How to Build Your Own HeyTaco
Replace HeyTaco with a custom build. Employee Recognition Software for Slack & Microsoft Teams
Build Difficulty: 5/5
Build a working replacement in a weekend with AI tools
Estimated Timeline
Based on 21 features at Weekend Project difficulty, expect about One weekend with AI-assisted development.
Recommended Tech Stack
Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components
PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions
Utility-first styling for rapid UI development
Type-safe ORM for complex relational data models
Key Features to Replicate
Top features across 8 categories. See all 21 features
Recognition(5 features)
Customizable daily taco limits that keep appreciation intentional and prevent recognition favoritism cliques
Everyone gets 5 tacos each day to recognize teammates directly in Slack or Microsoft Teams
Recognition appears in public Slack or Teams channels, making appreciation visible and reinforcing company values in real time
Connect recognition to company core values using hashtag-style tags so people live company values through everyday recognition
Put recognition at the center of your culture by broadcasting appreciation across screens so great work never goes unnoticed
Analytics(2 features)
Analytics and tracking tools to understand where recognition is thriving, where it's missing, and where teams may be at risk
Deep analytics and insights with recognition segmentation by department, geography, or team
Customization(2 features)
Customize Taco Shop and recognition experience with custom branding
Track up to 1 custom emoji in addition to tacos
Gamification(2 features)
Stickers, levels, and Tacotars to make recognition fun and engaging
Customizable leaderboards that celebrate team contributions and make appreciation momentum visible
Organization(2 features)
Segment recognition by department, geography, or team for targeted insights
Create recognition across unlimited teams, channels, and spaces
Rewards(2 features)
Send digital gift cards across 100+ countries with 2,000+ options including Amazon, Starbucks, and more
Create custom rewards that employees can redeem tacos for, including extra PTO, parking spots, lunch with CEO, charity donations, and team lunches
Support(2 features)
Bi-annual recognition program review with dedicated account manager
Dedicated account support to help customize, optimize, and scale recognition strategy
Assessment(1 features)
Free 6-question assessment to see how your team compares on recognition and appreciation with personalized tips to improve
Cost Calculator
Keep Paying HeyTaco
Build It Yourself
Total Cost Comparison
DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 21 features at very easy complexity.