ChowNow Reviews for Restaurants
A comprehensive look at ChowNow's restaurant platform—real feedback on pricing, features, and customer experience.
3.5
Overall Rating (Aggregated)
About ChowNow
ChowNow is a commission-free online ordering platform for restaurants. It provides branded ordering websites and apps, helping restaurants take orders directly without third-party marketplace fees.
2011
Los Angeles, CA
Independent restaurants wanting direct online ordering without commissions
Branded online ordering system with website, app, and Google integration
Review Sources
3.8
G2
47 reviews4.0
Capterra
125 reviews2.8
Trustpilot
89 reviewsRating Breakdown
Ease of Use
4.0
Generally user-friendly with straightforward setup process
+ Simple menu setup
+ Clean admin dashboard
+ Easy order management
− Limited customization options
− Some features feel basic
Pricing & Value
3.0
No commission is good, but flat monthly fee can be expensive
+ 0% commission on orders
+ Predictable monthly cost
+ No per-order fees
− $150-300/month subscription
− Annual contracts required
− Additional costs for features
Features
3.5
Solid core ordering features with some limitations
+ Google ordering integration
+ Branded mobile app option
+ Basic marketing tools
− Limited loyalty program
− Basic analytics
− No AI features
Customer Support
3.2
Generally helpful support but response times can vary
+ Dedicated onboarding
+ Knowledge base available
− Slow email responses
− Phone support wait times
− Limited after-hours support
Customer Acquisition
2.5
Ordering system only—no marketplace traffic
+ Integrates with Google
+ Branded experience
− No discovery/marketplace
− Must drive own traffic
− Competes with DoorDash listings
What Restaurant Owners Say
“Finally stopped paying 30% to DoorDash. ChowNow paid for itself in the first month from commission savings.”
— Pizza Restaurant, California (2025)“The monthly fee is steep when you're starting out and don't have high order volume yet. Hard to justify $200/month.”
— New Restaurant Owner, Texas (2025)“Love having my own branded app. Customers feel like they're ordering directly from us, not a third party.”
— Italian Restaurant, NYC (2024)“Features are pretty basic compared to newer platforms. No AI, limited marketing automation, outdated app design.”
— Fast Casual Owner, Miami (2025)“It works well for what it is. Just wish it did more for the price we pay.”
— Family Restaurant, Chicago (2025)Pros
Zero Commission
No per-order fees means you keep 100% of your order revenue after payment processing
Branded Experience
Your logo, colors, and brand throughout the ordering experience—not a third-party marketplace
Google Integration
Order buttons appear in Google Search and Maps, reaching customers where they search
Predictable Pricing
Flat monthly fee makes budgeting easier than variable commission models
Cons
High Monthly Cost
$150-300/month subscription can be hard to justify for lower-volume restaurants
No Customer Acquisition
Unlike DoorDash, ChowNow doesn't bring new customers—you must drive traffic yourself
Annual Contracts
Most plans require yearly commitment, limiting flexibility
Limited Features
Lacks advanced features like AI tools, robust loyalty programs, or deep analytics
Best For
Established restaurants with loyal customers
High-volume restaurants where commission savings are significant
Restaurants prioritizing brand experience
Businesses with marketing capability to drive traffic
Not Best For
New restaurants needing customer discovery
Low-volume restaurants where monthly fee exceeds commission equivalent
Restaurants wanting cutting-edge features
Businesses without marketing resources
Pricing Overview
Pricing Model
Monthly subscription (no commission)
Starting Price
$150/month (basic)
Typical Cost
$200-300/month for full features
Watch Out For Hidden Costs:
Our Honest Take
ChowNow was an early pioneer in commission-free ordering and still offers a solid, straightforward solution. However, the platform is showing its age with limited innovation compared to newer alternatives.
Verdict
Good for established restaurants with existing traffic who want to escape third-party commissions. Less suitable for new restaurants or those wanting modern features.
Recommendation
If you're currently paying high DoorDash commissions and have loyal customers, ChowNow's commission-free model makes sense. But compare with newer alternatives offering more features at similar or lower prices.
ChowNow vs RestauNax
| Aspect | ChowNow | RestauNax |
|---|---|---|
| Commission | 0% (subscription) | 0% (subscription) |
| Monthly Cost | $150-300/month | From $99/month |
| AI Features | None | AI menu builder, photo generator, marketing |
| Mobile App | Extra fee | Included in plans |
| Loyalty Program | Basic | Advanced with automation |
| Contract | Annual required | Monthly or annual |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does ChowNow cost per month?
ChowNow pricing typically ranges from $150-300/month depending on your plan. There are no per-order commissions, but payment processing fees (around 2.9% + $0.30) still apply.
Is ChowNow worth it for small restaurants?
It depends on your order volume. If you're doing $5,000+/month in online orders, commission savings likely exceed the subscription. Below that, the monthly fee may cost more than you'd pay in DoorDash commissions.
Does ChowNow have a marketplace like DoorDash?
No. ChowNow is a direct ordering platform, not a marketplace. You don't appear in any discovery feed—customers must find you independently. This is both a pro (no competition) and con (no new customer acquisition).
Can I cancel ChowNow at any time?
ChowNow typically requires annual contracts. Canceling early may incur fees. Read your agreement carefully before signing.
How does ChowNow compare to newer alternatives?
ChowNow was innovative when launched but is now considered somewhat dated. Newer platforms offer AI features, better marketing tools, and more competitive pricing.
Ready for a Better Alternative?
See how RestauNax compares to ChowNow with zero commission fees, AI-powered features, and complete ownership of your customer relationships.