Build Options
Build headless online ordering
When developing with Crave.js, you have several options for building and deploying your custom storefront. This guide outlines the different approaches available to help you choose the best option for your specific needs.
1. Storefront Starter Template
The quickest way to get started with Crave.js is to use our Storefront Starter Template. This approach provides:
Key Features
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Pre-built Components: UI components optimized for food ordering experiences
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API Integration: Ready-to-use connections to Crave.js APIs
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Responsive Design: Mobile-first approach for all device types
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Customization Options: Easy theming and layout modifications
Setup Process
- Sign up at dashboard.craveup.com to obtain your API key
- Clone the Storefront Starter Template repository
- Configure your environment variables with your API key
- Install dependencies with
npm install
oryarn install
- Start the development server with
npm run dev
oryarn dev
Best For
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Quick time-to-market
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Standard ordering experiences
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Teams familiar with Next.js
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Projects with limited development resources
2. Custom Frontend with Crave.js APIs
The Crave.js SDK is currently available in closed beta. To request access, please contact us at hello@craveup.com.
For more flexibility, you can build your own frontend from scratch while leveraging Crave.js APIs:
Key Features
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Complete Design Freedom: Build with any frontend framework
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API-First Approach: Connect to our robust backend services
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Technology Flexibility: Use React, Vue, Angular, or any other framework
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Custom User Experience: Design unique customer journeys
Setup Process
- Sign up at dashboard.craveup.com to obtain your API key
- Set up your preferred frontend framework
- Install our SDK
- Configure the SDK with your API key
- Start building your custom components
Best For
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Unique user experiences
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Integration with existing applications
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Teams with specific technology preferences
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Projects requiring custom workflows
Choosing the Right Approach
When deciding which build option is best for your project, consider:
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Development Resources: What technical skills does your team have?
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Timeline: How quickly do you need to launch?
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Customization Needs: How unique does your ordering experience need to be?
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Integration Requirements: What existing systems need to connect with Crave.js?
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Scalability: What are your growth projections?
Our platform is designed to be flexible, allowing you to start with one approach and evolve as your needs change. Many businesses begin with the Storefront Starter Template and gradually customize or extend it over time.
Technical Architecture
Regardless of which build option you choose, all Crave.js implementations share a common architecture:
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Frontend: Customer-facing interface (web, mobile, kiosk, etc.)
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Storefront API: Customer-facing operations (browsing, ordering, accounts)
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Admin API: Merchant operations (menu management, order processing)
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Dashboard: Merchant interface for business management
This separation of concerns ensures that your implementation remains maintainable and scalable as your business grows.
For more detailed technical information or to discuss your specific requirements, please reach out to hello@craveup.com.