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.
TablesReady
TablesReady is a digital waitlist and appointment scheduling software that helps you manage customer flow and send automated SMS notifications to reduce crowds and improve the waiting experience.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | ChowNow | TablesReady |
|---|---|---|
| Website | chownow.com | tablesready.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Free | $69.95/month |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 14 days 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 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, USA | New York, 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.
TablesReady
TablesReady is a flexible waitlist and paging solution designed to help you eliminate physical lines and crowded waiting areas. You can manage your guest flow from any device, allowing customers to check in remotely or via an on-site kiosk. The platform sends automated text notifications when you are ready for them, which keeps your lobby clear and your customers happy while they wait elsewhere.
You can also use the software to handle online bookings and appointment scheduling alongside your live waitlist. It serves a wide range of industries beyond just restaurants, including retail, healthcare, and education. By providing real-time data on wait times and staff performance, it helps you make smarter decisions to improve your daily operations.
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.
TablesReady Features
- SMS Notifications. Send personalized text messages to your guests the moment their table or appointment is ready for them.
- Online Check-in. Allow your customers to join your waitlist from your website or social media before they even arrive.
- Public Waitlist View. Show your guests exactly where they stand in line with a live public link they can monitor.
- Digital Kiosk Mode. Set up a self-service tablet at your entrance so guests can check themselves in without staff assistance.
- Appointment Scheduling. Manage pre-booked appointments and walk-ins in one unified view to keep your schedule organized and efficient.
- Analytics and Reporting. Track your average wait times and guest counts to identify peak hours and optimize your staffing levels.
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
TablesReady Pricing
- Unlimited SMS notifications
- Unlimited waitlist entries
- Online check-in page
- Digital kiosk mode
- Appointment scheduling
- Daily analytics reports
- Everything in Monthly, plus:
- Discounted yearly rate
- Billed as $699 per year
- Priority customer support
- Full feature access
- No long-term contracts
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
TablesReady
Pros
- Extremely simple interface requires almost no staff training
- Unlimited texting prevents unexpected overage charges on your bill
- Works on any web-connected device without specialized hardware
- Reliable SMS delivery ensures guests never miss their turn
Cons
- Lacks advanced table management and floor mapping features
- Limited customization options for the digital kiosk interface
- No native offline mode if your internet connection drops