Quick Overview
- 1#1: Caterease - Comprehensive catering management software handling bookings, menus, inventory, scheduling, and invoicing.
- 2#2: Tripleseat - Event sales and management platform tailored for caterers and venues with CRM, proposals, and contract tools.
- 3#3: Planning Pod - All-in-one event management software with catering-specific features for planning, staffing, and payments.
- 4#4: CaterZen - Cloud-based platform for catering operations including online ordering, event tracking, and reporting.
- 5#5: FoodStorm - Online catering ordering system with website builder, menu management, and delivery scheduling.
- 6#6: Event Temple - Event CRM software enabling catering teams to manage leads, floor plans, and client communications.
- 7#7: CaterTrax - Full-featured catering software for proposals, event execution, production, and financials.
- 8#8: PocketSuite - Mobile-first booking and payment app for small catering businesses with scheduling and invoicing.
- 9#9: Total Party Planner - Event planning tool with catering modules for guest lists, menus, vendors, and seating.
- 10#10: EventPro - Enterprise event management system supporting catering logistics, inventory, and resource allocation.
We ranked these tools based on feature depth, usability, reliability, and value, ensuring they deliver robust support for catering workflows from small operations to enterprise-level needs.
Comparison Table
Choosing catering event software requires careful evaluation, and this comparison table simplifies the process by showcasing tools like Caterease, Tripleseat, Planning Pod, CaterZen, and more. Readers will learn key features, pricing models, and integration capabilities to identify the best fit for their business workflow and needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caterease Comprehensive catering management software handling bookings, menus, inventory, scheduling, and invoicing. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Tripleseat Event sales and management platform tailored for caterers and venues with CRM, proposals, and contract tools. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Planning Pod All-in-one event management software with catering-specific features for planning, staffing, and payments. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | CaterZen Cloud-based platform for catering operations including online ordering, event tracking, and reporting. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | FoodStorm Online catering ordering system with website builder, menu management, and delivery scheduling. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Event Temple Event CRM software enabling catering teams to manage leads, floor plans, and client communications. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | CaterTrax Full-featured catering software for proposals, event execution, production, and financials. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 8 | PocketSuite Mobile-first booking and payment app for small catering businesses with scheduling and invoicing. | other | 7.6/10 | 7.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 9 | Total Party Planner Event planning tool with catering modules for guest lists, menus, vendors, and seating. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 10 | EventPro Enterprise event management system supporting catering logistics, inventory, and resource allocation. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
Comprehensive catering management software handling bookings, menus, inventory, scheduling, and invoicing.
Event sales and management platform tailored for caterers and venues with CRM, proposals, and contract tools.
All-in-one event management software with catering-specific features for planning, staffing, and payments.
Cloud-based platform for catering operations including online ordering, event tracking, and reporting.
Online catering ordering system with website builder, menu management, and delivery scheduling.
Event CRM software enabling catering teams to manage leads, floor plans, and client communications.
Full-featured catering software for proposals, event execution, production, and financials.
Mobile-first booking and payment app for small catering businesses with scheduling and invoicing.
Event planning tool with catering modules for guest lists, menus, vendors, and seating.
Enterprise event management system supporting catering logistics, inventory, and resource allocation.
Caterease
specializedComprehensive catering management software handling bookings, menus, inventory, scheduling, and invoicing.
Advanced Proposal Wizard that generates professional, customized proposals with automatic event scheduling and no data re-entry.
Caterease is a comprehensive cloud-based catering and event management software tailored for caterers, event planners, and hospitality professionals. It handles the full lifecycle of events, from customizable proposals and contracts to scheduling, inventory management, staff assignments, and invoicing. With mobile apps for on-site management and robust reporting tools, it optimizes operations for businesses of all sizes.
Pros
- All-in-one platform covering proposals, events, inventory, and accounting
- Highly customizable templates for proposals and menus
- Excellent mobile access and real-time reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Pricing can be high for small operations
- Limited native integrations with some modern tools
Best For
Mid-to-large catering companies needing a robust, scalable solution for high-volume event management.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at $165/month for basic plans, scaling to custom enterprise pricing based on users and features.
Tripleseat
enterpriseEvent sales and management platform tailored for caterers and venues with CRM, proposals, and contract tools.
Automated RFP distribution and response management via the Planner Portal, which accelerates lead conversion.
Tripleseat is a leading sales and catering management platform designed for hospitality venues, streamlining the entire event lifecycle from RFP intake and proposals to contracts, BEOs, and post-event reporting. It connects venues with planners via a dedicated portal, enabling efficient inquiry distribution, customization, and collaboration. The software integrates deeply with POS, CRM, and accounting systems to automate workflows and enhance revenue management.
Pros
- Comprehensive end-to-end event management tools
- Extensive integrations with industry-standard systems like POS and QuickBooks
- Strong customer support and training resources
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Pricing can be prohibitive for small venues
- Limited customization options without add-ons
Best For
Mid-to-large hospitality venues and catering companies handling high-volume events and complex RFPs.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at around $400/month for basic plans, scaling to $1,000+ for enterprise with multiple users and advanced features.
Planning Pod
specializedAll-in-one event management software with catering-specific features for planning, staffing, and payments.
Integrated client portals with customizable event websites and real-time RSVP tracking
Planning Pod is an all-in-one event management platform tailored for event planners, venues, and caterers, streamlining operations from lead capture to post-event analysis. It excels in coordinating catering events through features like menu customization, dietary restriction tracking, vendor management, and staffing schedules. The software integrates guest RSVPs, payments, task assignments, and reporting to ensure seamless execution for catering-focused businesses.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one toolkit covering planning, execution, and follow-up
- Strong customization for menus, staffing, and dietary needs in catering
- Robust integrations with payment gateways and calendars
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for beginners due to extensive features
- Pricing scales quickly with users and advanced plans
- Mobile app lacks some desktop functionalities
Best For
Mid-sized catering companies and event planners needing a full-spectrum management solution beyond basic ordering.
Pricing
Starts at $59/user/month (Essentials), $99/user/month (Pro), $119/user/month (Ultimate); annual discounts available.
CaterZen
specializedCloud-based platform for catering operations including online ordering, event tracking, and reporting.
Seamless online ordering system with customizable websites and real-time inventory sync
CaterZen is a cloud-based catering management software tailored for catering businesses, enabling seamless online ordering, event scheduling, and menu customization. It streamlines operations with features like automated invoicing, customer portals, and real-time availability tracking to handle inquiries, bookings, and deliveries efficiently. Ideal for scaling operations, it integrates payment processing and reporting to boost productivity and customer satisfaction.
Pros
- User-friendly interface with quick setup
- Robust online ordering and customer portal
- Excellent mobile app for on-the-go management
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics in lower tiers
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to competitors
- Pricing escalates quickly for high-volume users
Best For
Small to mid-sized catering companies seeking an intuitive platform for online orders and event coordination without complex setups.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Basic), $199/month (Pro), $299/month (Premium); annual discounts available, free trial offered.
FoodStorm
specializedOnline catering ordering system with website builder, menu management, and delivery scheduling.
Advanced catering package builder that supports nested modifiers, bundles, and dynamic pricing for highly customized orders
FoodStorm is a specialized online ordering and catering management platform designed for restaurants and catering businesses to handle complex orders, events, and deliveries. It features customizable menus with packages, modifiers, and scheduling tools to streamline the entire catering workflow from customer order to fulfillment. The software integrates with POS systems, QuickBooks, and delivery services for efficient operations.
Pros
- Powerful menu builder for complex catering packages and upsells
- Seamless integrations with POS, accounting, and delivery apps
- Comprehensive event scheduling and order tracking dashboard
Cons
- Steep initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
- Pricing can be high for small operations without volume discounts
- Customer support response times vary, especially on lower plans
Best For
Mid-sized catering businesses and restaurants needing robust online ordering for events and deliveries.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month for Starter plan (up to 500 orders), with Growth ($365/month), Plus ($665/month), and custom Enterprise tiers.
Event Temple
specializedEvent CRM software enabling catering teams to manage leads, floor plans, and client communications.
Interactive visual proposals that dynamically incorporate catering menus, pricing, and floor plans
Event Temple is a comprehensive event management platform designed primarily for venues, offering tools for booking, proposals, floor plans, and banquet event orders (BEOs) that support catering operations. It enables users to manage menus, track catering orders, handle payments, and communicate with clients seamlessly within a unified dashboard. While not exclusively catering-focused, it excels in integrating catering logistics with overall event planning for on-premise services.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop floor plans and menu builders
- Strong CRM and client communication tools integrated with catering workflows
- Reliable reporting and QuickBooks integration for financial tracking
Cons
- Limited depth in catering-specific features like inventory management or recipe costing
- Custom pricing can be opaque and higher for smaller caterers
- Fewer integrations with delivery or off-premise catering apps
Best For
Mid-sized venues or catering teams handling on-site events that need an all-in-one platform for bookings and operations.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $200-$500/month depending on event volume and features.
CaterTrax
specializedFull-featured catering software for proposals, event execution, production, and financials.
Advanced online ordering system with real-time availability checks and automated quote-to-order conversion
CaterTrax is a cloud-based catering management software tailored for event planners and caterers, offering end-to-end tools for online ordering, event scheduling, inventory tracking, and invoicing. It streamlines operations from initial quote generation to post-event reporting and integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks and other accounting systems. The platform's mobile app supports real-time staff coordination and on-site management, making it suitable for businesses handling multiple events.
Pros
- Comprehensive online ordering portal with customer self-service customization
- Robust inventory and recipe costing tools for accurate profitability tracking
- Detailed analytics and reporting for business insights
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features like custom reporting
- Higher pricing tiers may not suit very small operations
- Limited third-party integrations beyond core accounting software
Best For
Mid-sized catering companies needing an all-in-one platform for event management and online sales.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month for Starter plan (billed annually), scaling to $499+/month for Enterprise with custom quotes.
PocketSuite
otherMobile-first booking and payment app for small catering businesses with scheduling and invoicing.
Fully functional mobile app enabling complete business management, from booking to invoicing, directly from your smartphone
PocketSuite is a mobile-first business management platform tailored for service-based professionals, including caterers, offering tools for online booking, scheduling, client communication, invoicing, and payments. It streamlines event coordination with automated reminders, calendar syncing, and Stripe integration for seamless transactions. While versatile for small operations, it provides foundational features rather than deep catering-specific functionalities like menu builders or staff rostering.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app for on-the-go management
- Effortless online booking and automated reminders
- Integrated payments and invoicing with Stripe
Cons
- Limited catering-specific tools like menu customization or dietary tracking
- No advanced inventory or supply chain management
- Reporting and analytics are basic for larger operations
Best For
Small to mid-sized catering businesses seeking a simple, mobile-friendly solution for scheduling events and handling payments without complex setups.
Pricing
Plans start at $65/month (Starter) up to $295/month (Enterprise), billed annually with a 14-day free trial available.
Total Party Planner
specializedEvent planning tool with catering modules for guest lists, menus, vendors, and seating.
Precision recipe engine that scales ingredients proportionally while recalculating costs and nutritional info in real-time
Total Party Planner is a desktop-based catering management software designed specifically for caterers handling parties, banquets, and events. It streamlines operations with features like recipe scaling, menu costing, inventory tracking, staff scheduling, and invoicing. The tool excels in detailed proposal generation and profitability analysis, making it suitable for businesses needing precise operational control.
Pros
- Advanced recipe management with automatic scaling and costing
- Comprehensive scheduling for staff, equipment, and events
- Strong invoicing and profitability reporting tools
Cons
- Outdated Windows-only interface lacking modern aesthetics
- No native mobile app or cloud synchronization
- Steep learning curve for new users due to dense feature set
Best For
Mid-sized catering businesses focused on weddings, banquets, and corporate events that prioritize detailed costing and on-premise management.
Pricing
One-time purchase starting at $1,295 for the base edition, with add-on modules up to $2,495 total; no subscription required.
EventPro
enterpriseEnterprise event management system supporting catering logistics, inventory, and resource allocation.
Advanced 3D visual diagramming for floor plans, seating, and banquet setups
EventPro is a comprehensive event management software designed primarily for catering companies, venues, and hospitality businesses handling banquets and events. It streamlines operations with features like booking calendars, menu costing, Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), inventory management, and CRM tools. The platform excels in visual diagramming for floor plans and seating, making it suitable for detailed event planning and execution in catering scenarios.
Pros
- Robust visual diagramming and seating tools for precise event layouts
- Comprehensive catering-specific modules like menu costing and BEO generation
- Strong reporting and analytics for multi-venue operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for smaller operations
- Limited integrations with third-party catering POS systems
Best For
Mid-sized catering companies and event venues needing advanced planning and diagramming capabilities for complex banquets.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $500-$1,000/month depending on modules, users, and venue size.
Conclusion
The reviewed catering event software tools offer essential support for operations, with Caterease leading as the top choice due to its comprehensive handling of bookings, menus, inventory, and invoicing. Tripleseat and Planning Pod stand out as strong alternatives, with Tripleseat excelling in sales and CRM tools and Planning Pod offering integrated planning and payment features, catering to varied operational needs.
To enhance your catering efficiency, start with Caterease—the top-ranked tool—to streamline your operations and elevate event success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison