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Food Service Restaurants

Top 10 Best Catering Management Software of 2026

Discover the top 10 catering management software solutions to streamline operations, compare features, and boost your business today.

Rajesh Patel

Rajesh Patel

Feb 11, 2026

10 tools comparedExpert reviewed
Independent evaluation · Unbiased commentary · Updated regularly
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In the fast-paced catering industry, efficient management of proposals, inventory, invoicing, and client relationships is key to scalability and success. The right software transforms workflows, minimizes errors, and enhances client satisfaction, and with a diverse range of tools designed to meet varied needs, selecting the optimal solution can drive operational excellence. Below, we explore the top 10 platforms that stand out for their functionality, reliability, and user-centric design.

Quick Overview

  1. 1#1: Caterease - All-in-one catering management software handling proposals, production schedules, inventory, and accounting.
  2. 2#2: CaterTrax - Cloud-based platform for streamlining catering operations including event management, invoicing, and staff scheduling.
  3. 3#3: CaterZen - User-friendly online catering software for quotes, online ordering, payments, and delivery management.
  4. 4#4: Planning Pod - Comprehensive event and catering management tool with booking, CRM, and project management features.
  5. 5#5: FoodStorm - Online ordering and catering management system designed for restaurants and caterers with menu and fulfillment tools.
  6. 6#6: Tripleseat - Event sales and catering management software focused on booking, contracts, and BEO creation.
  7. 7#7: Event Temple - Event and catering CRM platform for lead tracking, proposals, and client communication.
  8. 8#8: PerfectVenue - Venue and catering management software with floor plans, inventory, and event calendars.
  9. 9#9: OrderEm - Online ordering system for catering businesses supporting menus, scheduling, and integrations.
  10. 10#10: UpMenu - Customizable online ordering platform with catering features for menus, payments, and delivery.

These tools were chosen based on their comprehensive feature sets, consistent performance, intuitive interfaces, and ability to deliver measurable value, ensuring the list reflects the most effective options for catering businesses of all sizes and specialties.

Comparison Table

This comparison table examines popular catering management software tools—such as Caterease, CaterTrax, CaterZen, Planning Pod, and FoodStorm—offering clear insights into their key features and suitability for diverse business needs. Readers will gain a concise overview to identify the best fit for their planning, logistics, or financial management requirements.

1Caterease logo9.4/10

All-in-one catering management software handling proposals, production schedules, inventory, and accounting.

Features
9.8/10
Ease
8.2/10
Value
9.0/10
2CaterTrax logo9.1/10

Cloud-based platform for streamlining catering operations including event management, invoicing, and staff scheduling.

Features
9.4/10
Ease
8.9/10
Value
8.7/10
3CaterZen logo8.5/10

User-friendly online catering software for quotes, online ordering, payments, and delivery management.

Features
9.0/10
Ease
8.2/10
Value
8.0/10

Comprehensive event and catering management tool with booking, CRM, and project management features.

Features
8.7/10
Ease
7.6/10
Value
7.9/10
5FoodStorm logo8.4/10

Online ordering and catering management system designed for restaurants and caterers with menu and fulfillment tools.

Features
8.7/10
Ease
8.5/10
Value
8.0/10
6Tripleseat logo8.4/10

Event sales and catering management software focused on booking, contracts, and BEO creation.

Features
9.1/10
Ease
7.6/10
Value
7.9/10

Event and catering CRM platform for lead tracking, proposals, and client communication.

Features
6.2/10
Ease
8.4/10
Value
7.1/10

Venue and catering management software with floor plans, inventory, and event calendars.

Features
8.5/10
Ease
8.2/10
Value
7.7/10
9OrderEm logo7.6/10

Online ordering system for catering businesses supporting menus, scheduling, and integrations.

Features
7.2/10
Ease
8.4/10
Value
8.2/10
10UpMenu logo6.5/10

Customizable online ordering platform with catering features for menus, payments, and delivery.

Features
6.0/10
Ease
7.8/10
Value
7.2/10
1
Caterease logo

Caterease

specialized

All-in-one catering management software handling proposals, production schedules, inventory, and accounting.

Overall Rating9.4/10
Features
9.8/10
Ease of Use
8.2/10
Value
9.0/10
Standout Feature

Visual function book with interactive diagrams for real-time event space and resource availability

Caterease is a leading catering management software that provides end-to-end solutions for event planning, proposal generation, inventory tracking, staff scheduling, and invoicing. Tailored specifically for the catering industry, it handles menus, rentals, beverages, and labor costs with precision. The platform supports both on-premise desktop installations and cloud-based access, enabling seamless operations for businesses of varying sizes.

Pros

  • Comprehensive tools for proposals, events, and inventory management
  • Powerful reporting and QuickBooks integration
  • Reliable customer support with extensive training resources

Cons

  • Dated user interface requiring a learning curve
  • Higher cost for smaller operations
  • Limited mobile app functionality compared to modern competitors

Best For

Mid-sized to large catering companies managing complex events and high volumes.

Pricing

Subscription starts at $99/user/month (minimum 3 users), with custom enterprise pricing available.

Visit Catereasecaterease.com
2
CaterTrax logo

CaterTrax

specialized

Cloud-based platform for streamlining catering operations including event management, invoicing, and staff scheduling.

Overall Rating9.1/10
Features
9.4/10
Ease of Use
8.9/10
Value
8.7/10
Standout Feature

Precision recipe costing engine with automatic yield adjustments and ingredient substitution suggestions

CaterTrax is a cloud-based catering management software tailored for catering businesses, offering end-to-end tools for event planning, online ordering, inventory tracking, staff scheduling, and invoicing. It excels in recipe costing, yield management, and real-time reporting to help caterers optimize profitability and operations. The platform integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks and supports mobile access for on-site teams.

Pros

  • Advanced recipe costing and inventory management for precise profitability tracking
  • Seamless online ordering portal that boosts client self-service
  • Robust reporting and analytics with mobile app for staff coordination

Cons

  • Pricing can be steep for very small operations
  • Steeper learning curve for advanced customization features
  • Limited native integrations beyond core accounting tools

Best For

Mid-sized catering companies seeking scalable tools for event management, inventory accuracy, and financial oversight.

Pricing

Subscription starts at around $150/month for basic plans, scaling with event volume and features; custom quotes available.

Visit CaterTraxcatertrax.com
3
CaterZen logo

CaterZen

specialized

User-friendly online catering software for quotes, online ordering, payments, and delivery management.

Overall Rating8.5/10
Features
9.0/10
Ease of Use
8.2/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Client self-service portal for seamless online ordering and event modifications

CaterZen is a cloud-based catering management software that helps businesses handle everything from online ordering and event scheduling to menu customization and invoicing. It features a client portal for self-service ordering, staff scheduling tools, and integrations with payment processors and accounting software like QuickBooks. Designed specifically for caterers, it streamlines operations to reduce manual work and improve efficiency across small to large-scale events.

Pros

  • Robust online ordering system with real-time inventory sync
  • Comprehensive event management including staff scheduling and client portals
  • Strong integrations with QuickBooks and payment gateways

Cons

  • Higher pricing tiers may not suit very small operations
  • Reporting customization is somewhat limited
  • Mobile app lacks some desktop features

Best For

Mid-sized catering businesses seeking an all-in-one platform for online orders, event planning, and client management.

Pricing

Starts at $99/month (Starter), $199/month (Professional), $299+/month (Enterprise), with annual discounts available.

Visit CaterZencaterzen.com
4
Planning Pod logo

Planning Pod

specialized

Comprehensive event and catering management tool with booking, CRM, and project management features.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
8.7/10
Ease of Use
7.6/10
Value
7.9/10
Standout Feature

Automated BEO generation that pulls in catering details, menus, and staffing for error-free event execution

Planning Pod is an all-in-one event management platform designed for venues, planners, and caterers, offering tools to manage proposals, contracts, menus, inventory, staff scheduling, and invoicing. It excels in creating Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), tracking catering specifics like dietary needs and recipes, and integrating with payment gateways for seamless operations. While versatile for full event lifecycles, it provides solid catering management capabilities within a broader ecosystem.

Pros

  • Comprehensive event-to-catering workflow including BEOs, menus, and inventory tracking
  • Strong integrations with QuickBooks, PayPal, and CRM tools
  • Customizable templates and reporting for detailed catering analytics

Cons

  • Feature-rich interface with a steeper learning curve for new users
  • Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or advanced features
  • Less specialized for standalone catering ops compared to niche tools

Best For

Mid-sized catering businesses and event venues needing an integrated platform for planning, execution, and billing.

Pricing

Starts at $59/user/month (billed annually) for basic plans; custom enterprise pricing available.

Visit Planning Podplanningpod.com
5
FoodStorm logo

FoodStorm

specialized

Online ordering and catering management system designed for restaurants and caterers with menu and fulfillment tools.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
8.7/10
Ease of Use
8.5/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Advanced package builder with modifiers, upsells, and deposit scheduling for highly customizable catering menus

FoodStorm is a specialized online ordering platform tailored for catering businesses and restaurants, enabling seamless management of catering menus, event orders, and deliveries. It features a drag-and-drop menu builder for creating customizable packages, integrated scheduling calendars, and automated payment processing including deposits. The software supports guest management, delivery routing, and integrations with POS systems like Toast and QuickBooks, making it ideal for streamlining catering operations.

Pros

  • Powerful menu and package builder for complex catering orders
  • Integrated online ordering and scheduling calendar
  • Strong integrations with POS and accounting software

Cons

  • Limited built-in inventory and staff management tools
  • Reporting features lack depth for large enterprises
  • Pricing includes transaction fees that add up for high volume

Best For

Mid-sized catering companies and restaurants prioritizing online order intake and event customization over full back-office operations.

Pricing

Starts at $149/month for the Starter plan, scaling to $299+/month for Pro and Enterprise tiers, plus ~2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.

Visit FoodStormfoodstorm.com
6
Tripleseat logo

Tripleseat

specialized

Event sales and catering management software focused on booking, contracts, and BEO creation.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
9.1/10
Ease of Use
7.6/10
Value
7.9/10
Standout Feature

Integrated RFP marketplace that distributes leads to a network of venues and planners for rapid opportunity capture

Tripleseat is a cloud-based event and catering management platform primarily designed for hospitality venues like hotels, restaurants, and country clubs to streamline sales, proposals, and event execution. It facilitates RFP management, proposal creation, contract signing, BEO generation, and invoicing with strong integrations to POS, CRM, and accounting systems. The software excels in high-volume event environments by centralizing communication between sales teams, clients, and operations staff.

Pros

  • Robust event sales pipeline with RFP distribution and automated proposals
  • Extensive integrations with POS, CRM, and payment gateways for seamless operations
  • Comprehensive reporting and analytics for revenue tracking and forecasting

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for new users due to feature density
  • Pricing can be high for smaller venues with custom quotes
  • Limited customization options for workflows outside standard hospitality use cases

Best For

Mid-to-large hospitality venues handling high-volume events and catering sales cycles.

Pricing

Custom pricing based on venue size and event volume; typically starts at $500–$1,000/month for mid-tier plans with enterprise options higher.

Visit Tripleseattripleseat.com
7
Event Temple logo

Event Temple

specialized

Event and catering CRM platform for lead tracking, proposals, and client communication.

Overall Rating6.8/10
Features
6.2/10
Ease of Use
8.4/10
Value
7.1/10
Standout Feature

Interactive floor plan tool that integrates with catering proposals for visualizing event layouts and service setups

Event Temple is a cloud-based event management platform primarily designed for venues, offering CRM, booking calendars, proposal builders, contracts, and payment processing. For catering management, it supports creating customizable catering packages within proposals, tracking event details, and handling invoicing, but lacks deep functionality for inventory tracking, recipe costing, or supplier ordering. It's best suited as a sales and client management tool for caterers tied to venue operations rather than standalone catering operations.

Pros

  • Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop proposal builder for quick catering package creation
  • Integrated payments and contracts streamline invoicing for events
  • Mobile app for on-the-go event and client management

Cons

  • Limited catering-specific tools like inventory management or menu costing
  • Higher pricing may not justify value for pure catering businesses without venue needs
  • Customization options require some setup time for advanced workflows

Best For

Venue-based caterers or small event caterers focused on sales, bookings, and client communication rather than operational logistics.

Pricing

Essentials at $199/month (up to 5 users), Pro at $399/month (unlimited users), Enterprise custom pricing.

Visit Event Templeeventtemple.com
8
PerfectVenue logo

PerfectVenue

specialized

Venue and catering management software with floor plans, inventory, and event calendars.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
8.5/10
Ease of Use
8.2/10
Value
7.7/10
Standout Feature

Dynamic proposal builder with real-time pricing, menus, and availability integration

PerfectVenue is a cloud-based venue and catering management software designed to streamline the entire sales and event lifecycle for hospitality businesses. It provides tools for lead management, proposal creation, booking calendars, contract automation, invoicing, and payments, with strong integration options like QuickBooks. The platform emphasizes revenue growth through CRM features, reporting, and marketing automation tailored for caterers and event venues.

Pros

  • Comprehensive sales pipeline from leads to payments
  • User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop proposal builder
  • Strong reporting and analytics for revenue insights

Cons

  • Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for small teams
  • Limited native mobile app; relies on web access
  • Some integrations require additional setup or fees

Best For

Mid-sized catering companies and multi-venue operators needing robust sales and booking management.

Pricing

Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $150/month for basic plans, scaling with users and venues (enterprise options available).

Visit PerfectVenueperfectvenue.com
9
OrderEm logo

OrderEm

specialized

Online ordering system for catering businesses supporting menus, scheduling, and integrations.

Overall Rating7.6/10
Features
7.2/10
Ease of Use
8.4/10
Value
8.2/10
Standout Feature

Commission-free online ordering that keeps 100% of sales revenue

OrderEm is a commission-free online ordering platform tailored for restaurants and catering businesses, enabling seamless menu management, order processing for pickup, delivery, and events. It integrates with popular POS systems to streamline operations and includes tools for customer loyalty and marketing. While versatile for general food service, it supports catering through customizable large-order menus but lacks deep event-specific planning features.

Pros

  • Commission-free online ordering reduces costs significantly
  • Strong POS integrations for smooth order flow
  • Intuitive interface with quick setup for small teams

Cons

  • Limited specialized catering tools like event scheduling or staffing management
  • Basic reporting lacks advanced analytics for large operations
  • More optimized for restaurants than full-scale catering workflows

Best For

Small to medium-sized catering businesses seeking affordable, straightforward online ordering without commission fees.

Pricing

Starts at $99/month per location, scaling to $299+ for advanced features; no per-order commissions.

Visit OrderEmorderem.com
10
UpMenu logo

UpMenu

specialized

Customizable online ordering platform with catering features for menus, payments, and delivery.

Overall Rating6.5/10
Features
6.0/10
Ease of Use
7.8/10
Value
7.2/10
Standout Feature

All-in-one website builder with integrated online ordering system

UpMenu is an online ordering platform designed primarily for restaurants, enabling businesses to build websites, create digital menus, and manage takeout and delivery orders. It supports customizable menus and integrations with popular delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash. While it can handle basic custom orders suitable for smaller catering needs, it lacks advanced tools for event planning, bulk inventory management, or catering-specific workflows.

Pros

  • User-friendly drag-and-drop menu and website builder
  • Strong integrations with delivery apps and POS systems
  • Affordable entry-level pricing with a free plan option

Cons

  • Missing specialized catering features like event calendars or RSVP management
  • Limited scalability for large-scale catering operations
  • Basic reporting lacks depth for catering analytics

Best For

Small catering businesses or food trucks needing simple online ordering without complex event management.

Pricing

Free basic plan; paid tiers start at $49/month (Starter) up to $199/month (Enterprise).

Visit UpMenuupmenu.com

Conclusion

The top 10 catering management software tools each bring unique strengths to streamline operations, but Caterease rises as the clear winner, excelling with its all-in-one approach that covers proposals, production, inventory, and accounting. CaterTrax and CaterZen stand out as strong alternatives—CaterTrax for cloud-based efficiency and CaterZen for its user-friendly online focus—ensuring there’s a perfect match for different business needs.

Caterease logo
Our Top Pick
Caterease

Take the first step toward seamless catering management: explore Caterease to unlock its comprehensive features and take your business to the next level.