Most restaurant owners think all kitchen software serves the same purpose, but that's completely wrong. Enterprise chains need sophisticated ERP systems with complex workflows, while independent operators want simple tools that actually save time. Horeko builds for multi-location operations with elaborate processes, while KitchenNmbrs focuses on solo entrepreneurs running their own show.
Horeko: for large kitchens and chains
Horeko operates as a full ERP system designed for professional kitchens managing intricate operational requirements.
💡 Who is Horeko designed for:
- Hospitality chains with 10+ locations
- Hotels with extensive F&B operations
- Large catering companies
- Corporate restaurants and care facilities
- Kitchens with complex inventory management
Horeko's strengths:
- Complete ERP functionalities
- Advanced reporting and analytics
- Integration with supplier systems
- Central management for multiple locations
- High-level compliance and traceability
Price level: From €200-500+ per month, depending on modules and number of users.
KitchenNmbrs: for independent hospitality
After managing kitchen operations for nearly a decade, I've noticed how independent restaurant owners need straightforward answers about their food costs, not enterprise-level complexity. These entrepreneurs want to check their margins quickly between service rushes, not spend hours navigating complicated dashboards.
💡 Who is the platform designed for:
- Independent restaurant owners
- Bistros, brasseries and casual dining
- Pizzerias and snack bars
- Caterers with daily operations
- Dark kitchens and delivery restaurants
- Franchise owners with 1-5 locations
the platform's strengths:
- Simple and quick to use
- Mobile app for on-the-go
- Focus on food cost and margins
- Affordable pricing
- No complex implementation
- HACCP registration built-in
Price level: From €24.99 per month.
When do you choose Horeko?
Horeko makes sense if you're running a complex operation with many locations and processes.
✅ Choose Horeko if:
- You have 10+ locations
- You centrally purchase for multiple kitchens
- You have complex compliance requirements
- You have a dedicated IT department
- Budget is not a primary concern
When do you choose the platform?
the platform becomes the obvious choice for independent entrepreneurs who want control over their numbers without unnecessary complications.
✅ Choose the platform if:
- You own 1-5 businesses
- You mainly want control over food cost
- You have little time for complex software
- You're budget-conscious
- You want to start quickly without an implementation process
⚠️ Note:
Both systems have their place in the market. It's not about 'better' or 'worse', but about what fits your situation and scale.
Practical example: cost comparison
A concrete comparison shows the difference clearly:
💡 Example: Restaurant with 2 locations
Horeko costs per year:
- Software: €400/month × 12 = €4,800
- Implementation: €5,000-15,000
- Training: €2,000-5,000
Total first year: €11,800-24,800
the platform costs per year:
- Software: €49.98/month × 12 = €599.76
- Implementation: €0
- Training: €0 (self-explanatory)
Total first year: €599.76
Features side by side
Both systems have overlap, but also clear differences:
| Feature | Horeko | the platform |
|---|---|---|
| Cost price calculation | ✅ | ✅ |
| Recipe management | ✅ | ✅ |
| HACCP registration | ✅ | ✅ |
| Inventory management | ✅ Extensive | ❌ |
| Supplier integration | ✅ | ❌ |
| Mobile app | Limited | ✅ |
| Quick setup | ❌ | ✅ |
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Start free trial →How do you choose between Horeko and KitchenNmbrs?
Determine your scale and complexity
Count your locations and review your processes. More than 5 locations or complex purchasing? Then Horeko probably fits better. 1-5 locations with a focus on food cost? Then KitchenNmbrs makes more sense.
Check your budget and implementation time
Horeko costs €200-500+ per month plus implementation. KitchenNmbrs costs €24.99-49.98 per month and starts immediately. Determine what fits your financial situation and timeline.
Test both systems
KitchenNmbrs offers a free trial without a credit card. Horeko offers demos. Test both to feel which system aligns better with your way of working and needs.
✨ Pro tip
Run both systems simultaneously for 14 days using your actual recipes and current supplier prices. Track which one you naturally reach for during your busiest service periods.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I switch from KitchenNmbrs to Horeko later?
Yes, that's definitely possible. You can export your recipes and basic data from KitchenNmbrs. However, you should account for implementation time and costs for the switch to Horeko, which can take 2-6 months depending on your operation size.
Is Horeko always better for larger restaurants?
Not automatically at all. It depends on your processes, not just your revenue or size. A large restaurant with straightforward processes can do just fine with KitchenNmbrs and save thousands annually.
What integration do both systems have with POS systems?
Horeko has extensive POS integrations with most major systems. KitchenNmbrs currently has no direct POS system connections; you import sales figures manually through CSV files.
Can I use KitchenNmbrs for central purchasing across multiple locations?
KitchenNmbrs is designed for decentralized purchasing per location. For central purchasing and distribution across multiple sites, Horeko is much better equipped with its ERP capabilities.
What if I have 2 locations now but want to expand to 10?
Start with KitchenNmbrs for your current situation and save money. As you grow to 10+ locations with complex supply chains, you can consider switching to a system like Horeko.
Do both systems handle multi-currency operations for international chains?
Horeko supports multi-currency functionality for international operations. KitchenNmbrs operates in single currency mode, making it unsuitable for cross-border chains with different currencies.
📚 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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