Choosing between Focus POS and ChowNow for your business? Both are popular restaurant solutions, but they serve different needs. Focus POS starts at Quote-based and is Enterprise restaurant POS with advanced analytics., while ChowNow starts at $149/month and is Commission-free online ordering for restaurants. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which POS system is the right fit for your operation.
Quick Comparison: Focus POS vs ChowNow
| Feature | Focus POS | ChowNow |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Restaurant | Software |
| Starting Price | Quote-based | $149/month |
| Rating | 4.0/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Target Business | Mid-Market | Small Business to Mid-Market |
| Pricing Model | Quote-based | Subscription |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Free Version | No | No |
| Best For | Restaurant groups, multi-location operations, enterprises | Restaurants wanting commission-free ordering |
Focus POS Overview
Focus POS is a restaurant management system with enterprise-grade features including advanced reporting, labor management, and multi-location support. Known for detailed analytics and customization.
Focus POS is offered by Focus POS Systems (founded 1990) based in Dallas, Texas, USA. The system focuses on Restaurants, Restaurant Groups, Enterprise.
Key Features:
- Advanced reporting
- Labor management
- Multi-location
- Enterprise dashboards
- Inventory management
- Kitchen display
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
Feature Comparison
Focus POS Features:
- Advanced reporting
- Labor management
- Multi-location
- Enterprise dashboards
- Inventory management
ChowNow Features:
- Online Ordering
- Branded App
- Marketing Tools
- Customer Database
- POS Integration
When comparing features, Focus POS stands out with Advanced analytics, while ChowNow differentiates itself with Zero commissions. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | Focus POS | ChowNow |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Quote-based | $149/month |
| Pricing Model | Quote-based | Subscription |
| Price Range | Premium | 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
Focus POS
Pros:
- Detailed analytics
- Enterprise scalability
- Customization options
- Multi-location support
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Complex setup
- Quote-based pricing
ChowNow
Pros:
- No commission fees
- Branded experience
- Customer data ownership
- Marketing tools
Cons:
- Monthly subscription cost
- No delivery drivers
- Limited to online ordering
Who Should Choose Focus POS?
Focus POS is ideal for Restaurant groups, multi-location operations, enterprises. The system is particularly well-suited for Restaurants, Restaurant Groups, Enterprise.
However, Focus POS may not be the best fit for Single small restaurants, budget-conscious operators.
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.
Our Recommendation
Both Focus POS and ChowNow are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Focus POS if you’re Restaurant groups, multi-location operations, enterprises. Choose ChowNow if you’re Restaurants wanting commission-free ordering. ChowNow has a higher user rating (4.3 vs 4.0). We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.