Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Comprehensive cloud-based POS and restaurant management system with online ordering, inventory, payroll, and analytics.
- 2#2: Lightspeed Restaurant - Cloud POS platform for restaurants featuring inventory management, staff scheduling, and multi-location support.
- 3#3: TouchBistro - iPad-native POS system tailored for full-service restaurants with menu customization, tableside ordering, and reporting.
- 4#4: Square for Restaurants - User-friendly POS for restaurants with integrated payments, kitchen display, and team management at low cost.
- 5#5: Revel Systems - Cloud-based POS for restaurants and bars offering loyalty programs, gift cards, and advanced reporting features.
- 6#6: Restaurant365 - Integrated accounting, operations, and back-office platform for multi-unit foodservice operations.
- 7#7: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software customizable for small to medium-sized restaurants with app marketplace integration.
- 8#8: 7shifts - Employee scheduling, time tracking, and labor management tool designed specifically for restaurants.
- 9#9: Fourth - Enterprise operations platform for foodservice with workforce management, inventory, and compliance tools.
- 10#10: MarketMan - Inventory and procurement management software that streamlines purchasing and recipe costing for foodservice businesses.
We ranked these tools based on a blend of comprehensive features (including scalability, integration, and specialized capabilities), user-friendly design, and overall value, ensuring they deliver tangible benefits for businesses of all sizes.
Comparison Table
Selecting the ideal foodservice software can transform daily operations, and this comparison table explores top tools like Toast, Lightspeed Restaurant, TouchBistro, Square for Restaurants, and Revel Systems to highlight key differences. By examining features, pricing, and usability, readers will gain clarity to choose the best fit for their business, whether focusing on speed, integration, or budget-friendly solutions.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Comprehensive cloud-based POS and restaurant management system with online ordering, inventory, payroll, and analytics. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 | |
| 2 | Lightspeed Restaurant Cloud POS platform for restaurants featuring inventory management, staff scheduling, and multi-location support. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | TouchBistro iPad-native POS system tailored for full-service restaurants with menu customization, tableside ordering, and reporting. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 4 | Square for Restaurants User-friendly POS for restaurants with integrated payments, kitchen display, and team management at low cost. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | Revel Systems Cloud-based POS for restaurants and bars offering loyalty programs, gift cards, and advanced reporting features. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Restaurant365 Integrated accounting, operations, and back-office platform for multi-unit foodservice operations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 7 | Clover Flexible POS hardware and software customizable for small to medium-sized restaurants with app marketplace integration. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | 7shifts Employee scheduling, time tracking, and labor management tool designed specifically for restaurants. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Fourth Enterprise operations platform for foodservice with workforce management, inventory, and compliance tools. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | MarketMan Inventory and procurement management software that streamlines purchasing and recipe costing for foodservice businesses. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based POS and restaurant management system with online ordering, inventory, payroll, and analytics.
Cloud POS platform for restaurants featuring inventory management, staff scheduling, and multi-location support.
iPad-native POS system tailored for full-service restaurants with menu customization, tableside ordering, and reporting.
User-friendly POS for restaurants with integrated payments, kitchen display, and team management at low cost.
Cloud-based POS for restaurants and bars offering loyalty programs, gift cards, and advanced reporting features.
Integrated accounting, operations, and back-office platform for multi-unit foodservice operations.
Flexible POS hardware and software customizable for small to medium-sized restaurants with app marketplace integration.
Employee scheduling, time tracking, and labor management tool designed specifically for restaurants.
Enterprise operations platform for foodservice with workforce management, inventory, and compliance tools.
Inventory and procurement management software that streamlines purchasing and recipe costing for foodservice businesses.
Toast
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based POS and restaurant management system with online ordering, inventory, payroll, and analytics.
Seamless Toast Online Ordering integrated directly into the POS for effortless fulfillment and revenue growth.
Toast is a comprehensive cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) and restaurant management platform tailored for foodservice businesses, including full-service restaurants, quick-service outlets, and bars. It integrates core functions like order taking, payment processing, kitchen display systems, inventory management, payroll, and employee scheduling into a single ecosystem. Additionally, Toast provides online ordering, delivery integrations, loyalty programs, and advanced analytics to help operators optimize operations and boost revenue.
Pros
- All-in-one platform eliminates need for multiple vendors
- Robust integrations with delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash
- Advanced reporting and analytics for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Higher upfront hardware costs
- Pricing can escalate with add-ons and locations
- Occasional reports of support delays during high-volume periods
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise-level restaurants and chains needing a scalable, end-to-end management solution.
Pricing
Software starts at $69/terminal/month; hardware bundles from $799; plus 2.99% + $0.15 processing fees and custom add-ons.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseCloud POS platform for restaurants featuring inventory management, staff scheduling, and multi-location support.
Unified multi-store management with real-time sales syncing and centralized inventory across locations
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system designed specifically for foodservice businesses like restaurants, bars, and cafes, providing seamless order management, inventory control, and payment processing. It features mobile ordering, kitchen display systems (KDS), and real-time analytics to streamline operations from front-of-house to back-office tasks. With strong multi-location support and integrations for delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash, it scales well for growing enterprises.
Pros
- Comprehensive integrations with 100+ apps including delivery services and accounting tools
- Advanced inventory management with recipe costing and waste tracking
- Robust multi-location reporting and centralized management dashboard
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can add up for single-location users
- Initial setup and customization require training or support
- Customer service response times vary by plan level
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise-level restaurants and multi-location chains needing scalable POS with deep analytics and delivery integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location (Essentials), $109 (Plus), $159 (Pro); plus hardware (~$1,000+ startup) and 2.6%+ processing fees.
TouchBistro
specializediPad-native POS system tailored for full-service restaurants with menu customization, tableside ordering, and reporting.
Offline functionality that enables complete POS operations without internet connectivity
TouchBistro is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system built exclusively for restaurants, offering tools for order management, table tracking, payment processing, inventory control, and staff scheduling. It supports offline operations to keep service running during connectivity issues and includes features like menu customization, loyalty programs, and kitchen display systems. The platform integrates with popular delivery services, accounting software, and payroll providers to streamline foodservice operations.
Pros
- Restaurant-specific features like visual table management and floor plans
- Reliable offline mode for uninterrupted service
- Extensive third-party integrations for delivery and accounting
Cons
- Limited to iPad hardware, no Android support
- Higher pricing with add-on fees
- Learning curve for advanced inventory and reporting tools
Best For
Full-service restaurants and bars needing a robust, mobile-first POS with strong table management.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Starter plan), up to $165/month (Platinum); hardware and add-ons extra.
Square for Restaurants
specializedUser-friendly POS for restaurants with integrated payments, kitchen display, and team management at low cost.
Unified online and in-house ordering with real-time menu syncing and kitchen display system integration
Square for Restaurants is a cloud-based POS system tailored for foodservice operations, providing tools for order management, payment processing, inventory tracking, and staff scheduling. It supports full-service and quick-service restaurants with features like kitchen display systems (KDS), table management, online ordering, and integrations with delivery platforms such as DoorDash and Uber Eats. The platform emphasizes ease of setup and scalability for small to mid-sized establishments, with real-time analytics to monitor sales and performance.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and minimal training required
- Seamless integrations for online ordering and delivery services
- Transparent, no-contract pricing with free core software
Cons
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume restaurants
- Limited advanced reporting and customization for enterprise-scale operations
- Customer support primarily self-service with variable response times
Best For
Small to mid-sized independent restaurants seeking an affordable, user-friendly all-in-one POS without long-term commitments.
Pricing
Free POS software; pay-per-use processing (2.6% + 10¢ in-person, 2.9% + 30¢ keyed-in); optional Plus plan at $60/location/month; hardware starts at $0-$799.
Revel Systems
enterpriseCloud-based POS for restaurants and bars offering loyalty programs, gift cards, and advanced reporting features.
Robust Kitchen Display System (KDS) that optimizes order routing and prep times across multiple stations
Revel Systems is a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) platform designed specifically for foodservice businesses, including restaurants, bars, and quick-service outlets. It provides end-to-end management tools such as order processing, inventory tracking, employee scheduling, customer loyalty programs, and kitchen display systems. The system supports iOS devices for mobility and integrates with popular delivery services and payment processors for seamless operations.
Pros
- Extensive feature set tailored for restaurants including real-time inventory and multi-location support
- Strong ecosystem of integrations with delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats
- Reliable cloud syncing with offline mode for uninterrupted service
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller operations with per-terminal fees
- Heavy reliance on Apple iPads limits hardware flexibility
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and chains needing scalable POS with advanced reporting and integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal for Core plan, up to $299+ for Enterprise; plus hardware, processing fees (2.3%+), and add-ons.
Restaurant365
enterpriseIntegrated accounting, operations, and back-office platform for multi-unit foodservice operations.
Real-time prime cost tracking that automatically pulls POS sales, inventory, and labor data for instant profitability insights
Restaurant365 is a cloud-based, all-in-one management platform tailored for the restaurant industry, integrating accounting, operations, inventory, scheduling, payroll, and reporting into a single system. It excels in providing real-time financial visibility and analytics, helping multi-unit operators track prime costs, labor efficiency, and profitability across locations. The software automates back-office tasks like AP processing and syncs seamlessly with POS systems for accurate daily sales reconciliation.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration of financials, operations, and inventory for streamlined workflows
- Powerful real-time reporting and analytics for multi-location decision-making
- Robust AP automation and POS sync reducing manual data entry
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup for smaller teams
- Pricing can be high for single-location restaurants
- Customer support response times vary, with some delays reported
Best For
Multi-unit restaurant chains and growing enterprises needing advanced back-office automation and financial controls.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $400-$600 per location per month, scaling with users, locations, and features; enterprise plans available.
Clover
specializedFlexible POS hardware and software customizable for small to medium-sized restaurants with app marketplace integration.
The Clover App Market with over 500 third-party apps for tailored integrations and expansions without custom development.
Clover is a versatile cloud-based POS system from Fiserv, designed primarily for small to medium-sized foodservice businesses like restaurants, cafes, and food trucks. It handles payment processing, inventory tracking, employee scheduling, online ordering, and kitchen display systems to streamline operations. With customizable hardware options and an extensive app marketplace, it integrates with third-party services for delivery apps, loyalty programs, and more.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with mobile-friendly apps for quick setup and use
- Vast app marketplace for easy integrations with delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats
- Reliable payment processing with support for contactless and EMV payments
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly with hardware, subscriptions, and add-on apps
- Customer support response times vary, with some users reporting delays
- Advanced reporting and analytics are limited compared to enterprise-level competitors
Best For
Small to medium restaurants and quick-service eateries seeking an affordable, customizable all-in-one POS without complex IT needs.
Pricing
Hardware starts at $49-$1,499 one-time; software subscriptions $14.95-$114.85/month per device; plus 2.3%-2.6% + $0.10 per transaction processing fees.
7shifts
specializedEmployee scheduling, time tracking, and labor management tool designed specifically for restaurants.
AI-powered labor forecasting that predicts staffing needs based on sales data and historical trends
7shifts is a workforce management platform tailored for restaurants and foodservice operations, focusing on employee scheduling, time tracking, and labor cost control. It offers tools for shift management, communication via team messaging, and integrations with POS systems like Toast and Square to forecast labor needs accurately. The software helps reduce overtime, improve shift fill rates, and streamline payroll processes for efficient restaurant operations.
Pros
- Robust scheduling tools with auto-fill, forecasting, and shift trading features
- Seamless integrations with major POS, payroll, and tip systems
- Mobile-first design with strong employee self-service capabilities
Cons
- Advanced reporting and analytics require higher-tier plans
- Pricing scales up quickly for multi-location businesses
- Limited customization for non-standard shift patterns
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurants seeking efficient scheduling and labor optimization without complex enterprise setups.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99 per location/month (billed annually) for Essentials; higher tiers like Complete ($49.99) and Advanced ($89.99+) unlock more features; custom enterprise pricing available.
Fourth
enterpriseEnterprise operations platform for foodservice with workforce management, inventory, and compliance tools.
AI-powered labor forecasting and optimization that dynamically adjusts schedules based on sales predictions and historical data
Fourth is a comprehensive enterprise software platform designed specifically for foodservice operators, providing workforce management, operations performance, inventory control, and profitability tools. It enables multi-unit restaurants to optimize labor scheduling, track compliance, analyze performance data, and integrate with POS systems for real-time insights. With a focus on large-scale chains, Fourth helps reduce costs and improve efficiency through AI-driven forecasting and analytics.
Pros
- Robust labor management and scheduling with AI forecasting
- Deep analytics for operations and profitability insights
- Strong compliance and safety tracking for regulated environments
Cons
- Complex interface with a steep learning curve for smaller teams
- High pricing suited mainly for enterprises
- Limited customization options without professional services
Best For
Large multi-unit restaurant chains and foodservice enterprises seeking integrated workforce and operations optimization.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $5-10 per employee/month or per location, with quotes required for full suites.
MarketMan
specializedInventory and procurement management software that streamlines purchasing and recipe costing for foodservice businesses.
AI-powered invoice capture that automatically extracts data from paper and digital invoices
MarketMan is a cloud-based inventory and procurement platform tailored for restaurants, bars, hotels, and foodservice businesses. It automates purchasing, tracks inventory in real-time across multiple locations, manages recipe costing, and streamlines invoice processing. The software integrates with POS systems and accounting tools to provide actionable insights for cost control and operations efficiency.
Pros
- Automated purchase orders and vendor management reduce manual errors
- Real-time inventory tracking with mobile app support for on-the-go access
- Robust multi-location capabilities with centralized reporting
Cons
- Interface feels dated and has a learning curve for new users
- Pricing can be steep for single-location or small operations
- Limited advanced analytics compared to top competitors
Best For
Multi-location foodservice businesses seeking comprehensive inventory and procurement automation.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at around $150/month per location, with enterprise plans higher based on features and scale.
Conclusion
After a thorough review of 10 leading tools, Toast claims the top spot, excelling with its comprehensive cloud-based POS and restaurant management features that span ordering, inventory, and analytics. Lightspeed Restaurant and TouchBistro follow closely as standout alternatives, with Lightspeed offering robust multi-location support and TouchBistro focusing on intuitive iPad-native tools for full-service needs, ensuring the best choice depends on specific operational priorities.
Begin optimizing your foodservice operations by trying Toast—its integrated suite simplifies tasks and empowers growth, making it the ultimate partner for success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison