The relationship between major food delivery platforms, such as Swiggy and Zomato, and the restaurant industry has become increasingly strained. Restaurant owners report that their profit margins are being severely eroded by a combination of high platform commissions, the requirement to fund promotional discounts, and various service deductions. These business owners argue that the current model prioritizes the growth and valuation of delivery apps at the expense of the actual food providers.

While the platforms maintain that they provide essential infrastructure, marketing reach, and logistical support that restaurants would otherwise lack, the restaurant sector contends that these services come at an unsustainable cost. The dispute centers on the economic sustainability of the current delivery ecosystem. Restaurants argue that they are often forced to participate in discount schemes to maintain visibility on the apps, which further reduces their take-home pay. Conversely, delivery platforms often emphasize the volume of orders they generate for these businesses, suggesting that the partnership is a net positive for growth. As of now, there is no clear resolution in sight, and the friction between these two groups remains a significant point of contention in the gig-economy landscape.