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.
UpMenu
UpMenu is an all-in-one online ordering system that helps restaurants build branded websites, manage mobile orders, and run automated marketing campaigns to increase direct sales and customer loyalty.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | ChowNow | UpMenu |
|---|---|---|
| Website | chownow.com | upmenu.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Free | $49/month |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 7 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 | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, USA | Warsaw, Poland |
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.
UpMenu
UpMenu gives you the tools to take full control of your restaurant's digital presence and stop relying on expensive third-party delivery apps. You can build a professional, branded website with a built-in ordering system that works perfectly on desktops and mobile devices. This allows you to collect orders directly from your customers, keep 100% of your data, and avoid high commission fees that eat into your profit margins.
The platform also includes a suite of growth tools to keep your tables full and your kitchen busy. You can launch automated email and SMS marketing campaigns, manage a digital loyalty program, and even create your own branded mobile app for the App Store and Google Play. It is designed for single locations and large chains alike, providing a centralized dashboard to manage menus, promotions, and customer feedback in real-time.
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.
UpMenu Features
- Branded Website Builder. Create a professional restaurant website using high-conversion templates designed specifically to turn visitors into hungry customers.
- Mobile Ordering App. Launch your own branded iOS and Android apps so your customers can place orders with just a few taps.
- Automated Marketing. Send automated SMS, email, and push notifications to recover abandoned carts and encourage repeat orders from past guests.
- Loyalty & Rewards. Build a custom loyalty program with digital stamps and points to reward your regulars and increase lifetime value.
- Table Reservation System. Manage your floor plan and accept table bookings directly through your website to streamline your front-of-house operations.
- Digital Menu QR Codes. Provide contactless dine-in experiences by allowing guests to scan, view your menu, and pay directly from their phones.
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
UpMenu Pricing
- 1 restaurant location
- Online ordering system
- Website builder
- Mobile responsive menu
- Real-time order notifications
- Basic marketing tools
- Everything in Basic, plus:
- Branded mobile app
- Automated marketing campaigns
- Loyalty program features
- Advanced reporting and analytics
- Coupons and promo codes
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
UpMenu
Pros
- Fixed monthly pricing eliminates expensive per-order commissions
- User-friendly interface makes menu updates quick and simple
- Highly responsive customer support helps with technical setup
- Professional website templates look great on mobile devices
Cons
- Initial setup of the mobile app takes time
- Limited advanced customization for very complex menus
- Marketing automation requires some time to learn properly