Turkish Business Association Threatens to Pull 300,000 Restaurants From Online Delivery Platforms

Turkey’s leading restaurant and tourism association, TÜRES, has issued a stark ultimatum to major online food-delivery platforms, warning that up to 300,000 restaurants and cafés could be removed from their systems unless commission fees are lowered. The sector is grappling with rising costs, reputational damage from recent food-poisoning scandals, and what operators describe as excessive commissions of up to 40% on online orders. A nationwide 20% in-restaurant discount campaign is being launched to shift customers away from delivery platforms.

TÜRES Announces Nationwide 20% Discount Campaign

The All Restaurateurs and Tourism Association (TÜRES) has unveiled a new initiative aimed at supporting both consumers and food-service businesses. Association head Ramazan Bingöl said restaurants and cafés across Turkey will begin offering 20% discounts for customers who purchase directly.

According to Bingöl, the sector has been hit by a sharp decline in foot traffic following a series of high-profile food-poisoning incidents, which severely damaged public trust. He said some establishments experienced up to 90% revenue losses after the scandals.

“We are facing an unspoken form of protest,” he said, referring to the combined impact of high prices and food-safety concerns.

Commission Rates of Up to 40% Trigger Industry Anger

A key grievance for restaurant owners is the high commission rates charged by online delivery platforms, which can reach 40%.

Bingöl argued that these fees ultimately push food prices higher for consumers and cut deep into operator margins:

“We want commissions reduced to reasonable levels. We are telling citizens: do not order through platforms — come directly and pay less. On a one-lira order, only 531 kuruş stays with us; the rest goes to the platform. This is reflected as high prices to the public.”

The 20% discount campaign is designed to divert demand away from online channels and back into restaurants.

Ultimatum to Platforms: “Reduce Commissions or We Withdraw”

TÜRES has issued a clear warning to online delivery companies: reduce commissions or risk losing the majority of the sector.

Bingöl stated:

“Either you sit at the table with us and lower commissions, or 300,000 restaurants and cafés will exit your systems.”

He added that the sector is preparing to develop its own independent ordering infrastructure, reducing reliance on dominant digital platforms. “We expect citizens to support us,” he said.

Food-Poisoning Scandals Intensify the Sector’s Crisis

The food-service industry has been shaken in recent months by several widely publicized food-poisoning outbreaks:

• Multiple mass-poisoning cases in Istanbul, including incidents linked to industrial catering firms.

• Dozens hospitalized in Ankara and Izmir, prompting inspections and temporary closures.

• Viral videos showing unhygienic conditions in restaurant kitchens, fueling public outrage.

• Municipal authorities issuing fines and shutting down non-compliant establishments.

These scandals have triggered a nationwide confidence shock, contributing to declining demand and worsening the financial strain already caused by high inflation.

Sector Pushes for a New Business Model

Industry leaders argue that the current environment necessitates a fundamental shift. Key priorities include:

• Reducing dependence on delivery apps,

• Strengthening in-house ordering systems,

• Improving hygiene standards to rebuild trust,

• Coordinating sector-wide pricing and commission policies,

• Expanding technology infrastructure dedicated to restaurant-run delivery systems.

TÜRES says the long-term goal is to create a more sustainable, lower-cost ecosystem for both operators and consumers.

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