Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Comprehensive restaurant POS platform with dedicated curbside pickup features including order alerts, parking assignments, and seamless POS integration.
- 2#2: Square - Affordable POS and online ordering system that supports easy curbside pickup with customer notifications and inventory management.
- 3#3: Olo - Enterprise-grade online ordering platform optimized for curbside pickup with advanced customization, integrations, and real-time order tracking.
- 4#4: Shopify - E-commerce platform with built-in local and curbside pickup options, inventory sync, and customer notification tools.
- 5#5: Lightspeed Retail - Retail POS software featuring curbside pickup fulfillment, order management, and multi-location support.
- 6#6: Revel Systems - Cloud-based POS with online ordering and curbside pickup capabilities including automated alerts and reporting.
- 7#7: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software supporting curbside orders through app marketplace integrations and notifications.
- 8#8: ChowNow - Commission-free online ordering system for restaurants with curbside pickup, guest notifications, and POS sync.
- 9#9: TouchBistro - iPad-based restaurant POS with curbside pickup ordering, table management alternatives, and customer alerts.
- 10#10: GloriaFood - Free online ordering app for restaurants offering basic curbside pickup with customizable menus and notifications.
Tools were selected based on the strength of curbside-specific features (including order tracking, customer notifications, and integration with existing systems), overall quality, ease of use, and value proposition across business scales.
Comparison Table
As curbside pickup grows as a key service for businesses, selecting the right software to optimize operations and improve customer experience matters. This comparison table details top tools like Toast, Square, Olo, Shopify, and Lightspeed Retail, equipping readers to evaluate features, pricing, and usability for their specific needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Comprehensive restaurant POS platform with dedicated curbside pickup features including order alerts, parking assignments, and seamless POS integration. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Square Affordable POS and online ordering system that supports easy curbside pickup with customer notifications and inventory management. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Olo Enterprise-grade online ordering platform optimized for curbside pickup with advanced customization, integrations, and real-time order tracking. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 |  Shopify E-commerce platform with built-in local and curbside pickup options, inventory sync, and customer notification tools. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Lightspeed Retail Retail POS software featuring curbside pickup fulfillment, order management, and multi-location support. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Revel Systems Cloud-based POS with online ordering and curbside pickup capabilities including automated alerts and reporting. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 7 | Clover Flexible POS hardware and software supporting curbside orders through app marketplace integrations and notifications. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 8 | ChowNow Commission-free online ordering system for restaurants with curbside pickup, guest notifications, and POS sync. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 9 | TouchBistro iPad-based restaurant POS with curbside pickup ordering, table management alternatives, and customer alerts. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | GloriaFood Free online ordering app for restaurants offering basic curbside pickup with customizable menus and notifications. | other | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
Comprehensive restaurant POS platform with dedicated curbside pickup features including order alerts, parking assignments, and seamless POS integration.
Affordable POS and online ordering system that supports easy curbside pickup with customer notifications and inventory management.
Enterprise-grade online ordering platform optimized for curbside pickup with advanced customization, integrations, and real-time order tracking.
E-commerce platform with built-in local and curbside pickup options, inventory sync, and customer notification tools.
Retail POS software featuring curbside pickup fulfillment, order management, and multi-location support.
Cloud-based POS with online ordering and curbside pickup capabilities including automated alerts and reporting.
Flexible POS hardware and software supporting curbside orders through app marketplace integrations and notifications.
Commission-free online ordering system for restaurants with curbside pickup, guest notifications, and POS sync.
iPad-based restaurant POS with curbside pickup ordering, table management alternatives, and customer alerts.
Free online ordering app for restaurants offering basic curbside pickup with customizable menus and notifications.
Toast
enterpriseComprehensive restaurant POS platform with dedicated curbside pickup features including order alerts, parking assignments, and seamless POS integration.
Direct POS integration for online curbside orders that auto-populate kitchen displays and send customer notifications, eliminating manual entry errors.
Toast is a comprehensive cloud-based POS and restaurant management platform that offers robust curbside pickup capabilities through its Online Ordering and Toast TakeOut & Delivery modules. Customers can order via the Toast website, app, or third-party integrations, select curbside pickup with custom times, and receive push notifications when orders are ready for contactless handoff. It seamlessly integrates with the core POS for real-time kitchen management, inventory tracking, and payments, streamlining the entire curbside process for restaurants.
Pros
- Seamless integration of online ordering with POS for real-time order fulfillment and notifications
- Contactless payment and curbside-specific features like order timers and driver alerts
- Scalable for single locations to enterprise chains with advanced reporting and analytics
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs and subscription fees for smaller operations
- Custom pricing requires sales consultation, lacking transparent tiers
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy staff despite intuitive design
Best For
Mid-sized to large restaurants and chains needing an all-in-one POS with enterprise-grade curbside pickup management.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $69-$165/month per terminal for POS bundles, plus online ordering fees (e.g., $0.99 + 30% per order) and 2.99%-3.69% processing.
Square
specializedAffordable POS and online ordering system that supports easy curbside pickup with customer notifications and inventory management.
Instant order syncing between online curbside requests and in-store POS terminals for effortless fulfillment
Square is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system with integrated online ordering via Square Online, enabling seamless curbside pickup for retail and restaurant businesses. Customers can browse menus or catalogs, place orders, pay securely online, and select curbside pickup with customizable instructions and notifications for readiness. Orders sync instantly to the POS for fulfillment, staff preparation, and real-time status updates, making it efficient for contactless service.
Pros
- Intuitive setup with no coding required for curbside ordering
- Seamless integration with Square POS hardware and inventory management
- Free core platform with reliable customer notifications and order tracking
Cons
- Limited advanced curbside tools like geofencing or driver apps
- Transaction fees apply to every online order
- Customization options are basic compared to dedicated pickup platforms
Best For
Small to medium-sized retail and food service businesses seeking an affordable, all-in-one POS with straightforward curbside pickup capabilities.
Pricing
Free for basic Square Online with 2.9% + 30¢ per online transaction; Plus ($29/mo) and Premium ($89/mo) for advanced features; POS hardware sold separately.
Olo
enterpriseEnterprise-grade online ordering platform optimized for curbside pickup with advanced customization, integrations, and real-time order tracking.
Comprehensive POS-agnostic integrations enabling real-time curbside order syncing and automated notifications across 100+ systems
Olo is a robust enterprise-grade platform specializing in digital ordering for restaurants, with strong support for curbside pickup through seamless online ordering, real-time status updates, and integrated fulfillment tools. It enables customers to place orders via web or app, receive notifications when ready, and complete pickup contactlessly. The system excels in high-volume environments with deep POS integrations and analytics for optimizing curbside operations.
Pros
- Deep integrations with over 100 POS systems for smooth curbside order flow
- Scalable for enterprise chains handling high-volume pickups
- Advanced analytics and reporting to optimize curbside efficiency
Cons
- High cost and custom pricing make it less accessible for small restaurants
- Steeper learning curve and longer setup for non-enterprise users
- Limited transparency on pricing without a sales consultation
Best For
Mid-to-large restaurant chains or multi-location operators seeking scalable, integrated curbside pickup solutions.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $5,000+ per month for mid-sized operations, scaling with order volume.
Shopify
enterpriseE-commerce platform with built-in local and curbside pickup options, inventory sync, and customer notification tools.
Deep integration of curbside pickup directly into the Shopify checkout and POS ecosystem
Shopify is a comprehensive e-commerce platform that supports curbside pickup through its built-in local pickup and delivery options during checkout, allowing customers to select store locations and schedule pickups. Merchants can manage orders, track inventory in real-time, and fulfill curbside requests via the Shopify POS app or integrated third-party apps from the Shopify App Store. While not a dedicated curbside solution, it enables efficient curbside operations for online stores transitioning to omnichannel retail.
Pros
- Seamless integration with e-commerce storefront and POS for unified order management
- Vast App Store with specialized curbside apps for notifications and scheduling
- Real-time inventory synchronization across online and in-store channels
Cons
- Advanced curbside features like automated notifications require paid third-party apps
- Core curbside functionality is basic without add-ons, limiting standalone use
- Total costs increase with apps and higher-tier plans for scaling businesses
Best For
E-commerce merchants already on Shopify seeking to add curbside pickup without switching platforms.
Pricing
Core plans start at $29/month (Basic); curbside-enhancing apps range from free to $50+/month.
Lightspeed Retail
enterpriseRetail POS software featuring curbside pickup fulfillment, order management, and multi-location support.
Unified order dashboard that combines online orders, in-store sales, and curbside fulfillment in one POS interface
Lightspeed Retail is a comprehensive POS system designed for brick-and-mortar retailers, offering robust curbside pickup capabilities through its integrated e-commerce and order management tools. It enables customers to place online orders for in-store pickup, with staff receiving real-time notifications to prepare and fulfill curbside requests efficiently. The platform syncs inventory across online and in-store channels, minimizing overselling and streamlining the entire pickup process from order to customer notification.
Pros
- Seamless integration with full POS and inventory management
- Real-time order notifications and customer SMS/email alerts
- Multi-location support for chain retailers
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to dedicated curbside tools
- Steeper learning curve for non-POS users
- Limited customization for curbside-specific workflows
Best For
Established retail businesses with existing POS needs looking for integrated curbside pickup without switching systems.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month per location (Essentials plan), with Plus at $149/month and Advanced at $249/month; additional fees for e-commerce and hardware.
Revel Systems
specializedCloud-based POS with online ordering and curbside pickup capabilities including automated alerts and reporting.
Automated customer notifications and order-ahead curbside routing integrated directly into the POS dashboard
Revel Systems is a cloud-based iPad POS platform designed primarily for restaurants and retail, with built-in support for curbside pickup through its online ordering module. It enables businesses to accept orders via web or app, notify customers when ready, and manage pickups efficiently with real-time inventory syncing. While robust for full-service operations, its curbside features integrate seamlessly into broader POS workflows rather than standing alone as a dedicated solution.
Pros
- Comprehensive POS integration with curbside notifications and order routing
- Real-time inventory and sales tracking across channels
- Scalable for multi-location businesses with strong reporting tools
Cons
- Higher monthly costs compared to standalone curbside apps
- Requires iPad hardware investment and setup
- Steeper learning curve for non-POS users
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and retailers wanting an all-in-one POS system that includes reliable curbside pickup capabilities.
Pricing
Core POS starts at $99/month per location; online ordering/curbside add-ons $50-150/month; hardware (iPads) extra, plus 2.3-2.6% processing fees.
Clover
specializedFlexible POS hardware and software supporting curbside orders through app marketplace integrations and notifications.
End-to-end POS integration allowing staff to handle curbside orders directly on Clover terminals with one-tap status updates.
Clover is a versatile POS system from clover.com that supports curbside pickup through its Online Ordering app and seamless integration with Clover hardware terminals. Businesses can create digital menus for web or app-based ordering, receive real-time notifications for new orders, and fulfill them directly from the POS with inventory syncing and payment processing. It enables efficient curbside operations by marking orders as ready and notifying customers via SMS or email.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Clover POS hardware for quick order fulfillment
- Real-time inventory management and automatic stock updates
- Built-in secure payment processing with low transaction fees
Cons
- Requires purchase of Clover hardware, increasing upfront costs
- Curbside features rely on add-on apps, not native core functionality
- Customization options limited compared to dedicated curbside platforms
Best For
Small restaurants and retail shops already invested in Clover POS seeking integrated curbside pickup without needing multiple systems.
Pricing
Hardware from $499; software subscriptions $14.95-$114.85/month; 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction.
ChowNow
specializedCommission-free online ordering system for restaurants with curbside pickup, guest notifications, and POS sync.
White-label storefront that delivers a fully branded customer experience while owning all data
ChowNow is a commission-free online ordering platform designed for restaurants to create branded websites and apps for direct customer orders. It supports curbside pickup through real-time order notifications, status updates, and customizable pickup instructions, helping restaurants manage contactless service efficiently. The platform integrates with popular POS systems like Toast and Square, streamlining order flow from placement to fulfillment without third-party fees.
Pros
- Commission-free model retains full revenue
- Strong POS integrations for smooth curbside operations
- Intuitive dashboard for order management and notifications
Cons
- Monthly pricing can be steep for small restaurants
- Delivery requires third-party partnerships
- Limited advanced analytics compared to enterprise tools
Best For
Independent restaurants wanting a branded, direct ordering system with reliable curbside pickup support.
Pricing
Starts at $150/month per location (no commissions), with Pro plans up to $299/month.
TouchBistro
specializediPad-based restaurant POS with curbside pickup ordering, table management alternatives, and customer alerts.
Unified POS-online ordering sync that automatically routes curbside orders to kitchen displays with real-time prep status
TouchBistro is a comprehensive cloud-based POS system designed for restaurants, with curbside pickup functionality enabled through its integrated online ordering module. Customers can place orders online, pay in advance, and receive real-time notifications when their food is ready for curbside pickup. The system syncs seamlessly with the restaurant's POS for efficient order fulfillment, inventory management, and reporting, making it suitable for takeout-heavy operations.
Pros
- Seamless integration of POS with online ordering for curbside
- Real-time customer notifications and order status updates
- Comprehensive restaurant management tools including inventory and reporting
Cons
- Higher pricing may deter small or startup operations
- More geared toward full POS users than standalone curbside tools
- Requires compatible hardware for optimal iPad-based setup
Best For
Established restaurants with existing POS needs that want to add efficient curbside pickup without switching systems.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal for core POS; online ordering and curbside features as add-ons (custom quotes typical, $100+/month total).
GloriaFood
otherFree online ordering app for restaurants offering basic curbside pickup with customizable menus and notifications.
Commission-free online ordering that includes curbside pickup at no extra cost
GloriaFood is a free online ordering platform that enables restaurants to create customizable websites and ordering pages for delivery, takeaway, and curbside pickup. It handles menu management, order notifications, and payment processing with no transaction fees or commissions. For curbside pickup, it supports order preparation alerts and customer notifications to facilitate contactless service, though it lacks specialized tools like GPS tracking.
Pros
- Completely free plan with no commissions or transaction fees
- Quick setup and intuitive dashboard for non-technical users
- Reliable order notifications for curbside pickup coordination
Cons
- GloriaFood branding on free plan limits professional appearance
- Limited advanced curbside features like real-time location sharing
- Customization options are basic without premium upgrades
Best For
Small restaurants and cafes seeking a no-cost entry into online ordering with simple curbside pickup support.
Pricing
Free forever plan; premium plans from $9/month to remove branding and add features.
Conclusion
Navigating curbside pickup software becomes straightforward with top tools, each offering unique strengths. Toast stands out as the top choice, boasting a comprehensive POS platform with dedicated pickup features like order alerts and parking assignments, ensuring seamless operations. Square and Olo follow closely—Square for its affordability and integrated POS, Olo for enterprise-level customization, making them strong alternatives for diverse needs.
Embrace Toast’s robust capabilities to transform your curbside service; explore its features to streamline pickup processes and deliver exceptional customer experiences.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison