Choosing between Par Brink and ChowNow? Both are leading point of sale systems with unique strengths. This comprehensive 2025 comparison breaks down pricing, features, pros/cons, and real-world use cases to help you make the right decision for your business.
Par Brink: $99/mo | 4.2/5 rating | Best for QSR & Fast Casual Chains
ChowNow: $149/mo | 4.4/5 rating | Best for Restaurant Online Ordering
Par Brink vs ChowNow: Quick Summary
| Feature | Par Brink | ChowNow |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $99/mo | $149/mo |
| Best For | QSR & Fast Casual Chains | Restaurant Online Ordering |
| Industry | Restaurant | Online Ordering |
| Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Key Strength | Built for QSR | Commission-free |
Par Brink Overview
Price: $99/mo | Rating: 4.2/5 | Best For: QSR & Fast Casual Chains
Par Brink is a Restaurant POS system designed specifically for QSR & Fast Casual Chains. Key benefits include: Built for QSR.
- Enterprise POS
- Drive-thru management
- Labor management
- Back office
- Loyalty
- Online ordering
ChowNow Overview
Price: $149/mo | Rating: 4.4/5 | Best For: Restaurant Online Ordering
ChowNow is a Online Ordering POS system designed specifically for Restaurant Online Ordering. Key benefits include: Commission-free.
- Branded ordering
- Mobile apps
- Marketing
- POS integrations
- Analytics
- Customer data
Pros & Cons Comparison
Par Brink Pros
- ✅ Built for QSR
- ✅ Scalable
- ✅ Strong enterprise features
Par Brink Cons
- ❌ Enterprise pricing
- ❌ Complex setup
ChowNow Pros
- ✅ Commission-free
- ✅ Branded experience
- ✅ Customer ownership
ChowNow Cons
- ❌ Higher monthly fee
- ❌ No delivery logistics
The Verdict: Par Brink vs ChowNow
Choose Par Brink if you’re looking for a solution optimized for QSR & Fast Casual Chains and value Built for QSR.
Choose ChowNow if your business focuses on Restaurant Online Ordering and you prioritize Commission-free.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Let’s dive deeper into how Par Brink and ChowNow compare across key features that matter most to Restaurant businesses.
| Feature | Par Brink | ChowNow |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Good | Good |
| Hardware Options | Required | Required |
| Target Business Size | Small Business | Mid-Market |
| Contract Required | Month-to-month available | Month-to-month available |
Who Should Choose Par Brink?
Par Brink is the ideal choice for:
- QSR & Fast Casual Chains who need specialized features
- Businesses that prioritize Built for QSR
- Those who value Scalable
- Companies with budget around $99/mo per month
Who Should Choose ChowNow?
ChowNow is the ideal choice for:
- Restaurant Online Ordering who need specialized features
- Businesses that prioritize Commission-free
- Those who value Branded experience
- Companies with budget around $149/mo per month
Real-World Use Cases
Par Brink vs ChowNow for Small Businesses
For small businesses with limited budgets, Par Brink ($99/mo) offers better value while still providing essential features like Enterprise POS and Drive-thru management.
Par Brink vs ChowNow for Multi-Location Businesses
Multi-location businesses should consider scalability and centralized management. Both systems can scale to multiple locations with proper setup. Request a demo to see how each handles multi-store reporting and inventory sync.
Par Brink vs ChowNow for High-Volume Operations
High-volume operations need reliable, fast POS systems. ChowNow (rated 4.4/5) has proven reliability for busy Online Ordering environments, especially for Restaurant Online Ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Par Brink or ChowNow?
The better choice depends on your specific needs. Par Brink (rated 4.2/5) excels for QSR & Fast Casual Chains, while ChowNow (rated 4.4/5) is optimized for Restaurant Online Ordering. Consider your industry, budget, and required features when deciding.
How much does Par Brink cost compared to ChowNow?
Par Brink starts at $99/mo, while ChowNow starts at $149/mo. Both may have additional costs for hardware, payment processing, and add-on features. Request a custom quote for accurate pricing based on your business needs.
Can I switch from Par Brink to ChowNow?
Yes, switching POS systems is possible. Most providers offer data migration assistance and training. Consider contract terms, hardware compatibility, and staff training time when planning a switch.
What integrations do these POS systems offer?
Both systems offer integrations with accounting software, e-commerce platforms, and third-party apps. Par Brink features Enterprise POS, Drive-thru management, Labor management. ChowNow offers Branded ordering, Mobile apps, Marketing.
Get a Free Quote
Still not sure which POS system is right for your business? Our experts can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs, budget, and growth plans.
Last updated: December 2025. Pricing and features subject to change.