In the battle of Chowbus versus Revel Systems, both systems bring unique strengths to the table. Chowbus is particularly strong for Asian restaurants needing specialized POS, while Revel Systems excels at Multi-location restaurants, franchises, and growing retail chains. Whether you prioritize Asian restaurant expertise or Open API platform, this comparison covers everything you need to know.
Quick Comparison: Chowbus vs Revel Systems
| Feature | Chowbus | Revel Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Restaurant | Multi-Industry |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $99/month/terminal (estimated) |
| Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Target Business | Small Business to Mid-Market | Mid-Market |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Quote-based |
| Free Trial | No | Yes |
| Free Version | No | No |
| Best For | Asian restaurants needing specialized POS | Multi-location restaurants, franchises, and growing retail chains |
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.
Key Features:
- POS System
- Online Ordering
- Multilingual Support
- Menu Management
- Kitchen Display
- Payment Processing
Revel Systems Overview
Revel Systems is an enterprise-grade iPad POS platform for restaurants and retail businesses. It offers advanced features, API access, and scalability for growing multi-location operations.
Revel Systems is offered by Revel Systems, Inc. (founded 2010) based in Atlanta, GA. The system focuses on Quick service restaurants, Retail chains, Franchises, Enterprise.
Key Features:
- iPad-based POS
- Open API
- Inventory management
- CRM
- Employee management
- Reporting
Feature Comparison
Chowbus Features:
- POS System
- Online Ordering
- Multilingual Support
- Menu Management
- Kitchen Display
Revel Systems Features:
- iPad-based POS
- Open API
- Inventory management
- CRM
- Employee management
When comparing features, Chowbus stands out with Asian restaurant expertise, while Revel Systems differentiates itself with Open API platform. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | Chowbus | Revel Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $99/month/terminal (estimated) |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Quote-based |
| Price Range | Mid-range | Premium |
| Free Trial | Not available | Available |
| Free Version | No | No |
Both systems offer competitive pricing for their respective feature sets. 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
Revel Systems
Pros:
- Highly customizable
- Strong API for integrations
- Good for franchises
- Robust reporting
- Multi-location capable
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Steeper learning curve
- Implementation can be complex
- 3-year contracts typical
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 Revel Systems?
Revel Systems is ideal for Multi-location restaurants, franchises, and growing retail chains. The system is particularly well-suited for Quick service restaurants, Retail chains, Franchises, Enterprise.
However, Revel Systems may not be the best fit for Small single-location businesses on tight budgets.
Our Recommendation
Both Chowbus and Revel Systems are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Chowbus if you’re Asian restaurants needing specialized POS. Choose Revel Systems if you’re Multi-location restaurants, franchises, and growing retail chains. Chowbus has a higher user rating (4.2 vs 4.1). We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.