Rapido-backed food delivery platform Ownly and the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at creating a more transparent and restaurant-friendly food delivery ecosystem.
The partnership, announced at the Serving Bengaluru Together conference, seeks to explore delivery models that prioritise fair restaurant economics, transparent pricing and improved consumer trust. Under the agreement, NRAI will work with Ownly to assess and support the scaling of its zero-commission delivery model while gathering feedback from restaurant operators.
According to Ownly, early results from its citywide rollout in Bengaluru indicate improved restaurant margins and higher repeat order rates. The platform, which expanded across the city in March 2026 following a pilot in Koramangala and HSR Layout, attributes this performance to its zero-commission structure and price parity approach.
Sagar Daryani, President, NRAI and CEO & Co-founder of Wow! Momo, said the partnership provides an opportunity to evaluate alternative delivery models that address long-standing industry concerns around transparency, predictability and profitability. He added that NRAI will continue to advocate for solutions that strengthen the restaurant ecosystem while enhancing the customer experience.
At the event, industry leaders discussed how zero-commission delivery models can support margin recovery, reduce cost uncertainty and help rebuild consumer trust through transparent pricing. NRAI highlighted the need for clear fee structures, predictable commercial terms and greater collaboration between platforms and restaurant operators.
Ownly’s Head, Aravind Sanka, said the platform’s performance since launch suggests that transparent pricing benefits both restaurants and consumers, leading to stronger engagement and repeat business.
The partnership comes at a time when restaurant operators are increasingly seeking sustainable alternatives to traditional food delivery models. NRAI said it will monitor outcomes from the collaboration and identify best practices that could be replicated in other markets across India.
