Quick Overview
- 1#1: Caterease - All-in-one catering management software handling proposals, production schedules, inventory, and accounting.
- 2#2: CaterTrax - Cloud-based platform for streamlining catering operations including event management, invoicing, and staff scheduling.
- 3#3: CaterZen - User-friendly online catering software for quotes, online ordering, payments, and delivery management.
- 4#4: Planning Pod - Comprehensive event and catering management tool with booking, CRM, and project management features.
- 5#5: FoodStorm - Online ordering and catering management system designed for restaurants and caterers with menu and fulfillment tools.
- 6#6: Tripleseat - Event sales and catering management software focused on booking, contracts, and BEO creation.
- 7#7: Event Temple - Event and catering CRM platform for lead tracking, proposals, and client communication.
- 8#8: PerfectVenue - Venue and catering management software with floor plans, inventory, and event calendars.
- 9#9: OrderEm - Online ordering system for catering businesses supporting menus, scheduling, and integrations.
- 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.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caterease All-in-one catering management software handling proposals, production schedules, inventory, and accounting. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | CaterTrax Cloud-based platform for streamlining catering operations including event management, invoicing, and staff scheduling. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | CaterZen User-friendly online catering software for quotes, online ordering, payments, and delivery management. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Planning Pod Comprehensive event and catering management tool with booking, CRM, and project management features. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | FoodStorm Online ordering and catering management system designed for restaurants and caterers with menu and fulfillment tools. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Tripleseat Event sales and catering management software focused on booking, contracts, and BEO creation. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Event Temple Event and catering CRM platform for lead tracking, proposals, and client communication. | specialized | 6.8/10 | 6.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 8 | PerfectVenue Venue and catering management software with floor plans, inventory, and event calendars. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | OrderEm Online ordering system for catering businesses supporting menus, scheduling, and integrations. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 10 | UpMenu Customizable online ordering platform with catering features for menus, payments, and delivery. | specialized | 6.5/10 | 6.0/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 |
All-in-one catering management software handling proposals, production schedules, inventory, and accounting.
Cloud-based platform for streamlining catering operations including event management, invoicing, and staff scheduling.
User-friendly online catering software for quotes, online ordering, payments, and delivery management.
Comprehensive event and catering management tool with booking, CRM, and project management features.
Online ordering and catering management system designed for restaurants and caterers with menu and fulfillment tools.
Event sales and catering management software focused on booking, contracts, and BEO creation.
Event and catering CRM platform for lead tracking, proposals, and client communication.
Venue and catering management software with floor plans, inventory, and event calendars.
Online ordering system for catering businesses supporting menus, scheduling, and integrations.
Customizable online ordering platform with catering features for menus, payments, and delivery.
Caterease
specializedAll-in-one catering management software handling proposals, production schedules, inventory, and accounting.
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.
CaterTrax
specializedCloud-based platform for streamlining catering operations including event management, invoicing, and staff scheduling.
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.
CaterZen
specializedUser-friendly online catering software for quotes, online ordering, payments, and delivery management.
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.
Planning Pod
specializedComprehensive event and catering management tool with booking, CRM, and project management features.
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.
FoodStorm
specializedOnline ordering and catering management system designed for restaurants and caterers with menu and fulfillment tools.
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.
Tripleseat
specializedEvent sales and catering management software focused on booking, contracts, and BEO creation.
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.
Event Temple
specializedEvent and catering CRM platform for lead tracking, proposals, and client communication.
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.
PerfectVenue
specializedVenue and catering management software with floor plans, inventory, and event calendars.
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).
OrderEm
specializedOnline ordering system for catering businesses supporting menus, scheduling, and integrations.
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.
UpMenu
specializedCustomizable online ordering platform with catering features for menus, payments, and delivery.
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).
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.
Take the first step toward seamless catering management: explore Caterease to unlock its comprehensive features and take your business to the next level.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
