From Starbucks to Domino's: 6 Tasty Companies With Awesome Mobile Apps If you're a big brand looking to get bigger, having a cool mobile app is one way to get customers talking. Here are six chains that are doing it right.

By Kate Taylor

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

CONROY/AP

If you're a big brand looking to get bigger, having a cool mobile app is one way to get customers talking.

Last month, McDonald's began testing an app that allows customers to order and pay for their meals on their smartphones. Now, some McDonald's franchisees are taking the additional step of experimenting with a gaming and coupons app that rewards users with free menu items, according to McDonald's spokesperson Lisa McComb.

In many ways, McDonald's is a bit behind the times. Chains such as Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts and Domino's already have mobile apps that let customers order, pay and get deals from their phones.

Here are six chains that are doing it right.

Starbucks

What sets it apart: Starbucks is the No. 1 downloaded app of all food and drink apps. The coffee chain has reached the top of the stack by bringing in all aspects of your experience in a Starbucks. Not only can you pay for your purchases, find stores and track rewards, you can also create custom drinks and get free Pick of the Week songs.

Dunkin' Donuts

What sets it apart: Dunkin' Donuts app has many similar features to Starbucks, from paying for your order from your phone to providing the ability to give others virtual gift cards. However, the app's emphasis on "offers," in the form of mobile deals and coupons differentiates it from the coffee chain's app.

Domino's

What sets it apart: As anyone who is too lazy to even pick up the phone and order pizza knows, Domino's app is revolutionary in its simplicity. The recent addition of "pizza profiles," means the app stores your order and information, which speeds up and simplifies the process even more. Also key is Domino's tracker which lets you know exactly where your pizza is and how long until it's at your door.

Chipotle

What sets it apart: Chipotle's app allows you to cut the line by ordering and paying ahead of time. Chipotle also recently launched "Chipotle Scarecrow," a game to promote Chipotle's advertisement of responsibly raised meat and fresh vegetables that can earn all-star players a free burrito in stores.

7-Eleven

What sets it apart: 7-Eleven's app is designed to be a home base for the convenience store regular, with a home screen that tells users the time, date and temperature in the area. However, more important for the customer is the extensive coverage of local and national deals, as well as special mobile-only coupons.

Jimmy Johns

What sets it apart: Jimmy John's mobile app allows for both delivery and pickup options – a huge plus for the sandwich chain. Plus, there's the option of ordering catered goods such as party platters, box lunches and party subs.

Kate Taylor

Reporter

Kate Taylor is a reporter at Business Insider. She was previously a reporter at Entrepreneur. Get in touch with tips and feedback on Twitter at @Kate_H_Taylor. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Leadership

This Entrepreneur's Cheat Code Gives You an Easy Talent Advantage — Are You Using It?

How a flexible talent strategy is a business skill that every entrepreneur and executive can use to drive profitability, growth and innovation

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

Google's CEO Praised AI Rival DeepSeek This Week for Its 'Very Good Work.' Here's Why.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai spoke at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Wednesday.

Business News

OLIPOP Is Now a $1.85 Billion Brand. 'You Can Accomplish Things You Can't Imagine' Says Its Co-Founder.

OLIPOP co-founder Ben Goodwin explains how his idea for a "functional" soda that supports the gut's microbiome found its way onto store shelves and into consumers' hearts.

Business News

Using ChatGPT? AI Could Damage Your Critical Thinking Skills, According to a Microsoft Study

Relying on AI can mean using fewer cognitive skills, which can lead to a deterioration over time.