Quick Overview
- 1#1: Caterease - Comprehensive end-to-end software for professional caterers managing events, menus, inventory, scheduling, and invoicing.
- 2#2: Tripleseat - Event sales and catering CRM platform that streamlines proposals, contracts, BEOs, and catering operations for venues and caterers.
- 3#3: Planning Pod - All-in-one event management software with powerful tools for catering orders, production schedules, and vendor coordination.
- 4#4: CaterTrax - Cloud-based catering management system handling orders, events, inventory, and financials for off-premise caterers.
- 5#5: FoodStorm - Online ordering and POS platform built for catering businesses to manage event orders, menus, and fulfillment.
- 6#6: CaterZen - Simple, affordable software for caterers to handle scheduling, invoicing, payments, and client communications for events.
- 7#7: PerfectVenue - Venue and catering management software with features for event bookings, menus, inventory, and sales reporting.
- 8#8: Total Party Planner - Catering and event planning software for managing client details, menus, recipes, inventory, and profitability.
- 9#9: Curate - Modern sales and CRM tool for caterers to create proposals, nurture leads, and close event catering deals.
- 10#10: MarketMan - Inventory and procurement management platform optimized for foodservice operations including event catering.
We ranked these tools by evaluating their feature set—including end-to-end capabilities, CRM functionality, and inventory management—along with usability, reliability, and value for money, ensuring they meet the dynamic demands of modern event catering.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading event catering software tools, such as Caterease, Tripleseat, Planning Pod, CaterTrax, and FoodStorm, to guide users in selecting the right solution. Readers will gain insights into key features, usability, and functionality, helping them streamline event planning and coordination.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caterease Comprehensive end-to-end software for professional caterers managing events, menus, inventory, scheduling, and invoicing. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Tripleseat Event sales and catering CRM platform that streamlines proposals, contracts, BEOs, and catering operations for venues and caterers. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Planning Pod All-in-one event management software with powerful tools for catering orders, production schedules, and vendor coordination. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | CaterTrax Cloud-based catering management system handling orders, events, inventory, and financials for off-premise caterers. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | FoodStorm Online ordering and POS platform built for catering businesses to manage event orders, menus, and fulfillment. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | CaterZen Simple, affordable software for caterers to handle scheduling, invoicing, payments, and client communications for events. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | PerfectVenue Venue and catering management software with features for event bookings, menus, inventory, and sales reporting. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Total Party Planner Catering and event planning software for managing client details, menus, recipes, inventory, and profitability. | specialized | 6.8/10 | 6.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 9 | Curate Modern sales and CRM tool for caterers to create proposals, nurture leads, and close event catering deals. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | MarketMan Inventory and procurement management platform optimized for foodservice operations including event catering. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.0/10 |
Comprehensive end-to-end software for professional caterers managing events, menus, inventory, scheduling, and invoicing.
Event sales and catering CRM platform that streamlines proposals, contracts, BEOs, and catering operations for venues and caterers.
All-in-one event management software with powerful tools for catering orders, production schedules, and vendor coordination.
Cloud-based catering management system handling orders, events, inventory, and financials for off-premise caterers.
Online ordering and POS platform built for catering businesses to manage event orders, menus, and fulfillment.
Simple, affordable software for caterers to handle scheduling, invoicing, payments, and client communications for events.
Venue and catering management software with features for event bookings, menus, inventory, and sales reporting.
Catering and event planning software for managing client details, menus, recipes, inventory, and profitability.
Modern sales and CRM tool for caterers to create proposals, nurture leads, and close event catering deals.
Inventory and procurement management platform optimized for foodservice operations including event catering.
Caterease
specializedComprehensive end-to-end software for professional caterers managing events, menus, inventory, scheduling, and invoicing.
Advanced recipe costing and yield management with real-time inventory adjustments across multiple locations
Caterease is a comprehensive event catering software that manages the full lifecycle of catering operations, from initial proposals and bookings to inventory tracking, staff scheduling, and invoicing. It provides tools for menu planning, rental management, and detailed reporting, helping caterers optimize costs and streamline workflows. Available in both desktop and cloud versions, it supports scalability for businesses handling high-volume events.
Pros
- All-in-one solution covering proposals, events, inventory, and accounting
- Highly customizable templates and reporting for complex catering needs
- Strong customer support with dedicated training resources
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Higher pricing may deter small operations
- Desktop version requires Windows, limiting cross-platform access
Best For
Mid-to-large catering companies managing high-volume, multi-faceted events that require robust inventory and financial tracking.
Pricing
Cloud plans start at $295/month (billed annually) for base features, with add-ons for additional users, modules, and on-premise options via custom quotes.
Tripleseat
enterpriseEvent sales and catering CRM platform that streamlines proposals, contracts, BEOs, and catering operations for venues and caterers.
Automated proposal-to-contract workflow with built-in e-signatures and menu configurators
Tripleseat is a comprehensive event management and catering software tailored for hospitality venues like hotels, restaurants, and country clubs. It streamlines the full event lifecycle, from lead generation and customized proposals to contract signing, BEO creation, invoicing, and post-event reporting. With extensive integrations to POS systems, CRMs, and accounting tools, it enables efficient management of high-volume catering operations.
Pros
- Robust event pipeline from inquiry to invoicing
- Seamless integrations with 100+ tools like QuickBooks and Toast
- Powerful reporting and analytics for revenue optimization
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Pricing can be high for small operations
- Customization requires support team involvement
Best For
Mid-to-large hospitality venues managing frequent catering events and banquets.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $125-$300 per user/month depending on venue size and modules.
Planning Pod
enterpriseAll-in-one event management software with powerful tools for catering orders, production schedules, and vendor coordination.
Integrated Pods system for real-time team collaboration on events, menus, and tasks
Planning Pod is a comprehensive all-in-one event management platform designed for event planners, venues, and caterers, offering tools to streamline the entire event lifecycle from lead capture to post-event analysis. For event catering, it provides specialized features like menu management, banquet event orders (BEOs), inventory tracking, staff scheduling, and cost calculations. It integrates CRM, task management, and client portals to centralize operations and enhance collaboration.
Pros
- Robust catering-specific tools including BEOs, menu builders, and inventory management
- All-in-one platform reduces need for multiple tools
- Strong customization and reporting for detailed event tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Pricing can be high for small catering operations
- Mobile app lacks full desktop functionality
Best For
Mid-sized catering companies and event management teams needing an integrated platform for complex events.
Pricing
Starts at $59/user/month for Starter plan; Pro at $99/user/month; custom Enterprise pricing available.
CaterTrax
specializedCloud-based catering management system handling orders, events, inventory, and financials for off-premise caterers.
Advanced delivery route optimization with GPS tracking for efficient multi-stop logistics
CaterTrax is a cloud-based catering management software tailored for event caterers, offering end-to-end tools for quoting, booking, inventory tracking, staff scheduling, and invoicing. It streamlines operations with features like online client ordering portals, recipe costing, and production planning to handle complex events efficiently. The platform provides real-time reporting and mobile apps for on-the-go staff management, making it suitable for mid-sized catering businesses.
Pros
- Comprehensive event lifecycle management from proposal to payment
- Robust inventory and recipe costing tools
- Mobile apps for staff and drivers with real-time updates
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Interface feels dated in some areas
- Limited third-party integrations compared to competitors
Best For
Mid-sized catering companies managing multiple events weekly that require detailed inventory control and production planning.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month for basic plans (up to 50 events/year), scaling to $499+/month for unlimited events and advanced features; custom enterprise pricing available.
FoodStorm
specializedOnline ordering and POS platform built for catering businesses to manage event orders, menus, and fulfillment.
Dynamic package builder that supports nested options, modifiers, and upsells tailored for catering events
FoodStorm is a specialized online ordering and management platform designed for catering businesses, enabling the creation of dynamic menus, event scheduling, and order fulfillment. It provides a branded website for customers to place catering orders, select packages, and specify delivery details, while backend tools handle inventory, dispatching, and invoicing. The software integrates with payment processors and accounting systems to streamline operations for event caterers.
Pros
- Highly customizable menu builder for complex catering packages and events
- Integrated scheduling, delivery routing, and real-time order tracking
- White-label ordering site that enhances professional branding
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly with order volume and add-ons
- Initial setup requires time to configure menus and integrations
- Reporting and analytics are functional but not as advanced as top competitors
Best For
Mid-sized catering companies handling frequent events that need a robust, customer-facing online ordering system.
Pricing
Starts at $135/month for basic plans, with custom enterprise pricing based on order volume and features.
CaterZen
specializedSimple, affordable software for caterers to handle scheduling, invoicing, payments, and client communications for events.
Integrated website builder with a fully customizable online ordering storefront
CaterZen is a cloud-based catering management software designed specifically for event caterers, offering tools for menu creation, online ordering, event scheduling, and client management. It streamlines operations with features like automated invoicing, staff scheduling, inventory tracking, and integrations with QuickBooks and payment gateways. The platform helps caterers build professional websites with built-in ordering storefronts, reducing dependency on external booking sites and enhancing direct client engagement.
Pros
- Robust online ordering and customizable storefront for direct bookings
- Strong integrations with QuickBooks and payment processors
- Comprehensive event and inventory management tools
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers may not suit very small operations
- Limited advanced reporting customization
- Mobile app functionality lags behind desktop version
Best For
Medium-sized catering businesses seeking an all-in-one platform for online orders, event management, and CRM without needing custom development.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month (Starter plan, billed annually) up to $349/month (Enterprise), with a free trial available.
PerfectVenue
enterpriseVenue and catering management software with features for event bookings, menus, inventory, and sales reporting.
Integrated client portal for self-service booking, proposals, and payments, reducing manual follow-ups
PerfectVenue is a comprehensive venue and event management platform designed to streamline operations for event spaces, including those offering catering services. It provides tools for online booking, proposal creation, contract management, invoicing, and payment processing, all integrated into a single dashboard. The software excels in client relationship management (CRM) and helps venues handle catering menus, event calendars, and post-event reporting efficiently.
Pros
- Seamless integration of bookings, payments, and CRM for efficient event and catering management
- User-friendly interface with mobile access and customizable workflows
- Robust reporting and analytics to track catering revenue and performance
Cons
- Pricing can be high for smaller catering operations or single venues
- Limited third-party integrations compared to larger enterprise solutions
- Advanced customization requires setup time and support
Best For
Mid-sized event venues and catering providers that need an all-in-one platform for managing bookings, client interactions, and payments.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month for basic plans, with custom pricing for enterprise features (billed annually).
Total Party Planner
specializedCatering and event planning software for managing client details, menus, recipes, inventory, and profitability.
Automated shopping list generation that scales recipes based on guest count and dietary preferences
Total Party Planner is a Windows desktop application designed for organizing parties and events, with tools for managing guest lists, menus, recipes, shopping lists, seating charts, and timelines. It excels in scaling recipes for guest counts and generating automated shopping lists, making it handy for personal or small-scale catering logistics. However, it lacks cloud access, mobile support, and professional features like invoicing or staff scheduling found in enterprise event catering software.
Pros
- Affordable one-time purchase with no subscriptions
- Intuitive interface for quick event setup and recipe scaling
- Comprehensive tools for menus, shopping lists, and seating
Cons
- Windows-only desktop app with no mobile or cloud access
- Missing professional catering features like CRM, invoicing, and inventory tracking
- Limited scalability for large events or teams
Best For
Home users or small-scale party hosts planning casual events without needing advanced business tools.
Pricing
One-time fee of $49.95 for lifetime access.
Curate
specializedModern sales and CRM tool for caterers to create proposals, nurture leads, and close event catering deals.
Visual curation studio for creating interactive, shoppable event proposals with real-time client customization
Curate (hellocurate.com) is a vendor-focused platform tailored for event professionals, including caterers, enabling them to create stunning digital portfolios, showcase menus, and manage client inquiries seamlessly. It excels in lead generation and proposal customization, connecting caterers with couples and event planners through a marketplace-style interface. While strong in marketing and client-facing tools, it provides lighter operational features for day-to-day catering management like inventory or staff scheduling.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop proposal and menu builder for visually appealing client presentations
- Built-in lead generation marketplace connecting caterers to high-intent event clients
- Streamlined inquiry management and CRM tools to nurture leads efficiently
Cons
- Lacks robust backend operations like inventory tracking or staff scheduling
- Primarily geared toward weddings and social events, less ideal for corporate catering
- Subscription costs can add up for small caterers with low lead volume
Best For
Wedding and private event caterers seeking to boost visibility, generate leads, and deliver polished digital proposals without heavy operational software needs.
Pricing
Tiered subscriptions starting at $99/month for basic access, up to $299/month for premium features including unlimited proposals and advanced analytics.
MarketMan
enterpriseInventory and procurement management platform optimized for foodservice operations including event catering.
Integrated vendor marketplace for one-click purchasing and invoice automation
MarketMan is an inventory management and procurement platform tailored for restaurants, bars, and caterers, offering real-time stock tracking, automated vendor ordering, and recipe costing tools. It helps event caterers control food costs, minimize waste, and streamline purchasing for large-scale events. While strong in backend operations, it lacks comprehensive event planning features like scheduling or guest management.
Pros
- Real-time inventory tracking and forecasting reduces waste for event prep
- Automated purchase orders from 300+ vendors simplify sourcing
- Recipe costing and analytics provide precise menu pricing for events
Cons
- No native event scheduling, RSVPs, or on-site management tools
- Limited integrations with full event catering platforms
- Advanced reporting requires some setup and training
Best For
Event caterers prioritizing inventory control and cost management over complete event workflow automation.
Pricing
Starts at $149 per location/month (Essentials plan), up to $299+ for Pro/Enterprise with custom quotes.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top 10 event catering tools reveals Caterease as the definitive leader, offering comprehensive end-to-end management of menus, inventory, and operations. While Tripleseat excels in sales and CRM streamlining, and Planning Pod impresses with all-in-one coordination, Caterease remains the top choice for a well-rounded, all-encompassing solution that caters to diverse needs.
Caterers aiming to simplify workflows and boost efficiency should start with Caterease—its powerful tools make it the strongest pick to elevate event management.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
