Choosing between PAR Brink and Grubhub Direct for your business? Both are popular restaurant solutions, but they serve different needs. PAR Brink starts at $90/month and is Enterprise cloud POS for restaurants focused on scaling., 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: PAR Brink vs Grubhub Direct
| Feature | PAR Brink | Grubhub Direct |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Restaurant | Software |
| Starting Price | $90/month | Free setup + processing fees |
| Rating | 4.1/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Target Business | Mid-Market | Small Business to Mid-Market |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Transaction-based |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Free Version | No | Yes |
| Best For | Fast casual chains, growing restaurant brands, multi-location operators | Restaurants wanting direct ordering with Grubhub delivery |
PAR Brink Overview
PAR Brink POS is a cloud-first enterprise POS for restaurants serious about scaling. Features API-first approach with 250+ integration partners, 150+ reports, pay-at-table, and PCI/P2PE security certifications.
PAR Brink is offered by PAR Technology (founded 1968) based in New Hartford, New York, USA. The system focuses on Fast Casual, Quick Service, Restaurant Chains.
Key Features:
- Online ordering
- Loyalty programs
- Kitchen display systems
- Mobile payments
- Real-time reporting
- Multi-unit administration
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
PAR Brink Features:
- Online ordering
- Loyalty programs
- Kitchen display systems
- Mobile payments
- Real-time reporting
Grubhub Direct Features:
- Online Ordering
- Website Integration
- Order Management
- Delivery Option
- Marketing Tools
When comparing features, PAR Brink stands out with API-first with 250+ integrations, 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 Aspect | PAR Brink | Grubhub Direct |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $90/month | Free setup + processing fees |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Transaction-based |
| Price Range | Premium | Budget |
| Free Trial | Not available | Not available |
| Free Version | No | Yes |
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
PAR Brink
Pros:
- 250+ integration partners
- API-first design
- Enterprise scalability
- 24/7/365 support
- PCI and P2PE certified
Cons:
- Tiered support issues
- Slow feature development
- May be overkill for small operators
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 PAR Brink?
PAR Brink is ideal for Fast casual chains, growing restaurant brands, multi-location operators. The system is particularly well-suited for Fast Casual, Quick Service, Restaurant Chains.
However, PAR Brink may not be the best fit for Single-location restaurants, very small operations.
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 PAR Brink and Grubhub Direct are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose PAR Brink if you’re Fast casual chains, growing restaurant brands, multi-location operators. Choose Grubhub Direct if you’re Restaurants wanting direct ordering with Grubhub delivery. PAR Brink has a higher user rating (4.1 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.