ChowNow

The implementation of ChowNow is designed to be smooth and restaurant-friendly. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Initial Consultation

   • ChowNow connects with the restaurant to understand its goals, menu, and branding needs.

2. Account Setup

   • The restaurant creates an account and selects a plan (Hub, Pro, or Premier).

3. Menu Upload & Customization

   • Restaurants can either build a menu from scratch or import it from POS systems or delivery platforms like DoorDash, UberEats, or Square.

4. Branding & Design

   • ChowNow helps customize the restaurant’s website and mobile app with logos, colors, and photos.

5. Platform Integration

   • Integration with Google Food Ordering, social media, and POS systems is configured.

6. Training & Onboarding

   • ChowNow provides tutorials and support to train staff on using the dashboard and managing orders.

7. Launch

   • Once everything is set up, the restaurant goes live with online ordering.

8. Ongoing Support

   • ChowNow offers continuous support, analytics, and marketing tips to optimize performance.

Typical Timeline: Implementation can take 1–2 weeks, depending on the complexity of the menu and integrations.

ChowNow is highly customizable to fit specific business needs. Here are the key customization options:

• Menu Customization
  • Add, edit, or remove items
  • Include modifiers, photos, and descriptions

  • Link with POS systems for real-time updates

• Branding
  • Custom logos, cover photos, and color schemes

  • Personalized mobile apps and websites

• Ordering Experience
  • Enable pickup, delivery, or both
  • Set delivery zones and fees

  • Customize order notifications and fulfillment workflows

• Marketing Tools
  • Automated email campaigns tailored to customer behavior
  • Loyalty programs and promotions

  • Custom landing pages and social media integrations

• Analytics & Reporting
  • Real-time dashboards with customizable metrics

  • Insights into customer trends, top-selling items, and order frequency

• Third-Party Integrations
  • POS systems (Square, Auphan, etc.)
  • Delivery platforms (UberEats, DoorDash)
  • Google and Yelp ordering links.

ChowNow uses a subscription-based pricing model with the following typical costs:

• Monthly Subscription Fees:
  • Base Plan: $149/month
  • Annual Plan: $119/month
  • Two-Year Plan: $99/month
• Setup Fees:
  • One-Time Setup Fee: $399 per location (discounted to $199 for annual or two-year plans)
• Support Local Fee (for diners):

  • A 7.5% fee on the subtotal of orders placed via the ChowNow app or website, paid by customers, not restaurants.

• No Maintenance or Commission Fees:
  • ChowNow does not charge commission on orders, and there are no ongoing maintenance fees beyond the subscription.

ChowNow offers comprehensive onboarding and support, including:

• Dedicated Onboarding Team – Helps set up menus, branding, and integrations.

• Training Resources – Tutorials, guides, and live support for staff.

• 24/7 Customer Support – Available via phone, email, and chat.

• Marketing Assistance – Help with email campaigns, loyalty programs, and promotions.

• Hardware Support – Includes an iPad for order management (in some plans).

ChowNow implements standard data protection and privacy practices, including:

• Secure Payment Processing – PCI-compliant systems to protect credit card data.

• Data Ownership – Restaurants retain full control over customer data.

• Privacy Policies – Clear terms on how customer data is used and protected.

• No Sharing of Sensitive Info – Restaurants do not have access to customer credit card details

ChowNow does not publicly disclose a fixed schedule for software updates, but it follows a continuous improvement model. Updates are typically rolled out in the background and include:

• Feature enhancements
• Bug fixes
• POS integration upgrades (e.g., Toast, Square)
• Security patches

Restaurants are notified of major changes through the ChowNow Dashboard or via email. Updates that affect integrations (like POS systems) are coordinated with the restaurant’s account manager to ensure a smooth transition.

ChowNow has a restaurant-first data policy, which means:

• Restaurants own their customer data – including names, emails, and order history

• This data can be used for personalized marketing, loyalty programs, and customer retention.

• ChowNow does not share or sell this data to third parties.

• While there’s no public mention of a formal data export tool, restaurants can request data access or export through their account manager or support team.

This approach contrasts with third-party delivery apps that often restrict access to customer data.

ChowNow offers flexible scaling options to accommodate changing business needs:

• Add or remove locations – Restaurants can scale by adding new branches or pausing service at underperforming ones.

• Upgrade or downgrade plans – Businesses can move between Hub, Pro, and Premier plans depending on their needs.

• Menu and service customization – Easily adjust offerings, hours, and delivery zones via the dashboard.

• No long-term lock-ins – Monthly and annual plans are available, giving restaurants the freedom to scale without heavy penalties

ChowNow offers flexible subscription plans with clear cancellation and renewal policies:

Renewal Terms

• Subscriptions are typically auto-renewed based on the selected billing cycle (monthly, annual, or two-year).

• Restaurants can switch plans or adjust services by contacting their Restaurant Success Manager.

Cancellation Process

• To cancel, restaurants must:
  1. Submit a cancellation form (available via ChowNow support).

  2. Complete a cancellation consultation call with their Restaurant Success Manager.

• This process ensures proper account review and hardware return coordination.

• ChowNow enforces a 30-day cancellation policy, starting from the date the form is submitted or the consultation call is completed