From dine-in to pickup and delivery, Imperial Diner is meeting customers wherever they are
A neighborhood classic with a modern edge
Imperial Diner has been a fixture in the Freeport, NY, community for decades. Known for its broad menu, generous portions, and welcoming atmosphere, the family-owned restaurant has passed down through generations and is now owned by siblings Billy Moustakas and Lana Manetto. Moustakas is a seasoned operator who runs the restaurant day to day, catering to a steady stream of loyal locals and new guests alike.
The restaurant's popularity is unquestioned, but even the most beloved institutions must evolve with the times. We spoke with Moustakas about Imperial Diner’s exclusive partnership with Uber Eats and how it’s helping the restaurant expand its reach and deliver growth beyond its popular dining room.
Imperial Diner, by the numbers
15%
of Uber Eats orders in January-May 2025 were first-time customers72%
YOY increase in Uber Eats orders in May 2025$17
average return on ad spending, meaning $17 in sales for every $1 invested in Uber Eats ads between June 2024 and May 2025Multiple channels, growing sales, one busy kitchen
Dine-in is core to Imperial Diner’s business and identity. The restaurant seats nearly 350 people, making it one of the larger venues in the area. But with more customers wanting the convenience of takeout, the restaurant has been steadily expanding its investments in online ordering. Recent changes include building a dedicated takeout area and opening a drive-up window.
“The drive-up window offers fast, convenient pickup for local customers on the go,” says the restaurant’s co-owner. Pickup orders are placed by phone or online at Imperial Diner’s website, or on the Uber Eats app. Delivery for all online orders is handled by drivers on the Uber platform. “We wanted to give our customers more options for how they interact with us,” says Moustakas. “Uber Eats helps us do that without disrupting what makes our restaurant special.” For Moustakas, growing takeout and delivery isn’t about replacing dine-in, it’s about making the most of the existing kitchen and staff. “We’re already doing the work in the kitchen,” he explains, “so if we can serve more people without adding more tables or space, that’s a win.”
Uber Eats ads and offers: visibility that helps drive growth
Imperial Diner uses Uber Eats ads and offers to stay top of mind with local diners and boost orders during slower shifts. “We like to promote popular items with BOGO [Buy 1, get 1] or run offers for $0 Delivery Fee,” says Moustakas. “When we do that, the restaurant is able to attract new customers” and encourage repeat visits. In Uber Eats Manager, Moustakas tracks how many views and conversions each promotion drives. “You can actually see what’s working,” he says. “It’s essential to know where your money is going and what you’re getting back.”
Expanding reach with Uber Eats
“Uber Eats is more than just a delivery platform; it’s also a marketing tool that helps us reach a wider audience and attract new customers,” says Moustakas. Many of those first-time delivery diners become regulars—online and in person. “We see a lot of people find us on Uber Eats and then come back to dine in with us,” adds Moustakas. “It’s great for sales and also for exposure.”
“Takeout is an important strategy for growing our sales. Uber Eats helps us attract new customers online and makes it easy for us to deliver orders quickly.”
—Basil (Billy) Moustakas, Co-Owner, Imperial Diner
Smart data, smarter decisions
Moustakas tends to check data from his Uber Eats Manager dashboard weekly to monitor his marketing campaigns and better understand business trends and customer behavior. The reports he views are essential to running the business overall. “Whether it’s identifying best-selling items or responding to customer feedback, we need to be aware,” he says. “Our business is growing because we are managing these details and making decisions based on what is really going to lead to healthy growth.”
A recipe for sustained success
Imperial Diner’s success is rooted in service and amplified by its team’s willingness to adapt new technologies. By combining dine-in hospitality, pickup convenience, and delivery with Uber Eats, Imperial is now serving more customers, in more ways, without compromising what has made the restaurant a local favorite for years. “Uber Eats is part of our full-service mindset,” says Moustakas. “No matter how you order from us, we’re going to deliver a great experience that makes you want to come back for more.”
Solutions
Business types
Business types
Resources
Resources