How much does ChowNow cost?
By the Menuthere editorial team · Updated
ChowNow charges a flat monthly fee with 0% commission on direct orders. Plans run from about $229/month (Launch, billed annually) up to $449/month (Elevate, month-to-month), plus a one-time setup fee of roughly $119–$499 and payment processing around 2.95% + $0.29. If you want the same 0% commission at a lower monthly price, Menuthere starts at $17/month. Updated October 2026.
- ChowNow is flat-fee with 0% commission on direct website, app and marketplace orders.
- Plans: Launch ~$229/mo annual ($249 month-to-month), Grow ~$319/$349, Elevate ~$409/$449.
- A one-time setup fee of about $119–$499 applies, and payment processing is around 2.95% + $0.29.
- ChowNow's branded app also needs the $99/year Apple developer fee.
- Menuthere is also 0% commission but starts at $17/month (Lite) with a Branded App at $99/month.
The same 0% commission, a lower monthly fee
Like ChowNow, Menuthere takes 0% commission on your direct orders — but it starts at $17/month (Lite) and $39/month (Pro), with a branded Android and iOS app at $99/month if you want one. There is a Free $0 plan to start, and Lite and Pro include a 14-day free trial.
What are ChowNow's plans and prices?
ChowNow sells three tiers. Launch is about $229/month billed annually (around $249 month-to-month), Grow about $319/$349, and Elevate about $409/$449. Each adds more features — the branded app, loyalty, catering and marketplace reach. On top of the plan you pay a one-time setup fee (roughly $119–$499) and card processing around 2.95% + $0.29. None of it is a commission on your food sales.
| ChowNow | Menuthere | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry plan | Launch ~$229/mo annual (~$249 month-to-month) | Lite $17/mo (Free $0 to start) |
| Top plan | Elevate ~$409/$449 | Pro $39/mo |
| Setup fee | One-time ~$119–$499 | None |
| Commission on direct orders | 0% | 0% |
| Payment processing | ~2.95% + $0.29 | Your own gateway's fee |
| Branded app | Included on higher tiers (+$99/yr Apple fee) | Branded App $99/mo |
Are there extra ChowNow costs beyond the monthly fee?
Yes. Expect a one-time setup fee of roughly $119–$499, card processing around 2.95% + $0.29 per order, and — if you take the branded app — Apple's $99/year developer fee. An order printer can add a few hundred dollars too. These are not commissions, but they make the real first-year cost noticeably higher than the headline monthly figure, so compare the all-in total.
Who this is a good fit for
- Small and independent restaurants that want 0% commission but find ChowNow's $229+ monthly fee steep.
- Owners who want to start free or at a low fixed price and add a branded app later.
- Takeout-first spots and cafés that mainly take direct online orders.
Who this is not for
- Restaurants that specifically want ChowNow's discovery marketplace and done-for-you setup and will pay for it.
- Owners who need the exact feature set (catering, fraud protection, POS integrations) ChowNow bundles and prefer its ecosystem.
Common follow-up questions
Does ChowNow charge commission?
No. ChowNow takes 0% commission on your direct orders. You pay a flat monthly plan (about $229–$449), a one-time setup fee of roughly $119–$499, and card processing around 2.95% + $0.29.
How much is ChowNow's cheapest plan?
The Launch plan is about $229/month billed annually (around $249 month-to-month), plus a setup fee and payment processing. Higher tiers (Grow, Elevate) add more features and cost more.
Is there a cheaper alternative to ChowNow?
Yes. Menuthere also takes 0% commission but starts at $17/month (with a Free $0 plan), no setup fee, and a branded app at $99/month. Lite and Pro include a 14-day free trial.
Does ChowNow's branded app cost extra?
The branded app is included on higher ChowNow tiers, but you still pay Apple's $99/year developer fee to publish it on the App Store.
Read next
Sources (3)
- ChowNow pricing explained, Labrador AI, read 25 October 2026
- ChowNow vs Owner.com pricing and fees, Sauce, read 25 October 2026
- Menuthere pricing — 0% commission, from $17/mo, Menuthere, read 25 October 2026