Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Comprehensive cloud-based POS and restaurant management platform with online ordering, payroll, inventory, and analytics.
- 2#2: Restaurant365 - All-in-one restaurant operations platform integrating accounting, scheduling, inventory, and reporting.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Restaurant - POS system with inventory management, staff scheduling, and multi-location support for restaurants.
- 4#4: Square for Restaurants - Affordable POS solution with integrated payments, online ordering, and team management for small to mid-sized restaurants.
- 5#5: TouchBistro - iPad-based POS tailored for full-service restaurants with floor plans, loyalty programs, and reporting.
- 6#6: Revel Systems - Cloud POS platform offering advanced analytics, kitchen display systems, and e-commerce integrations for food businesses.
- 7#7: 7shifts - Restaurant employee scheduling and workforce management tool with labor forecasting and tip pooling.
- 8#8: MarketMan - Inventory and procurement management software helping restaurants track costs, orders, and reduce food waste.
- 9#9: Olo - Digital ordering and delivery platform enabling restaurants to manage online orders and guest data.
- 10#10: BentoBox - Website and online ordering platform designed for independent restaurants to boost direct sales.
Tools were selected and ranked based on feature depth, user-friendliness, reliability, and value, ensuring they cater to diverse business needs, from small restaurants to multi-location chains.
Comparison Table
Running a successful food service operation requires efficient software, and a diverse range of tools—from Toast and Restaurant365 to Lightspeed Restaurant and Square for Restaurants—aim to simplify tasks like ordering, payments, and inventory. This comparison table breaks down key features, benefits, and practicality of top options, helping readers navigate choices that align with their business size, workflow, and goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Comprehensive cloud-based POS and restaurant management platform with online ordering, payroll, inventory, and analytics. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Restaurant365 All-in-one restaurant operations platform integrating accounting, scheduling, inventory, and reporting. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Restaurant POS system with inventory management, staff scheduling, and multi-location support for restaurants. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Square for Restaurants Affordable POS solution with integrated payments, online ordering, and team management for small to mid-sized restaurants. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 5 | TouchBistro iPad-based POS tailored for full-service restaurants with floor plans, loyalty programs, and reporting. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Revel Systems Cloud POS platform offering advanced analytics, kitchen display systems, and e-commerce integrations for food businesses. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | 7shifts Restaurant employee scheduling and workforce management tool with labor forecasting and tip pooling. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | MarketMan Inventory and procurement management software helping restaurants track costs, orders, and reduce food waste. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Olo Digital ordering and delivery platform enabling restaurants to manage online orders and guest data. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | BentoBox Website and online ordering platform designed for independent restaurants to boost direct sales. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based POS and restaurant management platform with online ordering, payroll, inventory, and analytics.
All-in-one restaurant operations platform integrating accounting, scheduling, inventory, and reporting.
POS system with inventory management, staff scheduling, and multi-location support for restaurants.
Affordable POS solution with integrated payments, online ordering, and team management for small to mid-sized restaurants.
iPad-based POS tailored for full-service restaurants with floor plans, loyalty programs, and reporting.
Cloud POS platform offering advanced analytics, kitchen display systems, and e-commerce integrations for food businesses.
Restaurant employee scheduling and workforce management tool with labor forecasting and tip pooling.
Inventory and procurement management software helping restaurants track costs, orders, and reduce food waste.
Digital ordering and delivery platform enabling restaurants to manage online orders and guest data.
Website and online ordering platform designed for independent restaurants to boost direct sales.
Toast
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based POS and restaurant management platform with online ordering, payroll, inventory, and analytics.
Seamless online ordering and delivery integrations with built-in commission-free guest marketing tools
Toast is a leading cloud-based restaurant management platform offering an all-in-one POS system tailored for full-service, quick-service, and bar operations. It integrates point-of-sale, payment processing, online ordering, inventory management, employee scheduling, payroll, and advanced reporting to streamline restaurant workflows. With customizable hardware and robust analytics, Toast helps businesses optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and scale efficiently.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one suite covering POS, payments, online ordering, and back-office tools
- Industry-leading integrations and real-time reporting for data-driven decisions
- Reliable hardware options and 24/7 support tailored for restaurants
Cons
- Higher upfront costs and custom pricing can be steep for small operations
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features despite intuitive interface
- Some users report occasional software glitches during peak hours
Best For
Full-service restaurants, chains, and high-volume operations seeking a scalable, integrated POS solution.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $69-$165 per month per location for software, plus hardware leases from $200+ and transaction fees around 2.49% + $0.15.
Restaurant365
enterpriseAll-in-one restaurant operations platform integrating accounting, scheduling, inventory, and reporting.
Real-time prime cost tracking that automatically pulls data from POS, inventory, and labor for instant profitability insights
Restaurant365 is a cloud-based all-in-one management platform tailored for restaurants, integrating accounting, operations, inventory, scheduling, and payroll into a single system. It delivers real-time visibility into key metrics like prime costs, labor efficiency, and inventory turnover, enabling data-driven decisions across multi-location operations. The software seamlessly connects with major POS systems and offers advanced forecasting and reporting tools to streamline back-office processes.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration of financials, ops, and inventory for end-to-end visibility
- Real-time analytics and prime cost management tailored to restaurants
- Scalable for multi-unit chains with robust POS integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation for new users
- Higher pricing suitable mainly for mid-to-large operations
- Limited customization options for very niche workflows
Best For
Multi-location restaurant groups and chains seeking an integrated back-office solution to control costs and scale operations.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $300-$600 per location per month depending on features, users, and locations.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterprisePOS system with inventory management, staff scheduling, and multi-location support for restaurants.
Advanced digital floor plans and real-time table management for optimized dining room efficiency
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system tailored for food service businesses, providing tools for table management, order processing, inventory control, and detailed reporting. It supports multi-location operations, online ordering integrations with platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash, and mobile apps for servers and kitchen staff. The platform excels in streamlining restaurant workflows with features like kitchen display systems and offline functionality.
Pros
- Robust restaurant-specific features like customizable floor plans and table management
- Seamless integrations with delivery apps and accounting software
- Reliable offline mode and strong multi-location support
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic POS competitors
- Steep learning curve for advanced customization
- Mixed customer support experiences with occasional delays
Best For
Mid-sized to large restaurants and multi-location chains needing scalable, feature-rich POS with strong integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location (Essential plan), up to $199+/month (Pro plan), plus payment processing fees (2.6% + $0.30 per transaction) and optional hardware.
Square for Restaurants
specializedAffordable POS solution with integrated payments, online ordering, and team management for small to mid-sized restaurants.
Built-in team management with real-time labor costing and scheduling to optimize staff efficiency
Square for Restaurants is a cloud-based POS system tailored for food service businesses, offering tools for order management, payments, inventory tracking, and staff scheduling. It supports front-of-house operations like table service and quick-service counters, as well as back-of-house functions including kitchen display systems and recipe costing. The platform integrates seamlessly with online ordering, delivery apps, and loyalty programs to streamline restaurant workflows.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with minimal setup time
- No monthly software fees for core POS (transaction-based pricing)
- Strong integrations with delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats
Cons
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume restaurants
- Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
- Customization options limited compared to enterprise competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurants and cafes seeking an affordable, user-friendly POS without long-term contracts.
Pricing
Free Starter plan (2.6% + 10¢ per transaction); Plus at $60/month per location; Premium custom pricing; additional hardware sold separately.
TouchBistro
specializediPad-based POS tailored for full-service restaurants with floor plans, loyalty programs, and reporting.
Advanced table management with visual floor plans and seamless handoff to kitchen displays
TouchBistro is an iPad-based, cloud-connected POS system designed exclusively for restaurants, bars, and foodservice businesses. It streamlines front-of-house operations like order taking, table management, and payments, while offering back-of-house tools such as inventory tracking, staff scheduling, and detailed reporting. Additional features include online ordering, loyalty programs, and integrations with delivery services, making it a comprehensive solution for full-service and quick-service establishments.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific features like table mapping and kitchen display system
- Reliable offline mode for uninterrupted service
- Robust analytics and reporting for business insights
Cons
- High cost, especially for smaller operations with per-terminal pricing
- Locked into Apple iPad hardware ecosystem
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy staff
Best For
Mid-sized full-service restaurants and bars needing a feature-rich, industry-tailored POS with strong offline capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $69-$165 per terminal/month (billed annually), plus one-time hardware costs and add-ons for features like online ordering.
Revel Systems
enterpriseCloud POS platform offering advanced analytics, kitchen display systems, and e-commerce integrations for food businesses.
Advanced Kitchen Display System (KDS) with customizable workflows and real-time order routing
Revel Systems is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) platform tailored for restaurants and foodservice businesses, offering tools for order processing, inventory management, table management, and customer loyalty programs. It runs primarily on iPad hardware, enabling a mobile, flexible setup for quick-service and full-service operations. The system integrates with third-party delivery services and provides real-time reporting for efficient business oversight.
Pros
- Comprehensive restaurant-specific features like KDS and table mapping
- Real-time cloud syncing and robust analytics
- Seamless integrations with delivery apps like Uber Eats
Cons
- Higher monthly costs compared to basic POS systems
- Hardware limited to Apple iPads/iPhones
- Occasional reports of downtime during peak hours
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and food chains needing scalable, mobile POS with advanced inventory and reporting.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal (Core plan), up to $299+ for advanced tiers; hardware and 2.3% + $0.10 processing fees extra.
7shifts
specializedRestaurant employee scheduling and workforce management tool with labor forecasting and tip pooling.
AI-powered labor forecasting that predicts optimal staffing based on historical sales data and trends
7shifts is a restaurant-specific workforce management platform that specializes in employee scheduling, time tracking, and labor cost optimization. It offers tools for shift management, communication, tip pooling, and integrations with popular POS systems like Toast and Square. Designed for the fast-paced food service industry, it helps reduce overtime, forecast labor needs, and streamline operations across single or multi-location restaurants.
Pros
- Powerful drag-and-drop scheduling with auto-fill and forecasting
- Seamless integrations with 30+ POS and payroll systems
- Comprehensive analytics for labor cost control and performance insights
Cons
- Pricing per active location can add up for multi-site operations
- Advanced features like AI forecasting locked behind higher tiers
- Mobile app occasionally lags during peak usage
Best For
Multi-location restaurants focused on optimizing scheduling, reducing labor costs, and improving team communication.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99/location/month (Essentials); Pro at $49.99/location/month; custom Enterprise pricing available.
MarketMan
specializedInventory and procurement management software helping restaurants track costs, orders, and reduce food waste.
AI-driven invoice verification that automatically matches deliveries to POs and flags discrepancies
MarketMan is a cloud-based inventory management and purchasing platform tailored for restaurants, bars, and foodservice businesses. It automates supplier ordering, tracks inventory in real-time across multiple locations, and provides tools for recipe costing, waste tracking, and profitability analysis. The software integrates with popular POS systems and offers mobile apps for seamless on-the-go management.
Pros
- Automated purchasing with direct supplier integrations reduces manual ordering errors
- Real-time inventory visibility and low-stock alerts across multiple locations
- Comprehensive reporting on costs, variances, and menu profitability
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for single-location or small operations
- Initial setup and learning curve may require training
- Limited advanced customization without enterprise plans
Best For
Ideal for multi-location restaurants and foodservice chains seeking end-to-end inventory and procurement automation.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at around $150-$300 per location/month, with tiers for features and scale.
Olo
enterpriseDigital ordering and delivery platform enabling restaurants to manage online orders and guest data.
Unified Guest Profile that aggregates data across channels for hyper-personalized marketing and ordering experiences
Olo is a robust restaurant commerce platform that enables food service businesses to manage online ordering, payments, delivery, and guest engagement through owned digital channels. It integrates deeply with major POS systems like Toast, NCR, and Square, while offering tools for loyalty programs, marketing automation, and analytics to drive direct revenue. By prioritizing first-party data and white-label experiences, Olo helps restaurants reduce reliance on high-commission third-party marketplaces like DoorDash or Uber Eats.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with 100+ POS and delivery partners
- Powerful analytics and personalization for guest retention
- Scalable for enterprise chains with multi-location support
Cons
- High custom pricing not suitable for small independents
- Complex setup and onboarding process
- Limited transparency on costs upfront
Best For
Enterprise restaurant chains and multi-location operators needing a unified platform for owned-channel digital ordering and data-driven growth.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically starts at $1,000-$5,000+/month based on order volume, locations, and features.
BentoBox
specializedWebsite and online ordering platform designed for independent restaurants to boost direct sales.
Built-in, commission-free online ordering system that converts website visitors directly into revenue without delivery app intermediaries.
BentoBox is a specialized website builder and digital marketing platform tailored for restaurants, offering customizable, mobile-optimized websites with integrated menus, online ordering, reservations, and events management. It emphasizes direct customer engagement through SEO tools, email marketing, and analytics, allowing restaurants to bypass third-party delivery commissions. The platform integrates seamlessly with popular POS systems and delivery services, helping food businesses strengthen their online presence and boost revenue.
Pros
- Commission-free online ordering that drives direct revenue
- Intuitive drag-and-drop builder with restaurant-specific templates
- Robust SEO and marketing tools optimized for local search
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small or single-location restaurants
- Limited advanced back-end inventory or staff management features
- Customization options may require developer help for complex needs
Best For
Independent restaurants and small chains seeking to enhance their digital storefront and capture more direct online orders without third-party fees.
Pricing
Tiers start at $159/month (Core) up to $299+/month (Premium/Enterprise), plus one-time setup fees; annual billing discounts available.
Conclusion
The top food software tools offer standout solutions, with Toast leading as the top choice, combining comprehensive POS, management, and analytics. While Toast excels, Restaurant365 and Lightspeed Restaurant serve as strong alternatives—Restaurant365 for all-in-one operational integration, and Lightspeed for flexible multi-location support, ensuring diverse needs are met. These tools collectively elevate restaurant efficiency, making them essential for any food business looking to streamline operations.
Begin transforming your food business today—explore Toast, the top-ranked platform, and unlock its full potential for seamless, integrated success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison