Quick Overview
- 1#1: Caterease - Comprehensive catering management software that streamlines proposals, event scheduling, inventory, and professional invoicing.
- 2#2: CaterZen - Cloud-based platform for caterers to manage events, menus, staff, and automated invoicing with payment tracking.
- 3#3: Planning Pod - All-in-one event planning tool with CRM, booking, and customizable invoicing tailored for catering businesses.
- 4#4: Truffle - Modern POS and operations platform for catering and events featuring real-time invoicing and payment processing.
- 5#5: FoodStorm - Online ordering and catering software that automates storefronts, menus, and invoicing for seamless client billing.
- 6#6: Tripleseat - Event sales and management software with integrated contracts, BEOs, and invoicing for catering venues.
- 7#7: Restaurant365 - Back-office platform for foodservice businesses including advanced AP/AR invoicing and catering operations.
- 8#8: QuickBooks Online - Robust cloud accounting software with customizable invoicing, expense tracking, and integrations for caterers.
- 9#9: FreshBooks - User-friendly invoicing and time-tracking tool designed for small service businesses like catering.
- 10#10: Xero - Cloud accounting solution offering professional invoicing, bank reconciliation, and reporting for catering firms.
We ranked these tools based on feature depth (including automated invoicing, payment processing, and inventory integration), user experience, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they cater to businesses of all sizes and operational scales
Comparison Table
Navigating catering invoicing software can be challenging, but a comprehensive comparison simplifies the process. This table highlights top tools like Caterease, CaterZen, Planning Pod, Truffle, FoodStorm, and more, detailing key features, pricing, and usability to help you find the best fit for your business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caterease Comprehensive catering management software that streamlines proposals, event scheduling, inventory, and professional invoicing. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | CaterZen Cloud-based platform for caterers to manage events, menus, staff, and automated invoicing with payment tracking. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Planning Pod All-in-one event planning tool with CRM, booking, and customizable invoicing tailored for catering businesses. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | Truffle Modern POS and operations platform for catering and events featuring real-time invoicing and payment processing. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | FoodStorm Online ordering and catering software that automates storefronts, menus, and invoicing for seamless client billing. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Tripleseat Event sales and management software with integrated contracts, BEOs, and invoicing for catering venues. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Restaurant365 Back-office platform for foodservice businesses including advanced AP/AR invoicing and catering operations. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | QuickBooks Online Robust cloud accounting software with customizable invoicing, expense tracking, and integrations for caterers. | other | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | FreshBooks User-friendly invoicing and time-tracking tool designed for small service businesses like catering. | other | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Xero Cloud accounting solution offering professional invoicing, bank reconciliation, and reporting for catering firms. | other | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
Comprehensive catering management software that streamlines proposals, event scheduling, inventory, and professional invoicing.
Cloud-based platform for caterers to manage events, menus, staff, and automated invoicing with payment tracking.
All-in-one event planning tool with CRM, booking, and customizable invoicing tailored for catering businesses.
Modern POS and operations platform for catering and events featuring real-time invoicing and payment processing.
Online ordering and catering software that automates storefronts, menus, and invoicing for seamless client billing.
Event sales and management software with integrated contracts, BEOs, and invoicing for catering venues.
Back-office platform for foodservice businesses including advanced AP/AR invoicing and catering operations.
Robust cloud accounting software with customizable invoicing, expense tracking, and integrations for caterers.
User-friendly invoicing and time-tracking tool designed for small service businesses like catering.
Cloud accounting solution offering professional invoicing, bank reconciliation, and reporting for catering firms.
Caterease
specializedComprehensive catering management software that streamlines proposals, event scheduling, inventory, and professional invoicing.
Automatic invoice generation from approved proposals, pulling in all event data for precise, one-click billing
Caterease is a robust, industry-leading catering management software designed to handle everything from event proposals and bookings to detailed invoicing and payment processing. Its invoicing module automatically generates professional invoices based on event specifics like menus, staffing, rentals, equipment, and labor, with support for deposits, taxes, gratuities, and balance due calculations. It integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks and other accounting tools for effortless reconciliation and financial reporting, making it a powerhouse for catering operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive event-to-invoice automation reduces errors and saves time
- Deep QuickBooks integration for seamless accounting
- Highly customizable invoice templates and reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Primarily Windows-based with cloud version having some limitations
- Higher pricing may deter very small operations
Best For
Mid-sized to large catering businesses managing complex events with high-volume invoicing needs.
Pricing
Cloud plans start at $99/month (Basic) up to $299+/month (Enterprise), with on-premise licensing available via custom quotes.
CaterZen
specializedCloud-based platform for caterers to manage events, menus, staff, and automated invoicing with payment tracking.
Integrated client self-service portal for real-time invoice viewing, approvals, and payments
CaterZen is a cloud-based catering management software designed to streamline invoicing, event scheduling, and client interactions for catering businesses. It offers automated invoice generation, payment tracking, deposit management, and seamless integration with QuickBooks and payment gateways like Stripe. The platform also includes a client portal for self-service invoice access and approvals, reducing administrative workload significantly.
Pros
- Robust invoicing with customizable templates and automated reminders
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for effortless accounting sync
- Client portal enables self-service payments and approvals
Cons
- Higher pricing may deter small operations
- Mobile app lacks some desktop invoicing advanced features
- Occasional delays in customer support response
Best For
Mid-sized catering companies seeking integrated invoicing with event management and client portals.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month (Basic) for core invoicing; Pro ($199/month) adds advanced features; custom Enterprise pricing.
Planning Pod
specializedAll-in-one event planning tool with CRM, booking, and customizable invoicing tailored for catering businesses.
Event-to-invoice automation that pulls details from proposals and schedules into professional invoices with one click
Planning Pod is a comprehensive event management platform designed for caterers, event planners, and venues, featuring robust invoicing tools that integrate seamlessly with event planning workflows. It enables users to generate customizable invoices, track payments, handle deposits and balances, and accept online payments directly from client portals. The software also supports inventory tracking, menu management, and financial reporting, making it a strong solution for catering businesses handling invoicing alongside operations.
Pros
- Seamless integration of invoicing with event calendars, proposals, and client management
- Customizable invoice templates with automated calculations for catering-specific line items
- Built-in online payment processing and client portal for self-service payments
Cons
- Overly broad feature set can overwhelm users focused solely on invoicing
- Steeper learning curve for full utilization of event management tools
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced reporting and unlimited users
Best For
Mid-sized catering businesses that require invoicing integrated with full event planning and operations management.
Pricing
Starts at $59/user/month (Essentials plan, billed annually), scaling to $199+/user/month for enterprise features; 14-day free trial available.
Truffle
specializedModern POS and operations platform for catering and events featuring real-time invoicing and payment processing.
One-click invoice generation that auto-populates from signed event contracts, including taxes, gratuities, and real-time adjustments
Truffle is a catering-specific platform designed to manage the full event lifecycle, from proposals and contracts to invoicing and payments. It automates invoice generation based on event details like menus, headcounts, and add-ons, with built-in payment processing and client portals. The software integrates with accounting tools like QuickBooks, making it efficient for caterers handling multiple events.
Pros
- Tailored invoicing automation for catering events with menu and guest count integration
- Seamless payment collection via Stripe with deposit and final billing
- Customizable client portal for self-service approvals and payments
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting compared to enterprise solutions
- Pricing scales quickly for high-volume users
- Fewer third-party integrations beyond core accounting tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized catering companies seeking streamlined event-to-invoice workflows without complex setup.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month for Starter plan (up to 50 events/year), $299/month for Pro (unlimited events), custom Enterprise pricing.
FoodStorm
specializedOnline ordering and catering software that automates storefronts, menus, and invoicing for seamless client billing.
Real-time invoice generation from catering orders with automatic deposit tracking and balance reminders
FoodStorm is an all-in-one online ordering and catering management platform tailored for restaurants and caterers, with strong invoicing capabilities integrated into its order fulfillment workflow. It automates invoice creation from catering orders, handles deposits, taxes, gratuities, and final payments, while supporting integrations with QuickBooks and payment processors like Stripe. The software excels in streamlining the path from event inquiry to paid invoice, making it suitable for businesses managing high-volume catering events.
Pros
- Automated invoicing directly from online catering orders
- Flexible deposit and multi-payment handling with tax calculations
- Seamless integrations with accounting tools like QuickBooks
Cons
- Invoicing is tied to broader ordering platform, not standalone
- Pricing scales quickly with order volume
- Initial setup and menu configuration can have a learning curve
Best For
Mid-sized catering businesses needing integrated online ordering and invoicing for event-based sales.
Pricing
Starts at $145/month for Starter plan (up to 200 orders/mo), with Pro at $249/month and custom Enterprise pricing.
Tripleseat
enterpriseEvent sales and management software with integrated contracts, BEOs, and invoicing for catering venues.
Automated invoice generation directly from event contracts and BEOs, reducing manual data entry errors
Tripleseat is a robust event management platform designed for hospitality venues, including caterers, that streamlines the entire process from lead generation and proposals to contracts, BEOs, and invoicing. It automates invoice creation based on event details, menus, and deposits, with support for split payments, taxes, and gratuities. The software integrates with numerous POS, PMS, and payment systems to facilitate seamless invoicing and revenue tracking for catering operations.
Pros
- Seamless integration of event data into automated invoicing workflows
- Strong reporting and analytics for revenue tracking
- Extensive integrations with POS, accounting, and payment gateways
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to comprehensive feature set
- Pricing can be high for small catering operations
- Limited standalone invoicing without full event management commitment
Best For
Mid-sized catering companies and venues that need integrated event sales and invoicing rather than pure invoicing tools.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on venues/events; typically starts at $400-$600/month with enterprise tiers higher.
Restaurant365
enterpriseBack-office platform for foodservice businesses including advanced AP/AR invoicing and catering operations.
End-to-end catering workflow integration with native accounting for seamless invoice-to-ledger automation
Restaurant365 is a cloud-based restaurant management platform that offers comprehensive tools for operations, accounting, and back-office functions, with specialized catering invoicing features for handling proposals, contracts, deposits, and automated billing. It integrates seamlessly with POS systems and inventory management to streamline catering workflows from event planning to payment collection. Ideal for restaurants with off-premise sales, it provides real-time reporting and AR automation to improve cash flow.
Pros
- Robust catering invoicing with deposit tracking and automated AR
- Deep integration with POS, inventory, and full accounting suite
- Real-time dashboards and multi-location support
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Pricing is premium and may overwhelm small catering-only businesses
- Limited standalone focus on pure catering without restaurant ops
Best For
Multi-location restaurants with significant catering volumes needing integrated invoicing and accounting.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $400–$600 per location/month depending on features and scale.
QuickBooks Online
otherRobust cloud accounting software with customizable invoicing, expense tracking, and integrations for caterers.
Progress invoicing for breaking down large catering events into deposits, milestones, and final payments
QuickBooks Online is a versatile cloud-based accounting platform that provides robust invoicing, expense tracking, and financial management tools suitable for various small businesses, including catering operations. For catering invoicing, it supports customizable invoices with line items for menus, staffing, rentals, and deposits, along with progress invoicing for multi-phase events. It integrates seamlessly with payment processors like PayPal and Stripe for faster collections and offers real-time reporting on cash flow and profitability. While powerful for general accounting, it requires manual setup for catering-specific workflows.
Pros
- Highly customizable invoices with templates for menus and services
- Automatic bank reconciliation and payment reminders to speed up collections
- Comprehensive reporting for profitability per event or client
Cons
- Lacks built-in catering tools like event scheduling or guest count tracking
- Inventory management is basic and not optimized for perishables
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans, increasing costs
Best For
Established catering businesses needing integrated accounting and invoicing rather than standalone catering software.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start for basic invoicing), $60/month (Essentials), $90/month (Plus with inventory), up to $200/month (Advanced); 50% off first 3 months.
FreshBooks
otherUser-friendly invoicing and time-tracking tool designed for small service businesses like catering.
Customizable invoices with image attachments to showcase dishes and event setups
FreshBooks is a user-friendly cloud-based invoicing and accounting platform tailored for small service-based businesses, enabling quick creation and sending of professional invoices. For catering operations, it excels in customizing invoices with detailed line items for menus, events, deposits, and taxes, while supporting online payments and automated reminders. It also includes time tracking for staff hours and expense categorization for supplies, making it suitable for basic invoicing needs without advanced inventory management.
Pros
- Highly customizable invoice templates ideal for detailing catering menus and services
- Seamless online payment integration with quick client approvals and reminders
- Mobile app for on-the-go invoicing during events
Cons
- No built-in inventory tracking or recipe costing for ingredients
- Lacks catering-specific features like event calendars or menu builders
- Advanced automation requires higher-priced plans
Best For
Small catering businesses or solo operators needing simple, professional invoicing and payment tracking without complex inventory needs.
Pricing
Starts at $19/month (Lite, 5 clients) billed annually; Plus $33/month (50 clients), Premium $60/month (unlimited), Select custom.
Xero
otherCloud accounting solution offering professional invoicing, bank reconciliation, and reporting for catering firms.
Automatic bank feeds with AI-powered reconciliation for quick payment matching
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software designed for small to medium businesses, offering robust invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting tools. For catering invoicing, it supports customizable templates, recurring bills, online payments, and basic inventory management to handle event-based billing and deposits. While not catering-specific, its scalability and integrations make it viable for growing operations needing more than just invoicing.
Pros
- Highly customizable invoice templates with branding options
- Seamless integrations with payment processors like Stripe and PayPal
- Real-time bank reconciliation and financial dashboards
- Mobile app for on-the-go invoicing and expense capture
Cons
- No built-in catering-specific tools like event calendars or menu/item bundling
- Inventory tracking is basic and lacks advanced recipe costing
- Pricing escalates quickly for full features needed by larger caterers
- Limited free trial and onboarding support for non-accountants
Best For
Small to medium catering businesses seeking an all-in-one accounting solution with strong general invoicing capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $15/user/month (Early plan) billed annually for basic invoicing; Growing ($42/month) and Established ($78/month) plans add advanced features like multi-currency and payroll.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top 10 catering invoicing tools reveals that while each offers unique strengths, Caterease emerges as the top choice, excelling in streamlining proposals, inventory, and invoicing. CaterZen stands out with its robust cloud-based automation and real-time payment tracking, and Planning Pod impresses with its all-in-one event planning features, making it a strong alternative for specific needs.
Don’t miss out on simplifying your catering invoicing—try Caterease today to experience its comprehensive, end-to-end capabilities and give your business a competitive edge.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
