Choosing between CAKE by Sysco and ChowNow? Both are leading point of sale systems with unique strengths. This comprehensive 2025 comparison breaks down pricing, features, pros/cons, and real-world use cases to help you make the right decision for your business.
CAKE by Sysco: $69/mo | 4.1/5 rating | Best for Restaurants
ChowNow: $149/mo | 4.4/5 rating | Best for Restaurant Online Ordering
CAKE by Sysco vs ChowNow: Quick Summary
| Feature | CAKE by Sysco | ChowNow |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $69/mo | $149/mo |
| Best For | Restaurants | Restaurant Online Ordering |
| Industry | Restaurant | Online Ordering |
| Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Key Strength | Backed by Sysco | Commission-free |
CAKE by Sysco Overview
Price: $69/mo | Rating: 4.1/5 | Best For: Restaurants
CAKE by Sysco is a Restaurant POS system designed specifically for Restaurants. Key benefits include: Backed by Sysco.
- Guest management
- Online ordering
- Waitlist management
- Table management
- Reporting
- Sysco integration
ChowNow Overview
Price: $149/mo | Rating: 4.4/5 | Best For: Restaurant Online Ordering
ChowNow is a Online Ordering POS system designed specifically for Restaurant Online Ordering. Key benefits include: Commission-free.
- Branded ordering
- Mobile apps
- Marketing
- POS integrations
- Analytics
- Customer data
Pros & Cons Comparison
CAKE by Sysco Pros
- ✅ Backed by Sysco
- ✅ Good guest management
- ✅ Waitlist features
CAKE by Sysco Cons
- ❌ Limited customization
- ❌ Sysco-focused ecosystem
ChowNow Pros
- ✅ Commission-free
- ✅ Branded experience
- ✅ Customer ownership
ChowNow Cons
- ❌ Higher monthly fee
- ❌ No delivery logistics
The Verdict: CAKE by Sysco vs ChowNow
Choose CAKE by Sysco if you’re looking for a solution optimized for Restaurants and value Backed by Sysco.
Choose ChowNow if your business focuses on Restaurant Online Ordering and you prioritize Commission-free.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Let’s dive deeper into how CAKE by Sysco and ChowNow compare across key features that matter most to Restaurant businesses.
| Feature | CAKE by Sysco | ChowNow |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Good | Good |
| Hardware Options | Required | Required |
| Target Business Size | Small Business | Mid-Market |
| Contract Required | Month-to-month available | Month-to-month available |
Who Should Choose CAKE by Sysco?
CAKE by Sysco is the ideal choice for:
- Restaurants who need specialized features
- Businesses that prioritize Backed by Sysco
- Those who value Good guest management
- Companies with budget around $69/mo per month
Who Should Choose ChowNow?
ChowNow is the ideal choice for:
- Restaurant Online Ordering who need specialized features
- Businesses that prioritize Commission-free
- Those who value Branded experience
- Companies with budget around $149/mo per month
Real-World Use Cases
CAKE by Sysco vs ChowNow for Small Businesses
For small businesses with limited budgets, CAKE by Sysco ($69/mo) offers better value while still providing essential features like Guest management and Online ordering.
CAKE by Sysco vs ChowNow for Multi-Location Businesses
Multi-location businesses should consider scalability and centralized management. Both systems can scale to multiple locations with proper setup. Request a demo to see how each handles multi-store reporting and inventory sync.
CAKE by Sysco vs ChowNow for High-Volume Operations
High-volume operations need reliable, fast POS systems. ChowNow (rated 4.4/5) has proven reliability for busy Online Ordering environments, especially for Restaurant Online Ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: CAKE by Sysco or ChowNow?
The better choice depends on your specific needs. CAKE by Sysco (rated 4.1/5) excels for Restaurants, while ChowNow (rated 4.4/5) is optimized for Restaurant Online Ordering. Consider your industry, budget, and required features when deciding.
How much does CAKE by Sysco cost compared to ChowNow?
CAKE by Sysco starts at $69/mo, while ChowNow starts at $149/mo. Both may have additional costs for hardware, payment processing, and add-on features. Request a custom quote for accurate pricing based on your business needs.
Can I switch from CAKE by Sysco to ChowNow?
Yes, switching POS systems is possible. Most providers offer data migration assistance and training. Consider contract terms, hardware compatibility, and staff training time when planning a switch.
What integrations do these POS systems offer?
Both systems offer integrations with accounting software, e-commerce platforms, and third-party apps. CAKE by Sysco features Guest management, Online ordering, Waitlist management. ChowNow offers Branded ordering, Mobile apps, Marketing.
Get a Free Quote
Still not sure which POS system is right for your business? Our experts can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs, budget, and growth plans.
Last updated: December 2025. Pricing and features subject to change.