A frustrated customer walks out because the wait for a table is too long, while you're overwhelmed staff struggles with a clunky POS system that takes ages to process orders. Sound familiar?
In the chaotic market of restaurants, efficiency is key. Imagine seamlessly managing orders, inventory, and customer payments with just a few taps on a screen. This isn't just a dream—it's the reality brought to life by modern restaurant POS systems.
Did you know that restaurants using advanced POS systems see an average increase in revenue of 20%? In an industry where margins can be razor-thin, this technological boost is transformative.
It is 2024; ditch the pen and paper – the perfect POS system can simplify your restaurant's operations and fuel success. In this guide, we’ll explore the best POS system for restaurants for 2024, highlighting their features, pricing, and best use cases to help you make an informed decision.
What is Restaurant POS Software?
Restaurant POS software acts like a digital manager for your restaurant, automating many functions to streamline the order-taking and serving process. It ensures accurate order entry, calculates bills, and generates detailed invoices, supporting various payment methods to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Also, if you're considering starting a new business or expanding an existing one, businesses like Kouzina can help organize and operate new franchises smoothly.
This list of the top 10 POS will assist you in finding the best software for your demands and budget.
Toast
Best for: Restaurants seeking comprehensive restaurant management features alongside payroll and scheduling integration.
Toast POS stands out as an all-in-one restaurant management solution designed to cater to various needs, from front-of-house operations to back-end administrative tasks.
It's particularly noted for its seamless integration of payroll and scheduling, which simplifies workforce management and ensures staff efficiency. This system is ideal for full-service restaurants looking for a comprehensive management tool.
Pros:
Feature-Rich: Toast boasts a robust suite of features that empowers you to manage every aspect of your restaurant's operations. Here's a closer look:
Menu Management: Create and customize menus with ease, including descriptive items, variants, images, and custom modifiers to accommodate dietary restrictions or special requests.
Inventory Management: Track ingredient levels, manage recipe costs, and set up automated reorder points to avoid stockouts and optimize inventory expenditure.
Extensive Reporting Capabilities: Gain valuable insights into your restaurant's performance with detailed sales reports, labor cost analysis, and customer behavior tracking. Use this data to make informed decisions about menu pricing, staff scheduling, and marketing campaigns.
Payroll & Scheduling Integration: Toast seamlessly integrates payroll and scheduling, simplifying human resource management for restaurants. Say goodbye to manual processes and errors. Manage employee information, schedules, timesheets, and payroll directly within the Toast platform.
Cons:
Limited Hardware Support: Toast primarily operates on Android tablets, lacking iOS compatibility for those who prefer Apple devices. Evaluate your restaurant's needs and staff familiarity with operating systems before making a decision.
No Integrated Payment Processing: While Toast offers robust features, it doesn't include integrated payment processing. You'll need to factor in the cost of a separate payment processor and ensure compatibility with the Toast system.
Pricing: Toast offers tiered pricing based on service levels, typically ranging from $120 to $300 per month. Each tier unlocks additional functionalities tailored to the specific needs of your restaurant.
Square
Best for: Single-location restaurants and businesses valuing hardware flexibility and insightful analytics.
Square POS is renowned for its versatility and ease of use, making it a popular choice for small to medium-sized restaurants and food businesses. It supports a varied range of hardware options, from tablets to dedicated POS terminals, providing flexibility for different business setups.
Pros:
Hardware Flexibility: Square offers a wide range of payment processing hardware options to suit diverse restaurant layouts and needs.
Data-Driven Insights: Square provides comprehensive analytics to help restaurants understand customer behavior and optimize operations. Gain insights into your most popular menu items, peak sales hours, and customer spending habits.
Cons:
Additional Feature Costs: Square POS offers a free basic plan that includes essential functionalities like transaction processing and inventory management. However, advanced features like table management, loyalty programs, and gift card management often incur extra charges.
Higher Keyed-in Transaction Fees: Manually entered transactions, such as those taken over the phone or at tableside, may carry higher processing fees compared to swiped transactions.
Pricing: Square POS is free to start, making it an attractive option for new restaurants or those on a tight budget. Paid subscriptions for advanced features typically range from $60 to $120 per month. Square offers transparent pricing with clear breakdowns of feature costs on their website.
Clover
Best for: Restaurants prioritizing professional-grade hardware and a high degree of customization.
Clover POS is highly regarded for its professional-grade hardware and extensive customization options. It offers a wide range of hardware choices, including countertop terminals, handheld devices, and mobile card readers, making it suitable for various types of restaurants.
Pros:
Hardware Variety: Clover offers a wide range of hardware options, including sleek countertop systems with integrated receipt printers and cash drawers, mobile devices for tableside ordering, and even self-service kiosks.
App Marketplace: The Clover App Market provides access to a plethora of third-party applications that extend the functionalities of the Clover POS system. You can find apps for loyalty programs, online ordering, kitchen display systems, and more.
Cons:
Cost for Additional Features: While Clover offers a robust base system, unlocking the full potential often requires purchasing additional features from the App Market. These add-on costs can quickly add up, so it's important to carefully evaluate the apps you need and factor in their associated costs before making a decision.
Pricing: Clover plans start at $105 per month, with free trial options available. This base plan includes essential functionalities like transaction processing and inventory management.
SpotOn
Best for: Restaurants needing a system strong in employee management and customer engagement tools.
SpotOn POS is designed to enhance employee management and customer engagement through its customizable POS options and robust labor management tools. It's particularly suitable for restaurants that prioritize staff performance and customer retention, offering features that streamline operations and improve the overall dining experience.
Pros:
Customizable POS: SpotOn offers customizable POS interfaces to tailor the system to specific restaurant workflows.
Solid Labor Management: SpotOn includes features to streamline employee management, such as scheduling, time tracking, and payroll processing. This can save restaurants significant time and effort compared to manual processes.
Cons:
Extra Charges for Features (Continued): Many valuable features like loyalty programs, online ordering, and advanced inventory management come at an additional cost on top of the base SpotOn POS plan. Carefully evaluate the features you need and weigh the cost against the potential benefits for your restaurant before upgrading your plan.
Pricing: SpotOn offers a free version with limited features, ideal for testing the system before committing. Full hardware and software packages start around $135 per month with varying tiers based on functionalities. Each tier unlocks additional features like loyalty programs, online ordering, and more in-depth inventory management tools.
Lightspeed Restaurant
Best for: Restaurants focused on customer retention and streamlined inventory management.
Lightspeed Restaurant POS is a robust system that excels in customer loyalty and inventory management. It is a popular choice for restaurants looking to enhance customer retention and streamline inventory processes. It offers a lots of features designed to improve operational efficiency & provide a seamless dining experience.
Pros:
Customer Loyalty Tools: Lightspeed Restaurant provides robust features to cultivate customer loyalty through targeted marketing campaigns and loyalty programs. These tools can help restaurants increase repeat business and boost customer lifetime value.
Straightforward Pricing: Lightspeed Restaurant offers transparent pricing with all functionalities included in the base package. This can be advantageous for restaurants that want a predictable monthly cost and avoid surprise charges for essential features. You know exactly what you're paying for upfront.
Cons:
Barcode Reliance: Lightspeed's inventory management system works best with barcoded items. If your restaurant uses a lot of fresh, un-barcoded ingredients, Lightspeed might not be the ideal choice. Consider the inventory management needs of your restaurant before making a decision.
Pricing: Lightspeed Restaurant starts at $69 per month and includes a comprehensive menu and table management functionalities. This transparent pricing pattern makes it easy for restaurants to budget for their POS system.
Best for: Restaurants prioritizing ease of use, particularly for iPad-based systems, and needing a built-in reservation system.
TouchBistro is a user-friendly POS system designed specifically for the restaurant industry. It provides an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate, making it ideal for restaurants seeking a straightforward solution. TouchBistro includes a built-in reservations system, which helps manage bookings and streamline the customer experience.
Pros:
User-Friendly Interface: TouchBistro boasts a user-friendly interface optimized for use on iPads. The intuitive layout & clear icons make it easy for staff to learn the system quickly, minimizing training time and ensuring smooth operations. This is ideal for restaurants that prefer a tablet-based POS system.
Built-in Reservation System: TouchBistro includes a built-in reservation system, eliminating the need for a separate solution. Manage reservations online or in-person, track seating availability, and even accept deposits to secure reservations.
Cons:
Limited Integrations (Continued): TouchBistro has a somewhat limited app marketplace compared to some competitors. This may limit your ability to integrate with third-party services like accounting software or online ordering platforms. Evaluate your integration needs before deciding if TouchBistro offers the necessary connections for your restaurant.
High Costs for Robust Features: While TouchBistro offers a user-friendly base plan, unlocking the full potential often requires purchasing additional features and add-on modules. These can include advanced inventory management tools, loyalty programs, and kitchen display systems.
Pricing: TouchBistro offers various service levels, with pricing starting at around $79 per month for the basic plan. This plan includes essential functionalities like order taking, payment processing, and basic reporting. However, features like inventory management, loyalty programs, and advanced reporting often incur additional costs.
SkyTab
Best for: Chains and franchises with strong delivery integrations and a focus on tableside ordering.
SkyTab POS is designed for larger operations, such as chains and franchises, offering robust features that support efficient management and customer service. The system excels in delivery integrations, making it ideal for restaurants with significant delivery operations.
Pros:
Tableside Ordering: SkyTab excels in tableside ordering functionalities. The system allows waitpersons to take orders directly at tables using mobile devices, improving efficiency and customer satisfaction. This can be particularly beneficial for restaurants with large menus or complex customization options.
Solid Labor Management: SkyTab offers features to streamline labor management, including scheduling, time tracking, and employee performance tracking. These tools can help restaurants optimize staffing levels, reduce labor costs, and identify opportunities for improved employee performance.
Cons:
Order Modifying Needs Improvement: While SkyTab boasts strong tableside ordering functionalities, the ability to modify orders once submitted could be improved. Ensure the system allows for easy order changes to accommodate special requests or dietary restrictions to avoid customer frustration.
Pricing: SkyTab offers various pricing tiers with starting costs around $29.99 per month. Specific functionalities and available features may vary depending on the chosen plan. Carefully review plan details and associated costs to find a solution that aligns with your restaurant's needs and budget.
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Lavu
Best for: Restaurants seeking payment flexibility and offering a wide variety of inventory items.
Lavu POS is a versatile system known for its payment flexibility and strong inventory management features. It offers a customizable interface that can be tailored to suit the specific needs of different types of restaurants, from quick-service to full-service establishments.
Pros:
Customizable Interface: Lavu offers a customizable user interface that can be tailored to the specific workflow of your restaurant. This flexibility ensures the system adapts to your needs and doesn't force you to alter established processes to fit the POS system.
Robust Inventory Management: Lavu boasts a powerful inventory management system that can handle a wide variety of inventory items, including both food and beverage products. Track ingredient levels, manage recipes, and set up automated reorder points to avoid stockouts and optimize inventory expenditure. This is essential for restaurants with complex menus or a high volume of ingredients.
Payment Flexibility: Lavu offers a wide range of payment processing options, including credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, and even mobile wallets. This flexibility ensures you can accept payments conveniently no matter your customer's preferred method.
Cons:
Expensive Full Feature Package: While Lavu offers a base plan with essential functionalities, unlocking the full suite of features can be expensive. Advanced inventory management tools, loyalty programs, and online ordering often come at an additional cost. Carefully evaluate the features you need and weigh the cost against the benefits before committing to a higher-tier plan.
Pricing: Lavu offers tiered pricing structures with a starter plan typically around $99 per month. This plan includes basic functionalities like order taking, payment processing, and basic inventory management.
Aloha POS
Best for: Established restaurants with a focus on security and scalability to accommodate future growth.
Aloha POS is a well-established system known for its security, reliability, and scalability, making it suitable for large enterprises and chain restaurants. It offers robust features designed to support efficient management and ensure operational continuity.
Pros:
Security and Reliability: Aloha POS boasts a proven track record for security and reliability. The system is built with robust security measures to protect customer data and ensure smooth operations even during peak hours. This is essential for restaurants that handle large volumes of transactions or have strict data security requirements.
Scalability for Enterprise Needs: Aloha POS is scalable and can grow with your restaurant. Whether you have a single location or a large chain of restaurants, Aloha POS can accommodate your needs and adapt to your growing business.
Cons:
Overall Costs: Aloha POS can be a significant investment compared to some of the other options on this list. The hardware, software, and ongoing service fees can add up quickly. Carefully consider your budget and long-term needs before opting for Aloha POS.
Pricing for Advanced Features: While Aloha POS offers a comprehensive suite of features, unlocking the full potential may require purchasing additional modules or services. These can include advanced inventory management tools, kitchen display systems, and custom reporting functionalities.
Pricing: Aloha POS pricing varies based on the specific needs and scale of the restaurant. Custom quotes are typically provided based on the required features and hardware. Aloha offers a free trial period, allowing businesses to test the system before committing to a subscription.
Hunger Rush
Best for: Restaurants prioritizing a strong online ordering presence with 24/7 customer support.
Hunger Rush POS is designed to support restaurants with significant online ordering operations, offering robust features and 24/7 support. The system is ideal for businesses looking to enhance their online presence and streamline their ordering processes.
Pros:
Robust Online Ordering System: Hunger Rush excels in online ordering functionalities. The system integrates seamlessly with your POS and allows customers to place orders easily through your restaurant's website or mobile app.
24/7 Customer Support: Hunger Rush offers 24/7 customer support, ensuring you have help whenever you need it. This is valuable for restaurants that operate late hours or experience technical difficulties outside of standard business hours.
Cons:
Limited Features Outside Online Ordering: While Hunger Rush shines in online ordering, it may lack some of the advanced features offered by other POS systems on this list. These may include inventory management tools, loyalty programs, and extensive reporting functionalities.
Pricing Model Can Be Unclear: Hunger Rush's pricing structure can be somewhat opaque. While they advertise a free trial, the exact costs associated with different service tiers are not readily available online. Be prepared to contact Hunger Rush directly for a customized quote based on your restaurant's needs.
Pricing: Hunger Rush offers flexible pricing plans catering to different business needs. The starter plan provides essential features for small businesses, while more advanced plans include additional functionalities such as loyalty programs, marketing tools, and advanced reporting. Custom quotes are typically provided based on the specific requirements of the restaurant.
The restaurant sector is undergoing a digital transformation, and an efficient POS system is the key to achieving its full potential. The days of long paper trails and dissatisfied customers are over. You'll be well-equipped to select the ideal point-of-sale (POS) system that meets the particular requirements of your restaurant with the knowledge gained from this guide.
It's important to keep in mind that a contemporary point-of-sale system does more than just process orders; it also empowers employees, simplifies processes, and attracts and retains new business.
Kouzina is a food technology company that specializes in assisting aspiring entrepreneurs and existing hospitality businesses in starting cloud kitchen franchises in the food industry. Their unique solution is that they are the only cloud kitchen franchise of scale, offering the most affordable franchise options on the market.
Contact Kouzina today for a free consultation and unlock the full potential of your restaurant in 2024 and beyond!
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