Why does ChowNow make me pay Apple's $99/year developer fee on top of subscription?

ChowNow's branded app model requires the restaurant to maintain its own Apple Developer account, which runs $99/year. Munch handles the Apple developer account on your behalf and publishes your branded app at no extra charge, that fee never lands on your statement.

Is ChowNow really $119/month, or does it climb to $499 with the features I need?

ChowNow's entry tier starts around $119/month, but the branded app, marketing tools, and full ordering features push most restaurants into the $199-$499/month range, plus the $119-$499 setup fee. Munch is free at every tier, with everything bundled.

Does ChowNow help me show up in ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini recommendations?

No. ChowNow doesn't offer AI visibility tracking. Munch tracks how often ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini are recommending your restaurant, shows you the queries that surface you (and the queries that surface your competitors instead), and gives you a prioritized fix list.

Does Munch charge commissions like third-party delivery apps?

No. Munch never takes a cut of your sales. You keep 100% of every check, same zero-commission promise as ChowNow's direct ordering, but without the subscription, setup fee, or Apple developer fee.

Can I import my ChowNow menu and customer list into Munch?

Yes. Our team helps every restaurant migrating from ChowNow import their menu, modifiers, photos, and customer list at no cost. Pull your data while your ChowNow account is still active so nothing is lost.

How long does it take to switch from ChowNow to Munch?

Most independent restaurants are fully live on Munch within a week. The free account is ready in 90 seconds, and our team handles menu imports, branded app publishing, and Google Business Profile connection in parallel.

Does Munch integrate with my POS like ChowNow does?

Yes. Munch integrates directly with the POS systems independent restaurants actually run. If you're on ChowNow today and worried about losing your POS link, our migration team checks compatibility before you switch.

Do I need a credit card to try Munch?

No. Munch is free to start, no card, no contracts, no setup fees, and no commissions. You can move your menu, your storefront, and your customer list over before deciding whether to enable any paid add-ons.

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The ChowNow alternative with no setup fee, no Apple developer charge, and AI visibility built in.

ChowNow charges $119-$499/month, plus a $119-$499 onboarding fee, plus $99/year for the Apple developer account that runs your branded app. Munch is free forever, zero subscription, zero setup, and we publish your branded app under your developer account at no extra charge. You also get Google Business Profile automation and AI visibility tracking that ChowNow doesn't offer at any tier.

Switch to Munch. It's free Talk to our migration team

Free forever · $0 setup · No Apple developer fee passed to you

Munch vs ChowNow

Everything ChowNow bills monthly, included free in Munch.

ChowNow's free-to-the-restaurant pitch only holds if you ignore the subscription, the setup fee, and the Apple developer fee. Munch is actually free, with the AI tools that decide who guests find next.

Feature	Munch	ChowNow
Monthly subscription	$0, free forever	$119-$499/month across tiers
Setup / onboarding fee	$0	$119-$499 one-time
Apple developer fee for branded app	Included. Munch handles the developer account	$99/year passed back to the restaurant
Commissions per order	0%, you keep 100% of every check	0% on direct orders
Payment processing	Apple Pay, Google Pay, and saved cards built-in	2.95% + $0.29 per order standard
Restaurant website	Drag-and-drop website builder included free	Not included, bring your own
Google Business Profile management	Hours, photos, posts, and reviews on autopilot	Not offered
AI visibility (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini)	Live tracking and prioritized fix list	Not offered
AI assistant for your restaurant data	Plain-English Q&A across menus, sales, and guests	Not offered
Contract length	Month-to-month, cancel anytime	Annual subscription standard

Why restaurants switch to Munch

Why independents are leaving ChowNow for Munch.

Online Ordering

Every order type, on one menu, with zero commission.

Learn more Website Builder

A restaurant website that AI can actually read.

Learn more AI Visibility

Get recommended when guests ask ChatGPT.

Learn more Google Business Profile

Your Google profile, on autopilot.

Learn more Email Marketing

Emails your guests actually open.

Learn more Loyalty

Turn first-timers into regulars.

Learn more

Migration playbook

How to switch from ChowNow to Munch.

Most restaurants are fully live on Munch within a week. Keep ChowNow running during the cutover, your guests never see a hiccup.

01
Create your free Munch account
Sign up in 90 seconds, no card, no setup fee, no contract. You can run Munch alongside ChowNow while you transition.
02
Rebuild your branded app under your own developer account
ChowNow doesn't transfer its branded app, but Munch publishes a fresh branded app on the App Store and Google Play under your developer account, and we cover the setup. No $99/year developer fee passed back to you.
03
Import your menu and connect your website
Our team brings over items, modifiers, photos, and pricing at no cost. Replace your ChowNow ordering widget with the Munch one, or use the Munch website builder for a full new storefront.
04
Export your guest list and reorder data before renewal
Pull your ChowNow customer list and reorder history while your account is still active. Import into Munch so loyalty, winbacks, and email marketing pick up where you left off.
05
Switch your traffic over
Update your menu links, social bios, and QR codes to point to your new Munch storefront. Cancel your ChowNow subscription at the end of your current term, that's $1,400+/year back in your pocket.

ChowNow FAQ

Common questions about leaving ChowNow.

Stop paying ChowNow $1,400+ a year for what Munch gives you free.

Set up your free Munch account in 90 seconds. We'll cover the Apple developer fee, rebuild your branded app, and import your guest list, at no cost.

Start now. It's free Talk to our migration team

The ChowNow alternative with no setup fee, no Apple developer charge, and AI visibility built in.

Everything ChowNow bills monthly, included free in Munch.

Why independents are leaving ChowNow for Munch.

How to switch from ChowNow to Munch.

Create your free Munch account

Rebuild your branded app under your own developer account

Import your menu and connect your website

Export your guest list and reorder data before renewal

Switch your traffic over

Common questions about leaving ChowNow.

Stop paying ChowNow $1,400+ a year for what Munch gives you free.