MENU TIGER vs ChowNow: Features and Pricing Comparison

If you are comparing MENU TIGER vs ChowNow, know that both solutions offer online and dine-in ordering, but primary functions may differ from one another. 

ChowNow is known for its commission-free online orders for pickup and delivery that fit independent restaurants. 

On the other hand, MENU TIGER’s QR code menu solution offers table-side ordering, restaurant website creation, customer engagement tools, and other features that support both dine-in and takeout operations.

In this comparative article, we are going to explore each system’s features, pros, cons, and pricing to match your operational needs and budget. 

TL;DR: Quick feature comparison

Feature	MENU TIGER	ChowNow
Kitchen Display System (KDS)	✓	✗
Table management	✓	✗
Built-in POS system	✓	✗
Multi-language QR menu	✓	✗
Customer service request from the table	✓	✗
Custom QR code generator	✓	✗
No-code website builder	✓	✓
Online ordering system	✓	✓
QR code ordering	✓	✓
Commission-free direct orders	✓	✓
Customer data ownership	✓	✓
Restaurant marketing tools	✓	✓

MENU TIGER vs ChowNow: Definition, strengths, and weaknesses

What is MENU TIGER?

MENU TIGER is a smart digital menu solution that has a centralized restaurant order management system offering tableside QR code ordering and online ordering through the built-in restaurant website.

This platform is web-based, where you can manage your restaurant data, orders, menu, and dashboard through a web browser. Its intuitive dashboard design requires minimal effort to learn it. On the system dashboard, restaurants can access sales, revenue, and menu analytics that are also available for download. 

In terms of menu management, updates are centralized on a single dashboard, where you can edit every store's menu, and changes are reflected in real time.

If you have concerns, 24-hour customer support is available via automated email.

Best for: Fast-casual restaurants, quick-service restaurants, full-service restaurants, and other types of restaurants that cater to tableside ordering and online ordering.

Core strengths:

• Lets you build a no-code restaurant website with a customizable domain to strengthen brand identity.

• An AI menu maker is available so you can easily convert your paper-printed menus to a digital one. 

• Create a unique and customizable QR code for every table. 

• Aside from POS integration with Loyverse, it also has a standalone MENU TIGER POS system.

• Supports mobile payments through Stripe, Adyen, and PayPal payment integrations for restaurants and other food services.

• Has customer engagement tools such as modifier options, upgrades, and special instructions for order customization.
• Offers 0% commission for all orders 

• Manage multiple locations in one dashboard

Weaknesses:

• Restaurants that only cater to pickup and delivery methods may not fully benefit from features like QR code table ordering and real-time table management.  

• Delivery method is available, but it requires you to operate your own delivery network since there is no third-party delivery platform integration.

What is ChowNow?

ChowNow is an online food ordering platform that connects customers with local restaurants. 

While it has a QR code ordering system (for dine-in), it is primarily built for independent restaurants to help take direct orders online through restaurants’ own websites, apps, Google pages, and ChowNow’s website, eliminating high commission fees.

Menu management is synced automatically to third-party channels through order aggregation. This means that edits and changes are automatically reflected in the website, mobile app, and third-party delivery integrations. 

Best for: Independent restaurants, takeout businesses, fast-casual restaurants, and food businesses that want to reduce third-party marketplace commissions.

Core strengths:

• Delivery app integrations (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub)

• They have discovery networks such as Google, Apple Maps, and Yelp.

• Access to sales by location and by ordering channels.

• Manage multi-location online ordering platforms for regional restaurant chains

• Has SMS and email marketing tools to boost profitability.

• No commission on direct orders

• Has POS integration

Weaknesses:

• Does not accept cash, PayPal, Stripe, and Android Pay.

• Subscription mode may not be ideal for small restaurants with limited budgets if operations only require basic ordering. 

• No tools to support branded QR code customization with colors, logos, or custom designs.

• No built-in table management and customer service request features.

• Delivery availability and quality may vary by location since delivery depends on third-party delivery app partners.

MENU TIGER and ChowNow: Restaurant order management system features and pricing compared 

QR code 

MENU TIGER	ChowNow
Customizable QR codes  Interactive QR menu Dynamic QR codes Wifi QR code URL QR code	QR code ordering for dine-in

Menu management

MENU TIGER	ChowNow
AI menu maker Modifier groups  Display food images, descriptions, and dietary labels Multi-language menu Real-time menu updates Mark item availability (e.g., sold-out)Centralized order and management system Unlimited menu categories/items Centralized menu management	Centralized menu management Sync updates across direct ordering channels Mark items as unavailable/adjust modifiers

Restaurant management

MENU TIGER	ChowNow
Kitchen Display System (KDS)MENU TIGER POS  Table management  Website builder Restaurant analytics (sales, revenue, and menu) Customer feedback CRM tools Printer integration Supports multi-location Add admins and sub-users on the systemComprehensive sales analytics	Branded mobile app SEO-optimized website POS integration Supports Multi-location  Third-party order aggregation Access to diner ordering data Push notifications Reporting/analytics

Marketing tools

MENU TIGER	ChowNow
Discounts on items Featured items Email campaign SMS campaign Upselling tools Highlight items as ‘bestseller’ or ‘new.'	Discovery network Branded ordering Marketplace exposure Reward Program SMS and email marketing

Integrations

Integrations	MENU TIGER	ChowNow
Point-of-sale system	Loyverse Square	Clover Genius (Heartland) Revel Skytab Square Toast
Third-party digital wallet	PayPal Stripe Adyen	Not available
Delivery App	Not available	DoorDash UberEats Grubhub

Pricing

Plan	MENU TIGER	ChowNow
Free plan	Available	Not available
Entry plan	$17 per month	Starts at $249 per month
Mid-tier plan	$46 per month	Starts at $349 per month
Premium	$119 per month	Starts at $449 per month
Annual Billing	Available	Available

When comparing MENU TIGER vs ChowNow monthly pricing, you can see that the prior is cheaper compared to the latter. 

MENU TIGER annual plan offers a 15% discount with costs ranging from $173.40 to $1,213.80. It has a 14-day free trial to its paid tiers. No setup fee. No contracts.

Meanwhile, ChowNow offers annual billing with costs ranging from $229 to $409 per month. No free trial. Its additional fees include:

• Set-up fee: $119

• 2.95% + $0.29 per transaction

• $99 annual Apple developer fee for branded mobile apps

• $250-$420 for printer

• $7.98/order for Flex Delivery orders

Why MENU TIGER is the best  ChowNow alternative

Table management

Table management helps staff have better visibility of the floor layout and monitor occupied/vacant tables to easily assign seating for walk-ins and handle reservations. 

This also helps expedite table turnover since staff can view when a table is vacated in real time and prevent delays in resettling tables for the next guests. 

Interactive QR code ordering

A contactless ordering process provides customers a faster, more efficient, and more accurate ordering process. 

Without assistance from servers, they can browse the menu, choose modifier options, leave specific instructions for the chef, place an order, and settle payment directly from the device through preferred online payment channels. 

Online payment integration 

According to the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Technology Trend Reports in 2024, 73% of customers prefer using digital wallets and online payment options like PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, or Google Wallet when paying off-premise orders.

MENU TIGER supports mobile payment through integrations with channels such as PayPal, Stripe, Adyen, and Venmo. 

Quick digital payments are more convenient during peak hours as customers settle the bill without waiting for a server, turning the table faster.

Integrates with existing POS systems

Implementing a digital ordering system does not mean turning away from the existing POS system. 

Aside from its standalone POS system, MENU TIGER allows integration of supported POS systems, like Square POS, where order details from the QR code menu are automatically synced to the Square POS system. 

Budget-friendly plans

Not only does it offer a freemium plan, but its paid tier costs also range from $19 to $119 per month and even have discounts when billed annually.

Unlike other digital menu platforms that charge fees for every additional venue, paid subscriptions include multiple-store management, with varying numbers of locations depending on the level of subscription. 

Choose the platform that matches your operational requirements

When comparing MENU TIGER vs ChowNow, consider if its value aligns with your operational needs and goals. 

ChowNow is a solid option for restaurants that want to simplify commission-free online ordering for pick-up and delivery.

However, if you prefer a cheaper, comprehensive QR code menu that provides tools such as table-side ordering, sales analytics, and customer engagement features, MENU TIGER is a great choice. 

Ultimately, services and pricing details are presented for your reference to make an informed decision. Investing in the right technology that improves both dining experience and operational efficiency can give your restaurant a competitive advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions