FAQ
Frequently asked questions
The questions restaurant owners ask us most, answered plainly.
Do I need an additional trade registration?
You cook under your existing registration, so as a rule no additional trade registration is needed in Germany. In Austria the hospitality trade is regulated and in Switzerland permits are cantonal, so it depends on your location. We clarify that with you in the first conversation.
What does it cost to start?
Nothing upfront. There is no entry fee, no equipment investment and no charge for the brand, the menu or the platform listing. You carry your food cost, your staff and your own platform fees. somaFood takes a share of the revenue the brand generates.
Does the brand compete with my own restaurant?
It sits in a different category. Guests searching for chicken or burgers rarely search for your restaurant name, so the second listing reaches people your current listing does not. We also place only one partner per brand and area.
How long until the first order?
That depends on how quickly the platform listing is approved and how fast your team completes the training round. In practice the setup phase is short because nothing has to be built. We give you a realistic date in the agreement.
Can I cancel the partnership?
Yes. The agreement has a defined notice period that we discuss before you sign. You are not tied into an investment, so leaving does not leave equipment behind.
Is my area exclusive?
Per brand and area we work with exactly one business. As long as the partnership runs, we do not place the same brand with another kitchen in your delivery radius.
What about hygiene and labelling?
The brand runs under your food business operation, so your existing hygiene documentation applies. We supply recipe and allergen information for the menu so labelling on the platforms and on the packaging is complete.
Who supplies the packaging?
The packaging is part of the concept. You order the branded packaging through the agreed supply route, so every order leaves your kitchen in the brand's own look.
Who is the operator on the platform?
You are. The listing runs under your business as the food business operator, with the brand as the visible name. Payouts from the platform go to your account.
What happens with reviews?
Reviews belong to the brand listing, not to your restaurant listing. A weak day on one brand does not damage the rating of the other, and we help you handle recurring feedback.
Can I run both brands at once?
That depends on your capacity and equipment. Many kitchens start with one brand and add the second later once the workflow is settled. We look at that together rather than pushing both at the start.
Who takes care of marketing?
We provide the brand, the visuals and the platform presence, including menu photography and campaign material. You run the day-to-day operation. There is no monthly marketing flat fee.
How is the partnership settled?
Settlement is based on the revenue the brand generates on the platforms, in a fixed rhythm that is written into the agreement. You see the same platform reports we do, so the basis is transparent.
Does this work in Austria and Switzerland?
Yes, we work with partners in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The platforms differ per country and the permit situation does too, so we check your specific location before we start.
Question not answered?
- No obligation — your message commits you to nothing.
- A personal reply from our team.
- We check right away whether your area is still available.