Pros
We really do come to work every day wanting to help local restaurants thrive. The mission is at the forefront of everything we do and I think that all departments have clear insight into what role they play in reaching our goals. Especially after the last year, I am so proud of how many restaurants we were able to keep open, when a commission-based platform would have shuttered them. Employees tend to stay here much longer than at other startups I’ve been at, and it’s not uncommon to see people changing departments to find where their strengths are best put to use. I have also seen employees leave to pursue other opportunities but then return to working at ChowNow, because the culture is that good. In my department, I have felt empowered to explore other interests that may not even relate to my current role, because we are encouraged to raise our hands and stay curious. I believe that our exec level has made smart long-term decisions with every round of investment, rather than getting distracted by trends or flash. Some other reviews have mentioned the CEO bringing politics into the workplace; I appreciate that I work for a company that takes an active, vocal role in uplifting and protecting women, minorities, and marginalized communities. Being a good human shouldn't be political.
Cons
Client-facing teams take a beating sometimes-- especially with the stress of the pandemic--and I wish that we had gotten more financial recognition for the extra work that was put in during this time. We have a great product that most restaurants love, but I wish that we had developed certain features much faster to keep up with the pandemic and other competitors. However, I hope to see this changing soon with the recent hiring of key execs.