# How Waitlist Management Apps and Virtual Waiting Rooms Help Delivery Run Seamlessly > NextME’s waitlist system is being used to manage delivery drivers at restaurants big and small across North America. See it in action. Source: https://nextmeapp.com/blog/restaurant-operations/too-many-delivery-drivers-at-your-restaurants-door-theres-an-easy-fix/ [Blog](https://nextmeapp.com/blog/) · [Restaurant Operations](https://nextmeapp.com/blog/restaurant-operations/) NextME’s waitlist system is being used to manage delivery drivers at restaurants big and small across North America. See it in action. ![A deliveryman in a face mask packs food in a thermal bag, showcasing safe practices during the pandemic.](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/pexels-photo-4393665-4393665.WbYBmidv_R9Xn7.webp) - **Restaurant Operations** Category - **March 29, 2026** Updated - **2 min** Reading time ## Overwhelmed by third party delivery apps? You’re not alone. Demand for delivery has accelerated significantly in the past few years. This increased demand has created both a third-party delivery company boom and a whole new set of challenges for the restaurant industry. Without getting into commission fees, the increased demand for delivery apps has made the pickup process increasingly hard for restaurants to manage. There are over 10 (and counting) major delivery apps out there. If a restaurant is accepting orders (willingly or not) from these companies, several delivery drivers from different companies are often coming by at peak hours to pick up orders. ## Managing the chaos Restaurants and tech companies (not the delivery app ones) are finding creative solutions to adapt to this new environment. [Waitlist management](https://nextmeapp.com/waitlist-management/) apps have come out with new features like [self check-in](https://nextmeapp.com/self-check-in/) options and [virtual waiting rooms](https://nextmeapp.com/virtual-waiting-room/). These awesome features, however, are primarily used to manage the customer intake process. Self check-in features provide convenient and streamlined options for the guest to check-in on their own. Virtual waiting rooms keep guests informed and engaged during their wait. Both reduce negative reviews, build brand image and most importantly, increase efficiency. Can self check-ins and virtual waiting rooms be used with delivery drivers? ## How to use NextMe’s waitlist management app for your delivery drivers **Step 1.** Delivery drivers check themselves in when they arrive for the order using either a QR code posted outside or by clicking on a simple link sent to them in the automated message through the third party delivery app. **Step 2.** They fill out your custom intake form, including their mobile number, third party delivery company, order number, or anything else you would like to include. **Step 3.** Delivery drivers wait in their cars instead of clustering around your door. While they wait, they enter your virtual waiting room, learning about your pickup processes and staying updated on the status of their order. **Step 4.** Once the order is ready, the driver is simply notified with a second text to come pick up their order. Using NextMe’s filtering features, you can separate your delivery drivers by company into separate queues for better organization. You can even add “order number” and “customer name” fields into the custom intake form to maximize your pickup process. At last, your staff can breathe a sigh of relief. ## A solution for restaurants big and small ![Jet’s Pizza pickup waitlist form for delivery drivers powered by NextMe, beside an owner quote about managing pickup orders](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/jets-final-copy.DhQTF_lQ_1HITbX.webp) NextMe’s waitlist system is being used to manage delivery drivers at restaurants big and small across North America. A Jet’s Pizza Franchise, located in Ohio, recently implemented NextMe at their business. Since then, they have effectively organized and streamlined their pickup process. [Request a demo](https://nextmeapp.com/request-demo/) or give us a call at (877) 639-8631 for more info. ## Frequently asked questions ### How do I stop delivery drivers from crowding my restaurant's door? Put them on a waitlist. Drivers check themselves in with a QR code posted outside or a link sent through the delivery app's message, then wait in their cars. When the order is ready, they get a text to come pick it up. ### What information can delivery drivers enter when they check in? You build your own intake form. It can ask for the driver's mobile number, delivery company, order number, customer name or anything else that speeds up your pickup process. ### Can I separate delivery drivers by delivery company? Yes. NextMe's filtering features let you split drivers into separate queues by company, which keeps pickups from several delivery apps organized during peak hours. ### What do delivery drivers see while they wait for an order? Drivers get a link to your virtual waiting room. There they can learn about your pickup process and stay updated on the status of their order without coming inside to ask. ## More in Restaurant Operations - [OpenTable Alternative for Restaurants: Network or Queue?](https://nextmeapp.com/blog/restaurant-operations/opentable-alternative-for-restaurants-network-or-queue/) — Restaurant Operations · Weighing an OpenTable alternative for restaurants? Compare a reservation network against NextMe's walk-in queue and see which one your floor really needs. · September 23, 2026 · 5 min read - [NextMe vs TablesReady: Which Waitlist App Fits Your Restaurant?](https://nextmeapp.com/blog/restaurant-operations/nextme-vs-tablesready-best-waitlist-app-for-restaurants/) — Restaurant Operations · NextMe vs TablesReady: compare pricing, table management, and multi-industry fit to see which waitlist tool suits your restaurant. · September 22, 2026 · 4 min read - [Toast Tables Alternative: Do You Need a Standalone Waitlist App?](https://nextmeapp.com/blog/restaurant-operations/toast-tables-alternative-do-you-need-a-standalone-waitlist-app/) — Restaurant Operations · Toast Tables comes bundled with your POS, but is it enough? See what a standalone waitlist app adds, and where NextMe fits as a Toast Tables alternative. · July 15, 2026 · 5 min read