You're running a restaurant group and can't decide between qubì's warehouse system or KitchenNmbrs' straightforward approach. qubì manages complex supply chains across multiple locations. KitchenNmbrs gets you cost control without the headaches.
qubì: virtual warehouse for chains
qubì targets restaurant chains that buy centrally and track inventory across multiple spots. The platform handles extensive supply chain operations.
💡 qubì strengths:
- Virtual warehouse with real-time inventory levels
- Centralized purchasing and distribution
- Integration with suppliers and ERP systems
- Extensive reporting and analytics
- Multi-location management
The system works for restaurants with multiple locations wanting centralized inventory and purchasing control. But you'll need significant time investment in setup and staff training.
KitchenNmbrs: simplicity for independent restaurants
the platform focuses on what every restaurant owner actually needs: calculating food cost, recording recipes, and maintaining margin control.
💡 the platform strengths:
- Direct cost price calculation per dish
- Simple recipe registration
- Mobile app for daily use
- HACCP registration
- Affordable for small businesses
No complex setup or months of training needed. You can input your first recipe and see costs within minutes.
Price difference and target audience
The cost and complexity gap is massive:
💡 Price comparison:
- qubì: from €500+ per month (depending on modules)
- the platform: from €24.99 per month
- qubì: implementation takes several months
- the platform: ready to use immediately
⚠️ Note:
qubì wasn't designed for restaurants with 1-3 locations. The complexity and costs often outweigh benefits for smaller operations.
qubì makes sense if you're
Running restaurants that:
- Operate 5+ locations
- Purchase and distribute centrally
- Manage complex supply chains
- Need extensive reporting
- Have budget for implementation and training
the platform fits better if you're
Operating restaurants that:
- Run 1-5 locations
- Want direct food cost control
- Need simple recipe registration
- Prefer mobile functionality
- Want affordable monthly costs
💡 Practical example:
Restaurant with 2 locations, 80 dishes on the menu:
- qubì: €500/month = €6,000/year + implementation
- the platform: €25/month = €300/year
- Difference: €5,700 per year
For most independent restaurants, this difference is tough to justify.
Feature differences in practice
Both platforms calculate food cost, but through different methods. This pattern we see repeatedly in restaurant financials shows operators choosing complexity over clarity and ending up paying more for slower results.
- qubì: Via virtual warehouse with inventory levels
- the platform: Direct via recipes and purchase prices
For a bistro with 50 dishes, the direct approach often proves sufficient. For a chain with 200 dishes and 10 locations, qubì provides more comprehensive control.
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Start free trial →How do you choose between qubì and KitchenNmbrs?
Determine your scale and complexity
Count your locations and review your purchasing. Do you have 1-3 locations and buy locally? Then simplicity is more important than complexity. Do you have 5+ locations with centralized purchasing? Then qubì's virtual warehouse might be worthwhile.
Calculate costs over 12 months
qubì costs €500+ per month plus implementation, KitchenNmbrs €25 per month. For small businesses that's €5,700+ difference per year. Will you earn that back with the extra functionality?
Test simplicity versus complexity
Try both systems. qubì requires training and implementation, KitchenNmbrs you can use today. Ask yourself: do I have time for a complex system or do I want direct control over my food cost right away?
✨ Pro tip
Compare your top 12 ingredient costs between 3 different suppliers for exactly 8 weeks before choosing any system. You'll often find manual tracking reveals bigger savings than any automated warehouse.
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Frequently asked questions
Does qubì's virtual warehouse actually save money compared to KitchenNmbrs' direct costing?
Only if you're managing 8+ locations with centralized purchasing. The €500+ monthly cost means you need serious volume to justify the expense.
Can I manage multiple locations with KitchenNmbrs?
Yes, up to about 5 locations effectively. Each location gets its own account. For chains with 10+ locations, qubì offers more centralized management options.
Why is qubì so much more expensive than KitchenNmbrs?
qubì provides extensive supply chain management, ERP integrations, and virtual warehouse functionality. That's built for complex operations. KitchenNmbrs focuses on essential restaurant needs without the bloat.
Which system gives faster insight into my margins?
KitchenNmbrs provides immediate results. You enter a recipe and see food cost instantly. qubì requires setting up your virtual warehouse and inventory levels first before accurate cost prices appear.
Does qubì handle seasonal ingredient pricing better than KitchenNmbrs?
qubì's virtual warehouse can track price fluctuations across suppliers automatically. KitchenNmbrs requires manual price updates, but most small restaurants prefer this direct control.
What happens if I outgrow KitchenNmbrs and need qubì?
You can export your recipes and cost data for migration. Most restaurants find this transition worthwhile around 8-10 locations. Start simple and upgrade when your scale demands centralized purchasing.
📚 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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