ChowNow
ChowNow is an online ordering and marketing platform that helps independent restaurants build their own branded digital storefronts to take commission-free orders directly from their customers.
OpenTable
OpenTable is a comprehensive restaurant management software providing online reservation booking, table management, and guest engagement tools to help hospitality businesses streamline operations and increase their seated diner counts.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | ChowNow | OpenTable |
|---|---|---|
| Website | chownow.com | opentable.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Free | $39/month |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2011 | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, USA | San Francisco, USA |
Overview
ChowNow
ChowNow provides you with the tools to take control of your restaurant's digital presence and eliminate high third-party delivery fees. You can launch your own branded ordering system across your website, social media profiles, and a custom-built mobile app. This allows you to keep 100% of your profits on every order while capturing valuable customer data that third-party apps usually keep for themselves.
The platform focuses on sustainable growth by providing you with automated marketing tools and a dedicated success manager to help increase your order volume. Whether you run a single local eatery or a growing regional chain, you can manage your entire digital menu and track sales performance through a centralized dashboard. It integrates directly with your existing POS system to keep your kitchen operations running smoothly without manual data entry.
OpenTable
OpenTable is a versatile restaurant management platform that helps you fill more seats and provide personalized service to every guest. Instead of juggling paper logs, you get a digital book to manage reservations, waitlists, and floor plans in real-time. You can track guest preferences, dietary needs, and visit history to create memorable dining experiences that keep people coming back.
The platform connects you to a massive global network of diners searching for their next meal, effectively acting as a powerful marketing engine. You can also manage takeout orders, process payments, and analyze detailed performance reports to optimize your shifts. Whether you run a small bistro or a high-volume enterprise group, the software scales to handle your specific operational demands.
Overview
ChowNow Features
- Commission-Free Ordering Keep every dollar you earn from your online orders instead of paying 15-30% in fees to third-party delivery platforms.
- Branded Mobile Apps Launch your own custom-branded iOS and Android apps so your customers can order directly from their home screens.
- OrderBetter Network Get discovered by new diners through a network of high-traffic sites like Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor with integrated ordering.
- Automated Marketing Send automated email campaigns and push notifications to your customers to drive repeat business and increase order frequency.
- POS Integrations Sync your online orders directly with your existing point-of-sale system to eliminate manual entry and reduce kitchen errors.
- Customer Data Ownership Access your own customer database including email addresses and order history to power your personalized marketing efforts.
OpenTable Features
- Reservation Management. Accept bookings 24/7 through your website and the OpenTable app to keep your floor busy without answering phones.
- Custom Floor Plans. Design and modify your dining room layout digitally to maximize seating capacity and improve server rotation efficiency.
- Guest Recognition. Store detailed guest profiles including birthdays and allergies so you can offer personalized touches during every visit.
- Automated Marketing. Send automated email campaigns and re-engagement messages to your past diners to drive repeat business effortlessly.
- Waitlist Management. Give your walk-in guests accurate wait times and notify them via SMS when their table is ready.
- Advanced Analytics. Review detailed reports on cover trends and server performance to make data-driven decisions for your business.
Pricing Comparison
ChowNow Pricing
- Commission-free ordering
- Ordering on your website
- Google Search & Maps ordering
- Digital menu management
- Standard payment processing
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Custom-branded mobile app
- Automated email marketing
- Dedicated Success Manager
- Loyalty program tools
- Advanced data reporting
OpenTable Pricing
- Online reservations
- Reservation confirmation emails
- Guest database
- Direct messaging
- Takeout management
- Cover fees apply
- Everything in Basic, plus:
- Table management
- Waitlist management
- Inventory controls
- Real-time floor monitoring
- POS integration
Pros & Cons
ChowNow
Pros
- Eliminates expensive per-order commissions entirely
- Provides full ownership of customer contact data
- Responsive customer support and dedicated success managers
- Easy-to-use interface for updating menus quickly
Cons
- Initial setup fees can be high
- Requires your own staff for local delivery
- Limited customization options for the mobile app
OpenTable
Pros
- Access to a massive global network of diners
- Intuitive interface for front-of-house staff
- Reliable guest data and history tracking
- Excellent mobile app for managing shifts remotely
Cons
- Per-cover fees can become expensive monthly
- Limited customization for automated guest emails
- Steep price jump between pricing tiers