In the battle of ChowNow versus Popmenu, both systems bring unique strengths to the table. ChowNow is particularly strong for Restaurants wanting commission-free ordering, while Popmenu excels at Restaurants wanting to boost online presence and reduce third-party fees. Whether you prioritize Zero commissions or AI-powered phone ordering, this comparison covers everything you need to know.
Quick Comparison: ChowNow vs Popmenu
| Feature | ChowNow | Popmenu |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Software | Restaurant |
| Starting Price | $149/month | Contact for pricing |
| 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 wanting to boost online presence and reduce third-party fees |
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
Popmenu Overview
Popmenu is a restaurant technology platform combining digital marketing, online ordering, and on-premise technologies with AI automation. Serving 10,000+ restaurants in the US, UK, and Canada with interactive menus, website design, and marketing tools.
Popmenu is offered by Popmenu (founded 2016) based in Atlanta, GA. The system focuses on Full Service, Casual Dining, Fine Dining.
Key Features:
- Interactive Menus
- Online Ordering
- Website Design
- AI Phone Answering
- Email Marketing
- Loyalty Programs
Feature Comparison
ChowNow Features:
- Online Ordering
- Branded App
- Marketing Tools
- Customer Database
- POS Integration
Popmenu Features:
- Interactive Menus
- Online Ordering
- Website Design
- AI Phone Answering
- Email Marketing
When comparing features, ChowNow stands out with Zero commissions, while Popmenu differentiates itself with AI-powered phone ordering. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | ChowNow | Popmenu |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $149/month | Contact for pricing |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Price Range | Mid-range | Mid-range to Premium |
| 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
Popmenu
Pros:
- AI fields calls 24/7
- Helps rank high on Google
- No third-party fees on direct orders
- Beautiful interactive menus
Cons:
- Custom pricing requires sales call
- May be overkill for small operations
- Learning curve for all features
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 Popmenu?
Popmenu is ideal for Restaurants wanting to boost online presence and reduce third-party fees. The system is particularly well-suited for Full Service, Casual Dining, Fine Dining.
However, Popmenu may not be the best fit for Restaurants not focused on digital marketing.
Our Recommendation
Both ChowNow and Popmenu are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose ChowNow if you’re Restaurants wanting commission-free ordering. Choose Popmenu if you’re Restaurants wanting to boost online presence and reduce third-party fees. Popmenu 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.