Choosing between ChowNow and BentoBox for your business? Both are popular software solutions, but they serve different needs. ChowNow starts at $149/month and is Commission-free online ordering for restaurants, while BentoBox starts at $99/month and is Restaurant website and marketing platform. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which POS system is the right fit for your operation.
Quick Comparison: ChowNow vs BentoBox
| Feature | ChowNow | BentoBox |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Software | Software |
| Starting Price | $149/month | $99/month |
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Target Business | Small Business to Mid-Market | Small Business to Mid-Market |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Free Version | No | No |
| Best For | Restaurants wanting commission-free ordering | Restaurants needing professional web presence |
ChowNow Overview
ChowNow is a commission-free online ordering platform for restaurants. Provides branded apps, website ordering, and marketing tools without per-order commissions like third-party delivery apps.
ChowNow is offered by ChowNow Inc. (founded 2010) based in Los Angeles, CA. The system focuses on Restaurants.
Key Features:
- Online Ordering
- Branded App
- Marketing Tools
- Customer Database
- POS Integration
- Loyalty Programs
BentoBox Overview
BentoBox is a restaurant website and marketing platform acquired by Fiserv. Offers website design, online ordering, email marketing, and gift card solutions specifically for restaurants.
BentoBox is offered by BentoBox (Fiserv) (founded 2013) based in New York, NY. The system focuses on Restaurants, Hospitality.
Key Features:
- Website Builder
- Online Ordering
- Email Marketing
- Gift Cards
- SEO Tools
- Analytics
Feature Comparison
ChowNow Features:
- Online Ordering
- Branded App
- Marketing Tools
- Customer Database
- POS Integration
BentoBox Features:
- Website Builder
- Online Ordering
- Email Marketing
- Gift Cards
- SEO Tools
When comparing features, ChowNow stands out with Zero commissions, while BentoBox differentiates itself with Restaurant-focused websites. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | ChowNow | BentoBox |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $149/month | $99/month |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Price Range | Mid-range | Mid-range |
| Free Trial | Not available | Not 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
ChowNow
Pros:
- No commission fees
- Branded experience
- Customer data ownership
- Marketing tools
Cons:
- Monthly subscription cost
- No delivery drivers
- Limited to online ordering
BentoBox
Pros:
- Restaurant-focused design
- Beautiful templates
- Fiserv backing
- Marketing tools included
Cons:
- Not a full POS system
- Additional cost for add-ons
- Requires separate POS
Who Should Choose ChowNow?
ChowNow is ideal for Restaurants wanting commission-free ordering. The system is particularly well-suited for Restaurants.
However, ChowNow may not be the best fit for Those needing full POS or delivery services.
Who Should Choose BentoBox?
BentoBox is ideal for Restaurants needing professional web presence. The system is particularly well-suited for Restaurants, Hospitality.
However, BentoBox may not be the best fit for Those needing full POS functionality.
Our Recommendation
Both ChowNow and BentoBox are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose ChowNow if you’re Restaurants wanting commission-free ordering. Choose BentoBox if you’re Restaurants needing professional web presence. BentoBox has a higher user rating (4.4 vs 4.3). We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.