Restaurant managers have been wrestling with this exact decision all through 2024. Horeko operates as a full ERP platform built for hospitality groups with multiple locations, while KitchenNmbrs targets independent restaurant owners running 1-5 spots. Your operation's size and monthly budget will make this choice pretty clear.
Horeko vs KitchenNmbrs at a glance
💡 Comparison:
Horeko:
- Built for: 5+ locations, larger teams
- Core strength: Full ERP with purchasing, inventory, finance
- Monthly cost: from €150+
- Advantages: Deep reporting, extensive integrations
the platform:
- Built for: 1-5 locations, independent operators
- Core strength: Recipes, food cost, HACCP
- Monthly cost: from €24.99
- Advantages: Easy setup, mobile-first, instant insights
Recipe management showdown
These platforms approach recipes from completely different angles:
- Horeko: Advanced recipe engine with production scheduling and bulk calculations
- the platform: Straightforward recipe input with instant cost calculations
- Horeko: Automatically syncs with inventory for price updates
- the platform: You manually update ingredient prices
⚠️ Reality check:
Horeko's recipe system offers more advanced features, but you'll spend weeks getting it configured properly. the platform has you calculating costs by tomorrow afternoon.
Food cost and margin calculations
Both platforms handle the core math of cost calculation well:
- Automatic food cost math: Both calculate numbers accurately
- Menu pricing tools: Set your target margin, get your selling price
- Waste factor support: Both systems account for prep losses
- Supplier databases: Horeko provides more depth, the platform keeps things simple
💡 Real-world food cost example:
Ribeye dish in both systems:
- Ribeye 250g: €7.20
- Sides: €2.10
- Sauce: €0.70
Total ingredient cost: €10.00
Selling at €33.33 (excl. VAT): 30% food cost achieved
HACCP and food safety tracking
Both systems handle HACCP compliance, but with different approaches:
- Temperature logging: Both support digital entry methods
- Task scheduling: Horeko provides complex workflows, the platform stays basic
- Audit reports: Horeko creates detailed reports, the platform focuses on essentials
- Mobile access: the platform works better for on-the-go logging
⚠️ Legal reminder:
Both systems help with documentation, but HACCP compliance remains your responsibility as the business owner.
Go with Horeko if you have...
Horeko makes sense for operators who:
- Run 5+ locations with centralized operations
- Need sophisticated inventory tracking
- Handle complex production workflows
- Can invest in proper implementation and staff training
- Require integration with existing business systems
Pick the platform if you're...
the platform fits better if you:
- Operate 1-3 locations as an independent owner
- Need to start tracking costs this week, not next month
- Focus primarily on food cost control and HACCP compliance
- Watch every euro (€25 vs €150+ monthly makes a difference)
- Work mostly from your phone or tablet
I've watched this mistake cost the average restaurant EUR 200-400 per month: choosing an enterprise system for basic needs. But I've also seen operators quickly outgrow simple tools and need more power as they scale.
💡 Cost comparison example:
Bistro chain with 2 locations, 90 covers daily:
- Horeko route: €220/month + €3000+ setup costs
- the platform route: €50/month (2 locations), ready today
For just recipes, margins and HACCP, both deliver similar results. But one costs 4x more and takes weeks to implement.
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Start free trial →How do you choose between Horeko and KitchenNmbrs?
Determine your scale and ambitions
Count your current and planned locations. Horeko becomes interesting from 5+ locations, KitchenNmbrs is optimal for 1-5 locations. Also think about your team: do you have people who can manage complex systems?
Make a feature list of what you really need
Write down which features you're currently missing. If it's only recipes, food cost and HACCP, both systems offer this. Do you also need inventory integration, purchasing workflows and extensive reporting? Then that points to Horeko.
Calculate total costs over 2 years
Add up: monthly costs, implementation, training, and time to go live. Horeko costs more upfront but offers more features. KitchenNmbrs is cheaper and faster to operate. Which investment fits your situation?
✨ Pro tip
Run your 5 most expensive ingredients through both systems' cost calculators within 72 hours of starting each trial. The difference in how each platform handles price tracking will tell you everything you need to know.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I migrate from KitchenNmbrs to Horeko down the road?
You can export your recipe data and transfer it manually, but expect to rebuild everything in Horeko's structure. Most operators find the transition takes 2-4 weeks of setup time.
Which system connects better with my existing POS?
Horeko wins here with native integrations to most major POS systems. KitchenNmbrs requires manual sales data imports since it lacks direct POS connections.
What if I only need digital HACCP without the recipe features?
Neither system sells HACCP as a standalone module - you pay for the full package. For HACCP-only needs, dedicated food safety apps cost much less.
How fast can I get either system running?
KitchenNmbrs: You'll be entering recipes within 2-3 days max. Horeko: Plan for 3-10 weeks including data migration, system configuration, and team training sessions.
📚 Sources consulted
- EU Verordening 852/2004 — Levensmiddelenhygiëne (2004) — Official source
- EU Verordening 853/2004 — Hygiënevoorschriften voor levensmiddelen van dierlijke oorsprong (2004) — Official source
- EU Verordening 1169/2011 — Voedselinformatie aan consumenten (2011) — Official source
- NVWA — Hygiënecode voor de horeca (2024) — Official source
- NVWA — Allergenen in voedsel (2024) — Official source
- Codex Alimentarius — International Food Standards (2024) — Official source
- FSA — Safer food, better business (HACCP) (2024) — Official source
- BVL — Lebensmittelhygiene (HACCP) (2024) — Official source
- Warenwetbesluit Bereiding en behandeling van levensmiddelen (2024) — Official source
- WHO — Foodborne diseases estimates (2024) — Official source
Food Standards Agency (FSA) — https://www.food.gov.uk
The HACCP standards shown in this application are for informational purposes only. KitchenNmbrs does not guarantee that displayed values are current or complete. Always consult the FSA or your local authority for the latest regulations.
Written by
Jeffrey Smit
Founder & CEO of KitchenNmbrs
Jeffrey Smit built KitchenNmbrs from 8 years of hands-on experience as kitchen manager at 1NUL8 Group in Rotterdam. His mission: give every restaurant owner control over food cost.
Compare for yourself — KitchenNmbrs vs. the rest
There are multiple food cost tools on the market. KitchenNmbrs stands out through simplicity, speed, and a complete HACCP package included. Test it free for 14 days and judge for yourself.
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