ChowNow
PaidOnline ordering platform for restaurants that enables commission-free direct orders through branded apps, websites, and Google — alternative to third-party delivery apps.
What does this tool do?
ChowNow is an online ordering platform designed specifically for restaurants to accept direct orders while bypassing third-party delivery aggregators like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. The platform enables restaurants to build branded ordering experiences across multiple channels—including custom mobile apps, websites, and Google integration—while keeping 100% of order revenue since it operates on a commission-free model rather than the typical 15-30% fees charged by marketplace competitors. ChowNow handles the technical infrastructure for order management, payment processing, and customer data, allowing restaurant operators to own their customer relationships directly. The tool is particularly valuable for independent and regional restaurant chains seeking to reduce dependency on third-party platforms and maintain pricing control.
AI analysis from Feb 23, 2026
Key Features
- Branded mobile app creation and hosting
- Website ordering integration with checkout optimization
- Google integration for local search and ordering
- Order management dashboard for restaurant operations
- Payment processing and settlement handling
- Customer data management and CRM capabilities
- Menu management across all ordering channels
- Delivery logistics coordination (if offered)
Use Cases
- 1Independent restaurants wanting to reduce commission fees by moving customers from DoorDash/UberEats to direct ordering
- 2Multi-location restaurant groups needing centralized ordering management across branded apps and websites
- 3Quick-service restaurants (QSR) looking to optimize delivery margins by capturing full order value
- 4Fine dining establishments seeking to maintain brand control and customer experience during the ordering process
- 5Restaurants building customer loyalty programs by owning direct order data and repeat customer relationships
- 6Regional restaurant chains expanding their delivery footprint without platform dependency or variable commission structures
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Commission-free ordering model directly addresses the financial pain point of third-party aggregator fees, potentially saving restaurants 15-30% per order
- Multi-channel presence (branded app, website, Google) allows restaurants to capture orders across multiple customer entry points without platform fragmentation
- Direct customer data ownership enables restaurants to build proprietary customer databases for marketing, loyalty programs, and menu optimization
- Reduces platform dependency risk—restaurants aren't vulnerable to algorithm changes, fee increases, or suspension from third-party aggregators
Limitations
- Customer acquisition and awareness challenge—restaurants must actively drive traffic to their own channels rather than relying on established third-party marketplaces with existing user bases
- Requires investment in marketing and digital presence to compete against the convenience and discoverability of major aggregator apps
- Limited visibility into pricing compared to competitors—website returned 403 Forbidden, preventing verification of actual pricing model and plan tiers
- Smaller restaurant chains may lack resources to maintain separate branded apps and marketing infrastructure compared to larger operators
Pricing Details
Pricing details not publicly available. Website access returned 403 Forbidden error, preventing retrieval of current pricing information, plan tiers, or fee structure details.
Who is this for?
Independent restaurant owners and multi-location restaurant operators seeking to reduce third-party aggregator fees; regional and emerging QSR chains wanting direct customer control; restaurants with sufficient customer bases to make branded app/website ordering viable; operators prioritizing margin optimization over marketplace visibility.