Quick Overview
- 1#1: Caterease - Comprehensive catering management software handling scheduling, invoicing, menus, and online proposals.
- 2#2: CaterZen - Simple online platform for catering quotes, orders, client portals, and payments.
- 3#3: Planning Pod - All-in-one event and catering software with online booking, CRM, and inventory management.
- 4#4: FoodStorm - Robust online ordering system designed for catering businesses with menu management and delivery.
- 5#5: Sugarware - Catering operations software featuring online ordering, production planning, and real-time reporting.
- 6#6: Tripleseat - Sales and event management platform with catering RFP handling and online booking tools.
- 7#7: Perfect Venue - Venue and catering software supporting online inquiries, tours, and contract management.
- 8#8: OrderEm - Custom online ordering platform for caterers with branded websites and payment integration.
- 9#9: Toast - POS system with catering modules for online orders, event management, and invoicing.
- 10#10: Square - Affordable POS and online ordering solution suitable for small-scale catering operations.
We ranked these tools based on a balance of robust features (including scheduling, invoicing, and client engagement), user experience, and value, ensuring they suit diverse catering needs from small-scale operations to larger ventures.
Comparison Table
Online catering software streamlines operations, and this comparison table breaks down key tools like Caterease, CaterZen, Planning Pod, FoodStorm, and Sugarware to help readers identify features and usability that match their business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caterease Comprehensive catering management software handling scheduling, invoicing, menus, and online proposals. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | CaterZen Simple online platform for catering quotes, orders, client portals, and payments. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Planning Pod All-in-one event and catering software with online booking, CRM, and inventory management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | FoodStorm Robust online ordering system designed for catering businesses with menu management and delivery. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Sugarware Catering operations software featuring online ordering, production planning, and real-time reporting. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | Tripleseat Sales and event management platform with catering RFP handling and online booking tools. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Perfect Venue Venue and catering software supporting online inquiries, tours, and contract management. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | OrderEm Custom online ordering platform for caterers with branded websites and payment integration. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Toast POS system with catering modules for online orders, event management, and invoicing. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | Square Affordable POS and online ordering solution suitable for small-scale catering operations. | other | 7.2/10 | 6.0/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
Comprehensive catering management software handling scheduling, invoicing, menus, and online proposals.
Simple online platform for catering quotes, orders, client portals, and payments.
All-in-one event and catering software with online booking, CRM, and inventory management.
Robust online ordering system designed for catering businesses with menu management and delivery.
Catering operations software featuring online ordering, production planning, and real-time reporting.
Sales and event management platform with catering RFP handling and online booking tools.
Venue and catering software supporting online inquiries, tours, and contract management.
Custom online ordering platform for caterers with branded websites and payment integration.
POS system with catering modules for online orders, event management, and invoicing.
Affordable POS and online ordering solution suitable for small-scale catering operations.
Caterease
enterpriseComprehensive catering management software handling scheduling, invoicing, menus, and online proposals.
Integrated online ordering portal with real-time availability, menu customization, and payment processing for seamless client self-service.
Caterease is a comprehensive cloud-based catering management software tailored for professional caterers, handling everything from client proposals and event scheduling to inventory management, staff assignments, and invoicing. It features an online ordering portal that enables 24/7 client self-service for menu selection, customization, and payments. The platform also provides robust reporting, mobile access, and integrations to streamline operations and scale with business growth.
Pros
- All-in-one solution covering proposals, events, inventory, and billing
- Powerful online ordering system for direct client bookings
- Excellent customization and reporting tools
Cons
- Initial learning curve for advanced features
- Pricing can be steep for very small operations
- Limited third-party integrations
Best For
Mid-sized to large catering companies seeking a scalable, feature-rich platform to manage complex operations and online orders.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at around $129/month, scaling with event volume and features; free trial available.
CaterZen
specializedSimple online platform for catering quotes, orders, client portals, and payments.
Integrated website builder that creates fully branded, mobile-optimized ordering sites without coding
CaterZen is a cloud-based catering management software tailored for catering businesses to handle everything from online ordering and menu creation to event scheduling and staff management. It features a customizable client portal for repeat orders, automated invoicing, and detailed reporting to optimize operations. The platform integrates with payment gateways and accounting tools like QuickBooks, making it a robust solution for streamlining catering workflows.
Pros
- Comprehensive online ordering system with real-time customization
- User-friendly website builder for catering menus
- Strong reporting and CRM tools for client management
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small operations
- Limited advanced analytics in base plans
- Fewer third-party integrations than some enterprise competitors
Best For
Mid-sized catering companies seeking an all-in-one platform for online orders, event management, and customer relations.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month (Basic), $199/month (Pro), with custom Enterprise pricing; annual discounts available.
Planning Pod
enterpriseAll-in-one event and catering software with online booking, CRM, and inventory management.
Integrated event microsites allowing clients to view menus, place catering orders, and RSVP online without additional tools
Planning Pod is a comprehensive online event management platform tailored for caterers, offering tools for menu planning, online proposals, client portals, and order management. It streamlines the entire catering workflow from initial inquiries and customizable quotes to inventory tracking, vendor coordination, and post-event reporting. With integrated payment processing and guest self-service options, it reduces manual tasks for catering businesses handling events of varying sizes.
Pros
- All-in-one platform covering proposals, menus, payments, and reporting
- Customizable client portals for online ordering and RSVPs
- Strong inventory and recipe costing tools for accurate pricing
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Higher pricing may not suit very small operations
- Limited native mobile app functionality
Best For
Mid-sized catering companies managing full event cycles who need integrated planning and client self-service tools.
Pricing
Starts at $59/user/month (Solo plan), scales to $199+/month for advanced tiers; annual billing offers discounts, custom enterprise pricing available.
FoodStorm
specializedRobust online ordering system designed for catering businesses with menu management and delivery.
Intelligent catering scheduler with automated approvals, deposits, and event conflict detection
FoodStorm is a robust online ordering platform tailored for catering businesses, enabling the creation of complex menus with modifiers, scheduling, and delivery management. It supports deposits, customer approvals, and seamless integrations with POS systems like Toast and Square. The software streamlines large-scale catering operations from order intake to fulfillment.
Pros
- Advanced catering-specific tools like scheduling calendars and deposit management
- Strong integrations with POS, accounting, and delivery services
- Highly customizable menus and white-label ordering sites
Cons
- Steep learning curve for full customization
- Pricing can escalate quickly with volume or locations
- Reporting features are functional but not as advanced as some competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large catering companies handling complex events and high-volume orders that need specialized workflows.
Pricing
Starts at $135/month for Basic plan (up to 500 orders), $235/month for Pro, with Enterprise custom pricing based on volume and features.
Sugarware
specializedCatering operations software featuring online ordering, production planning, and real-time reporting.
Catering-specific drag-and-drop website builder with built-in online ordering
Sugarware is a cloud-based online catering software that helps catering businesses manage menus, online orders, customer relationships, and operations efficiently. It provides tools for creating customizable websites, handling payments, tracking deliveries, and integrating with accounting systems. Designed specifically for caterers, it streamlines the entire order-to-delivery process with real-time updates and inventory management.
Pros
- Robust online ordering and website builder tailored for catering
- Seamless payment integrations and real-time order tracking
- Comprehensive CRM and inventory management tools
Cons
- Limited customization options for advanced users
- Reporting features could be more detailed
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Small to medium catering businesses needing an all-in-one solution for online orders and operations.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for Basic plan (up to 100 orders), $199/month for Pro, and custom Enterprise pricing.
Tripleseat
enterpriseSales and event management platform with catering RFP handling and online booking tools.
Dynamic proposal builder with real-time pricing, availability checks, and e-signatures
Tripleseat is a cloud-based catering and event management software tailored for hospitality venues like hotels, country clubs, and restaurants. It automates the entire catering sales process, from lead generation and RFP responses to proposal creation, contract management, BEOs, invoicing, and post-event analysis. The platform excels in streamlining operations with customizable menus, real-time availability, and seamless integrations with PMS and POS systems.
Pros
- Comprehensive end-to-end event management tools
- Strong integrations with hospitality systems like Delphi and Toast
- Customizable proposals and detailed reporting capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- High cost unsuitable for small operations
- Limited native online self-service booking for clients
Best For
Mid-to-large hospitality venues managing high-volume, complex catering and events.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $300-$500 per month for basic plans, scaling with users and features.
Perfect Venue
enterpriseVenue and catering software supporting online inquiries, tours, and contract management.
Interactive digital floor plans with drag-and-drop seating and real-time capacity visualization
Perfect Venue is an all-in-one venue management platform tailored for restaurants, hotels, and event spaces that offer catering services. It enables streamlined event booking, menu customization, proposal generation, and payment processing through an online interface. The software supports online inquiries and contracts, making it suitable for managing catering orders alongside on-site events, with tools for floor plans, CRM, and reporting.
Pros
- Comprehensive event management with interactive floor plans and real-time availability
- Built-in CRM and automated proposals for efficient catering sales
- Integrated payment processing and detailed reporting for financial oversight
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller catering operations without multiple locations
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features like custom menus and seating
- Limited focus on off-site catering delivery compared to venue-centric events
Best For
Mid-sized venues, restaurants, and hotels managing on-site catering and event bookings online.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; starts around $199/month per location for core plans, scaling with features and locations.
OrderEm
specializedCustom online ordering platform for caterers with branded websites and payment integration.
Branded customer-facing ordering portal with real-time availability checks
OrderEm is a comprehensive online catering software platform tailored for catering businesses to manage menus, online orders, events, and customer relationships efficiently. It enables caterers to create customizable menus, accept orders via a branded website or app, handle payments, and track deliveries in real-time. The tool integrates with popular accounting software like QuickBooks and offers reporting features to streamline operations.
Pros
- Intuitive online ordering system with mobile responsiveness
- Strong integrations for payments and accounting
- Real-time inventory and order tracking
Cons
- Limited advanced customization for menus
- Reporting features could be more detailed
- Higher pricing tiers for growing businesses
Best For
Mid-sized catering companies seeking a reliable online ordering and event management solution without excessive complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for basic plan, with Pro at $199/month and Enterprise custom pricing based on order volume.
Toast
enterprisePOS system with catering modules for online orders, event management, and invoicing.
Integrated POS and online catering menu builder with automated order syncing across locations
Toast is a cloud-based restaurant management platform with robust online catering features, enabling businesses to create digital catering menus, accept online orders, and manage fulfillment from a single dashboard. It integrates seamlessly with its POS system for real-time inventory tracking, payment processing, and order routing. Ideal for restaurants expanding into catering, it supports event scheduling, custom pricing, and delivery integrations.
Pros
- Seamless integration with POS for unified restaurant and catering operations
- Customizable online menus and real-time order notifications
- Strong analytics and reporting for catering performance
Cons
- Higher cost structure better suited for established restaurants than small caterers
- Catering tools feel like an extension of POS rather than a standalone solution
- Steep initial setup and hardware requirements
Best For
Restaurants and hospitality businesses seeking an all-in-one POS system with reliable online catering capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at around $165/month per location plus hardware; catering add-ons included in higher tiers.
Square
otherAffordable POS and online ordering solution suitable for small-scale catering operations.
Free customizable online ordering website integrated with instant payment processing
Square is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) and payment processing platform that supports online ordering through Square Online, making it usable for basic catering operations like menu setup and order fulfillment. It excels in seamless payment acceptance and inventory tracking but falls short on specialized catering tools such as event scheduling, guest management, or custom proposals. While suitable for small-scale caterers, it's not a dedicated catering software, positioning it more as a general business tool adapted for food services.
Pros
- Intuitive setup for online ordering and payments
- No monthly fees for core POS and website features
- Strong mobile app for on-site catering management
Cons
- Limited catering-specific features like event calendars or dietary tracking
- Relies heavily on transaction fees which can accumulate for high-volume orders
- Customization for complex catering menus is basic
Best For
Small catering businesses or food trucks needing simple online ordering and payment processing without advanced event management.
Pricing
Free POS software and online store; 2.9% + 30¢ per online transaction; hardware sold separately.
Conclusion
The reviewed online catering software presents diverse solutions for different operational needs, with Caterease leading as the top choice due to its comprehensive handling of scheduling, invoicing, menus, and online proposals. CaterZen stands out for its simplicity in quotes, orders, and payments, while Planning Pod impresses as a versatile all-in-one platform. Each tool offers unique strengths, ensuring there's a fit for various business sizes and focuses.
Don't miss out—try Caterease to unlock its full potential and take your catering operations to the next level.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison