POS Comparisons

Chowbus vs Grubhub Direct: Which POS Is Better? (2025)

By Mauricio Sep 24, 2025 3 min read

Choosing between Chowbus and Grubhub Direct for your business? Both are popular restaurant solutions, but they serve different needs. Chowbus starts at Contact for pricing and is POS system specialized for Asian restaurants, while Grubhub Direct starts at Free setup + processing fees and is Direct online ordering solution from Grubhub. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which POS system is the right fit for your operation.

Quick Comparison: Chowbus vs Grubhub Direct

FeatureChowbusGrubhub Direct
CategoryRestaurantSoftware
Starting PriceContact for pricingFree setup + processing fees
Rating4.2/53.9/5
Target BusinessSmall Business to Mid-MarketSmall Business to Mid-Market
Pricing ModelSubscriptionTransaction-based
Free TrialNoNo
Free VersionNoYes
Best ForAsian restaurants needing specialized POSRestaurants wanting direct ordering with Grubhub delivery

Chowbus Overview

Chowbus POS is a restaurant management platform designed specifically for Asian restaurants. Features include multilingual support, online ordering integration, and specialized menu management for Asian cuisine.

Chowbus is offered by Chowbus Inc. (founded 2016) based in Chicago, IL. The system focuses on Asian Cuisine Restaurants.

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Key Features:

  • POS System
  • Online Ordering
  • Multilingual Support
  • Menu Management
  • Kitchen Display
  • Payment Processing

Grubhub Direct Overview

Grubhub Direct allows restaurants to accept online orders directly through their website without marketplace commissions. Includes order management and optional delivery through Grubhub drivers.

Grubhub Direct is offered by Grubhub (Just Eat Takeaway) (founded 2004) based in Chicago, IL. The system focuses on Restaurants.

Key Features:

  • Online Ordering
  • Website Integration
  • Order Management
  • Delivery Option
  • Marketing Tools
  • Analytics

Feature Comparison

Chowbus Features:

  • POS System
  • Online Ordering
  • Multilingual Support
  • Menu Management
  • Kitchen Display

Grubhub Direct Features:

  • Online Ordering
  • Website Integration
  • Order Management
  • Delivery Option
  • Marketing Tools

When comparing features, Chowbus stands out with Asian restaurant expertise, while Grubhub Direct differentiates itself with Commission-free direct orders. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.

Pricing Comparison

Pricing AspectChowbusGrubhub Direct
Starting PriceContact for pricingFree setup + processing fees
Pricing ModelSubscriptionTransaction-based
Price RangeMid-rangeBudget
Free TrialNot availableNot available
Free VersionNoYes

Grubhub Direct is more budget-friendly, making it a better choice for cost-conscious businesses. Consider the total cost of ownership including hardware, processing fees, and add-on modules when making your decision.

Pros and Cons

Chowbus

Pros:

  • Asian restaurant specialization
  • Multilingual interface
  • Online ordering integration
  • Cultural understanding

Cons:

  • Niche market focus
  • Limited to certain cuisines
  • Less mainstream support

Grubhub Direct

Pros:

  • No commission on orders
  • Grubhub delivery available
  • Marketing support
  • Free to set up

Cons:

  • Delivery fees apply
  • Less known than marketplace
  • Limited customization

Who Should Choose Chowbus?

Chowbus is ideal for Asian restaurants needing specialized POS. The system is particularly well-suited for Asian Cuisine Restaurants.

However, Chowbus may not be the best fit for Western cuisine restaurants.

Who Should Choose Grubhub Direct?

Grubhub Direct is ideal for Restaurants wanting direct ordering with Grubhub delivery. The system is particularly well-suited for Restaurants.

However, Grubhub Direct may not be the best fit for Those avoiding third-party delivery platforms.

Our Recommendation

Both Chowbus and Grubhub Direct are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Chowbus if you’re Asian restaurants needing specialized POS. Choose Grubhub Direct if you’re Restaurants wanting direct ordering with Grubhub delivery. Chowbus has a higher user rating (4.2 vs 3.9). Also, choose Grubhub Direct if you want to start with a free version. We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.