Your restaurant's size and complexity determine which system fits better. Horeko serves as a full ERP solution for larger hospitality operations, while mobile apps target independent owners with 1-5 locations. We'll break down both platforms so you can pick the right fit.
Horeko: For whom and why?
Horeko is a Dutch ERP solution built for professional hospitality businesses. The system delivers extensive functionality for companies looking to automate complex operational processes.
💡 Who is Horeko intended for:
- Hospitality chains with multiple locations
- Hotels with extensive F&B operations
- Companies with complex purchasing processes
- Organizations that want full ERP integration
Horeko's strengths:
- Extensive reporting and analytics
- Integrations with suppliers and POS systems
- Advanced inventory management features
- Multi-location support
- Dutch development and support
Mobile food cost apps: Simple and focused
Mobile food cost apps were specifically built for independent hospitality entrepreneurs who want control over their costs without complex systems. The focus stays on simplicity and quick results.
💡 Who are mobile apps intended for:
- Independent restaurant owners (1-5 locations)
- Bistros, casual eateries, pizzerias
- Entrepreneurs with limited time for administration
- Kitchens that mainly want control over cost prices
Mobile app strengths:
- Mobile app - always at hand
- Direct cost price calculation per dish
- HACCP registration integrated
- Affordable for small businesses
- Quick to learn and implement
Key differences
⚠️ Note:
Your choice depends on business size and complexity. A wrong choice costs time and money.
Scale and complexity:
- Horeko: Suitable for larger operations with complex processes
- Mobile apps: Perfect for smaller, independent businesses
Functionality:
- Horeko: Full ERP with purchasing, inventory, staff, finance
- Mobile apps: Focus on food cost, recipes and HACCP
Implementation:
- Horeko: Extensive implementation, training required
- Mobile apps: Ready to use immediately, intuitive interface
Cost comparison
Price differences are significant and relate directly to target group and functionality. Based on real restaurant P&L data, smaller operators typically see better ROI with focused mobile solutions.
💡 Price indication:
- Horeko: From €200+ per month (depending on modules)
- Mobile apps: From €24.99 per month
Note: Horeko prices vary significantly depending on configuration and number of users.
When do you choose Horeko?
Horeko makes more sense if you:
- Manage multiple locations (5+ locations)
- Have complex purchasing processes
- Need full ERP integration
- Have budget for implementation and training
- Have a dedicated administrative team
When do you choose a mobile app?
Mobile food cost apps make more sense if you:
- Have 1-5 of your own locations
- Mainly want control over food costs and margins
- Don't have time for complex systems
- Are budget-conscious
- Want to work mobile
💡 Example situation:
You have a bistro with 60 seats. You want to know what each dish costs and keep your HACCP records. You often work in the kitchen and want to check things quickly.
Then a mobile app is probably the better choice: easier, more affordable and faster results.
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Start free trial →How do you choose the right system? (step by step)
Determine your business size and complexity
Count your locations, employees and daily transactions. Do you have 1-3 locations with relatively simple processes? Then a mobile app is often sufficient. Do you have 5+ locations with complex purchasing? Then you may need a more comprehensive solution.
Make a list of your main pain points
Do you mainly want control over cost prices and food costs? Or do you also need extensive inventory management features? Focus on your 3 biggest pain points and check which system solves them best.
Calculate total costs
Don't just add up the monthly costs, but also implementation, training and time. A cheaper system that delivers faster can ultimately be more cost-effective than an expensive system that takes months to implement.
✨ Pro tip
Compare your monthly food costs over the last 90 days before choosing - if you're spending under €8,000 monthly on ingredients, a mobile solution typically delivers faster ROI. Horeko's complexity pays off at higher volume operations.
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Frequently asked questions
Can mobile food cost apps do everything Horeko can?
No, mobile apps are deliberately kept simpler. They focus on food cost, recipes and HACCP. For complex ERP functions like extensive inventory management systems and supplier integrations, Horeko offers more functionality.
Is Horeko too complex for a small business?
That depends on your needs. If you have 1-2 locations and mainly want control over cost prices, Horeko can indeed be overkill. The implementation time and costs often aren't proportional to the benefits for smaller operations.
Which works better for kitchen use?
Mobile apps were designed from the ground up for kitchen use. Horeko does have mobile features, but it's primarily a desktop system. For quick checks while cooking or prepping, mobile apps are much more convenient.
📚 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.
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