In the battle of Chowbus versus CAKE POS, both systems bring unique strengths to the table. Chowbus is particularly strong for Asian restaurants needing specialized POS, while CAKE POS excels at US restaurants wanting reliable support and Sysco integration. Whether you prioritize Asian restaurant expertise or Sysco partnership, this comparison covers everything you need to know.
Quick Comparison: Chowbus vs CAKE POS
| Feature | Chowbus | CAKE POS |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Restaurant | Restaurant |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $69/month |
| Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Target Business | Small Business to Mid-Market | Small Business to Mid-Market |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Free Version | No | No |
| Best For | Asian restaurants needing specialized POS | US restaurants wanting reliable support and Sysco integration |
Chowbus Overview
Chowbus POS is a restaurant management platform designed specifically for Asian restaurants. Features include multilingual support, online ordering integration, and specialized menu management for Asian cuisine.
Chowbus is offered by Chowbus Inc. (founded 2016) based in Chicago, IL. The system focuses on Asian Cuisine Restaurants.
Key Features:
- POS System
- Online Ordering
- Multilingual Support
- Menu Management
- Kitchen Display
- Payment Processing
CAKE POS Overview
CAKE POS is a restaurant point-of-sale system designed for operational efficiency. Features online ordering, QR payments, and 24/7/365 US-based support. Originally launched by Sysco in 2011, acquired by Mad Mobile in 2020.
CAKE POS is offered by CAKE (Mad Mobile/Sysco) (founded 2011) based in Austin, TX. The system focuses on Full Service, Quick Service, All Restaurant Types.
Key Features:
- POS System
- Online Ordering
- Menu Management
- QR Code Payments
- Payment Processing
- Table Management
Feature Comparison
Chowbus Features:
- POS System
- Online Ordering
- Multilingual Support
- Menu Management
- Kitchen Display
CAKE POS Features:
- POS System
- Online Ordering
- Menu Management
- QR Code Payments
- Payment Processing
When comparing features, Chowbus stands out with Asian restaurant expertise, while CAKE POS differentiates itself with Sysco partnership. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | Chowbus | CAKE POS |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $69/month |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Price Range | Mid-range | Mid-range |
| Free Trial | Not available | Not available |
| Free Version | No | No |
Both systems offer competitive pricing for their respective feature sets. Consider the total cost of ownership including hardware, processing fees, and add-on modules when making your decision.
Pros and Cons
Chowbus
Pros:
- Asian restaurant specialization
- Multilingual interface
- Online ordering integration
- Cultural understanding
Cons:
- Niche market focus
- Limited to certain cuisines
- Less mainstream support
CAKE POS
Pros:
- 24/7/365 US-based support
- Reduces wait times
- Increases table turnover
- Apple Pay/Google Pay support
Cons:
- Add-ons can be expensive
- Time tracking/scheduling extra
- US-only availability
Who Should Choose Chowbus?
Chowbus is ideal for Asian restaurants needing specialized POS. The system is particularly well-suited for Asian Cuisine Restaurants.
However, Chowbus may not be the best fit for Western cuisine restaurants.
Who Should Choose CAKE POS?
CAKE POS is ideal for US restaurants wanting reliable support and Sysco integration. The system is particularly well-suited for Full Service, Quick Service, All Restaurant Types.
However, CAKE POS may not be the best fit for International restaurants, those needing all features in base price.
Our Recommendation
Both Chowbus and CAKE POS are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Chowbus if you’re Asian restaurants needing specialized POS. Choose CAKE POS if you’re US restaurants wanting reliable support and Sysco integration. Chowbus has a higher user rating (4.2 vs 4.0). We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.