POS Comparisons

Chowbus vs Popmenu: Which POS Is Better? (2025)

By Mauricio • Oct 29, 2025 • 3 min read

In the battle of Chowbus versus Popmenu, both systems bring unique strengths to the table. Chowbus is particularly strong for Asian restaurants needing specialized POS, while Popmenu excels at Restaurants wanting to boost online presence and reduce third-party fees. Whether you prioritize Asian restaurant expertise or AI-powered phone ordering, this comparison covers everything you need to know.

Quick Comparison: Chowbus vs Popmenu

FeatureChowbusPopmenu
CategoryRestaurantRestaurant
Starting PriceContact for pricingContact for pricing
Rating4.2/54.4/5
Target BusinessSmall Business to Mid-MarketSmall Business to Mid-Market
Pricing ModelSubscriptionSubscription
Free TrialNoNo
Free VersionNoNo
Best ForAsian restaurants needing specialized POSRestaurants wanting to boost online presence and reduce third-party fees

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.

Looking for a POS system? Get free quotes from top vendors

Key Features:

  • POS System
  • Online Ordering
  • Multilingual Support
  • Menu Management
  • Kitchen Display
  • Payment Processing

Popmenu Overview

Popmenu is a restaurant technology platform combining digital marketing, online ordering, and on-premise technologies with AI automation. Serving 10,000+ restaurants in the US, UK, and Canada with interactive menus, website design, and marketing tools.

Popmenu is offered by Popmenu (founded 2016) based in Atlanta, GA. The system focuses on Full Service, Casual Dining, Fine Dining.

Key Features:

  • Interactive Menus
  • Online Ordering
  • Website Design
  • AI Phone Answering
  • Email Marketing
  • Loyalty Programs

Feature Comparison

Chowbus Features:

  • POS System
  • Online Ordering
  • Multilingual Support
  • Menu Management
  • Kitchen Display

Popmenu Features:

New to POS Systems?

Start with our quick guide for business owners

Get Started
Free, no obligation 100% secure 12,847+ matched

  • Interactive Menus
  • Online Ordering
  • Website Design
  • AI Phone Answering
  • Email Marketing

When comparing features, Chowbus stands out with Asian restaurant expertise, while Popmenu differentiates itself with AI-powered phone ordering. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.

Pricing Comparison

Pricing AspectChowbusPopmenu
Starting PriceContact for pricingContact for pricing
Pricing ModelSubscriptionSubscription
Price RangeMid-rangeMid-range to Premium
Free TrialNot availableNot available
Free VersionNoNo

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

Popmenu

Pros:

  • AI fields calls 24/7
  • Helps rank high on Google
  • No third-party fees on direct orders
  • Beautiful interactive menus

Cons:

  • Custom pricing requires sales call
  • May be overkill for small operations
  • Learning curve for all features

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 Popmenu?

Popmenu is ideal for Restaurants wanting to boost online presence and reduce third-party fees. The system is particularly well-suited for Full Service, Casual Dining, Fine Dining.

However, Popmenu may not be the best fit for Restaurants not focused on digital marketing.

Our Recommendation

Both Chowbus and Popmenu are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Chowbus if you’re Asian restaurants needing specialized POS. Choose Popmenu if you’re Restaurants wanting to boost online presence and reduce third-party fees. Popmenu has a higher user rating (4.4 vs 4.2). We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.

[posadvice_lead_form title=”Get Custom POS Quotes” description=”Compare pricing from top POS providers for your business”]

S
Written by

Sarah Martinez

Restaurant Technology Editor
Verified Expert

Sarah Martinez is a Restaurant Technology Editor with 8 years of experience covering the hospitality industry. She has interviewed hundreds of restaurant owners and published extensive research on POS adoption trends. Sarah previously served as Senior Editor at Restaurant Business Magazine and is a regular speaker at the National Restaurant Association Show.

Former Senior Editor, Restaurant Business MagazineNRA Show Speaker (2021-2024)Published in Nation's Restaurant News
Expertise:
Restaurant TechnologyFood Service OperationsPOS Pricing AnalysisIndustry Trends