food business registration.