Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Cloud-based POS and restaurant management platform with advanced catering order fulfillment, event scheduling, and online ordering.
- 2#2: Caterease - Comprehensive catering software for managing proposals, events, inventory, staff scheduling, and invoicing.
- 3#3: Tripleseat - Event sales and catering management platform that streamlines bookings, contracts, BEOs, and menu management for restaurants.
- 4#4: Restaurant365 - All-in-one restaurant management software with catering modules for orders, inventory, scheduling, and financials.
- 5#5: Planning Pod - Integrated event planning software handling catering inquiries, menus, staffing, payments, and client portals.
- 6#6: CaterTrax - Catering operations software for sales tracking, production planning, labor management, and QuickBooks integration.
- 7#7: FoodStorm - Online ordering and catering platform designed for restaurants to manage custom orders, delivery, and fulfillment.
- 8#8: Eve Event Software - Catering and event management tool for creating proposals, tracking production, and coordinating teams.
- 9#9: Culinary Software - Banquet and catering system for handling reservations, menus, production sheets, and guest counts.
- 10#10: Total Party Planner - Catering and event planning software with features for client management, food costing, and scheduling.
Tools were selected based on depth of features (including order fulfillment, inventory tracking, and financial integration), user experience, reliability, and overall value, ensuring alignment with the evolving demands of modern catering operations.
Comparison Table
Explore a breakdown of top restaurant catering software tools, including Toast, Caterease, Tripleseat, and more, to compare key features, usability, and operational fit. This table equips readers with the insights needed to select software aligned with their specific catering business needs, from order management to client coordination.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Cloud-based POS and restaurant management platform with advanced catering order fulfillment, event scheduling, and online ordering. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.9/10 | |
| 2 | Caterease Comprehensive catering software for managing proposals, events, inventory, staff scheduling, and invoicing. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Tripleseat Event sales and catering management platform that streamlines bookings, contracts, BEOs, and menu management for restaurants. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Restaurant365 All-in-one restaurant management software with catering modules for orders, inventory, scheduling, and financials. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Planning Pod Integrated event planning software handling catering inquiries, menus, staffing, payments, and client portals. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | CaterTrax Catering operations software for sales tracking, production planning, labor management, and QuickBooks integration. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | FoodStorm Online ordering and catering platform designed for restaurants to manage custom orders, delivery, and fulfillment. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Eve Event Software Catering and event management tool for creating proposals, tracking production, and coordinating teams. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 9 | Culinary Software Banquet and catering system for handling reservations, menus, production sheets, and guest counts. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Total Party Planner Catering and event planning software with features for client management, food costing, and scheduling. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
Cloud-based POS and restaurant management platform with advanced catering order fulfillment, event scheduling, and online ordering.
Comprehensive catering software for managing proposals, events, inventory, staff scheduling, and invoicing.
Event sales and catering management platform that streamlines bookings, contracts, BEOs, and menu management for restaurants.
All-in-one restaurant management software with catering modules for orders, inventory, scheduling, and financials.
Integrated event planning software handling catering inquiries, menus, staffing, payments, and client portals.
Catering operations software for sales tracking, production planning, labor management, and QuickBooks integration.
Online ordering and catering platform designed for restaurants to manage custom orders, delivery, and fulfillment.
Catering and event management tool for creating proposals, tracking production, and coordinating teams.
Banquet and catering system for handling reservations, menus, production sheets, and guest counts.
Catering and event planning software with features for client management, food costing, and scheduling.
Toast
enterpriseCloud-based POS and restaurant management platform with advanced catering order fulfillment, event scheduling, and online ordering.
Integrated Catering & Events module that syncs off-premise orders directly with POS inventory, scheduling, and payments in real-time
Toast is a comprehensive cloud-based POS and restaurant management platform with specialized catering and events modules tailored for restaurants expanding into off-premise services. It enables seamless management of catering orders, custom menu creation, event scheduling, staff assignments, and integrations with delivery partners like DoorDash and Uber Eats. The system unifies catering operations with in-house dining through real-time inventory tracking, automated invoicing, and detailed reporting, making it ideal for scaling catering businesses.
Pros
- Seamless integration of catering orders into the core POS system for unified management
- Robust online ordering and guest-facing tools with branded ordering sites
- Advanced analytics, inventory tracking, and delivery integrations for efficient operations
Cons
- Higher upfront costs including hardware and custom pricing
- Steeper learning curve for advanced catering features during initial setup
- Limited flexibility for highly customized non-standard workflows
Best For
Full-service restaurants and chains seeking an all-in-one POS solution to scale catering and events alongside dine-in operations.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$165/month per location for core POS, plus hardware (~$1,000+ upfront) and add-ons (~$50-100/month) for full catering features.
Caterease
specializedComprehensive catering software for managing proposals, events, inventory, staff scheduling, and invoicing.
Advanced real-time food costing engine that dynamically calculates costs, variances, and profitability across unlimited menus and events
Caterease is a comprehensive catering management software designed specifically for professional caterers and restaurants offering off-premise services. It handles the full event lifecycle, including proposal generation, menu planning with real-time food costing, staff scheduling, inventory tracking, and invoicing with accounting integrations. The platform emphasizes profitability through detailed reporting and analytics, making it suitable for high-volume operations.
Pros
- Extensive feature set for end-to-end event management
- Precise food costing and menu engineering tools
- Robust reporting and customization options
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to depth of features
- Primarily desktop-focused interface (cloud version available but less intuitive)
- Higher cost may deter small restaurants
Best For
Mid-sized to large restaurants and catering companies managing complex, high-volume off-premise events that require detailed costing and operational control.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription; Cloud plans start at around $129/month, with installed versions and enterprise options scaling to $500+/month based on users and features.
Tripleseat
specializedEvent sales and catering management platform that streamlines bookings, contracts, BEOs, and menu management for restaurants.
Dynamic proposal builder with real-time pricing, floor plans, and e-signatures
Tripleseat is a comprehensive catering and event management software tailored for restaurants, venues, and hospitality businesses handling off-premise catering and on-site events. It automates the full lifecycle from lead inquiries and customized proposals to contracts, scheduling, invoicing, and reporting. With seamless integrations to popular POS systems like Toast and Square, it enhances operational efficiency and revenue tracking for catering operations.
Pros
- Robust end-to-end event workflow from booking to payment
- Extensive integrations with POS, CRM, and accounting tools
- Powerful reporting and analytics for revenue optimization
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller restaurants
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Limited built-in inventory management for pure catering ops
Best For
Mid-to-large restaurants and venues with high-volume event catering and private dining needs.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; starts around $495/month for Starter plan, scales to Enterprise with per-event fees.
Restaurant365
enterpriseAll-in-one restaurant management software with catering modules for orders, inventory, scheduling, and financials.
Integrated catering pipeline and BEO automation that syncs directly with accounting for instant profitability insights
Restaurant365 is a comprehensive cloud-based restaurant management platform with robust catering modules designed for streamlining off-premise sales and events. It integrates catering proposal generation, event scheduling, Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), menu management, and real-time inventory tracking with core accounting, payroll, and operations tools. This makes it a powerful solution for restaurants balancing dine-in and catering demands.
Pros
- Seamless integration of catering sales with accounting, inventory, and POS systems for accurate real-time tracking
- Advanced catering tools like event pipelines, BEO automation, and profitability reporting
- Scalable for multi-location operations with strong mobile accessibility
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and complex setup
- High cost better suited for mid-to-large enterprises rather than small operations
- Customization options limited without developer support
Best For
Multi-unit restaurant groups or chains with substantial catering volumes needing integrated back-office and event management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $400-$600 per location/month depending on modules and scale.
Planning Pod
specializedIntegrated event planning software handling catering inquiries, menus, staffing, payments, and client portals.
Centralized workspaces for team and vendor collaboration on catering events
Planning Pod is an all-in-one event management platform tailored for event planners, venues, and caterers, including restaurant catering operations. It provides tools for creating customized proposals, managing event calendars, handling guest lists with RSVPs, scheduling staff and vendors, and processing payments. For restaurant catering, it supports menu customization, inventory tracking, order fulfillment workflows, and post-event reporting to streamline off-premise catering services. The software emphasizes collaboration through shared workspaces and task assignments.
Pros
- Comprehensive event workflow from lead to execution
- Customizable templates for proposals, contracts, and menus
- Strong reporting and analytics for catering performance
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Higher cost for smaller restaurant operations
- Limited built-in restaurant POS integrations
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants with dedicated catering arms managing multiple events and needing full-spectrum planning tools.
Pricing
Starts at $59/user/month (Basic), $99/user/month (Pro), with Enterprise custom pricing; billed annually.
CaterTrax
specializedCatering operations software for sales tracking, production planning, labor management, and QuickBooks integration.
Automated production sheets that generate exact ingredient breakdowns and prep lists from orders
CaterTrax is a specialized catering management software tailored for restaurants and off-premise catering operations, enabling seamless online ordering, event scheduling, and production management. It provides tools for menu customization, inventory tracking, invoicing, and detailed reporting to optimize catering workflows. The platform integrates with POS systems and offers mobile access for staff to handle orders efficiently from anywhere.
Pros
- Comprehensive online ordering and customer portal for direct bookings
- Robust inventory and production planning tools to minimize waste
- Strong reporting and analytics for sales and profitability insights
Cons
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Steep initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
- Customer support can be slow during peak seasons
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants with high-volume catering needs seeking integrated order-to-production management.
Pricing
Starts at $199/month for basic plans, scaling to $499+/month for enterprise features based on order volume; custom quotes available.
FoodStorm
specializedOnline ordering and catering platform designed for restaurants to manage custom orders, delivery, and fulfillment.
Advanced event scheduling with real-time availability calendars and guest RSVP management for seamless catering coordination.
FoodStorm is a specialized online ordering platform tailored for restaurants and caterers handling group orders, events, and catering. It enables customizable menus, real-time scheduling for pickups and deliveries, deposit collection, and guest management to streamline the entire catering process. The software integrates with POS systems, payment gateways, and accounting tools, providing robust reporting and analytics for business insights.
Pros
- Highly customizable menu builder with packages and modifiers
- Strong POS and payment integrations (e.g., Toast, Square, QuickBooks)
- Real-time order scheduling and inventory management to avoid overbooking
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly for high-volume users
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization
- Limited built-in marketing tools compared to competitors
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and dedicated caterers seeking a dedicated platform for managing complex group and event orders.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for Starter plan, with Pro ($199/month) and Enterprise (custom) tiers; transaction fees apply (e.g., $0.99/order).
Eve Event Software
specializedCatering and event management tool for creating proposals, tracking production, and coordinating teams.
Interactive digital timelines for seamless event day coordination
Eve Event Software is a versatile event management platform that helps restaurants handle catering operations through tools for creating proposals, managing contracts, and tracking event timelines. It supports off-premise catering by enabling staff scheduling, vendor coordination, guest RSVPs, and payment processing in one centralized system. While not exclusively designed for restaurants, it adapts well to catering workflows with customizable templates and reporting features.
Pros
- Comprehensive event workflow from proposal to execution
- Mobile app for real-time on-site management
- Integrations with QuickBooks and payment gateways
Cons
- Lacks restaurant-specific tools like menu costing or POS integration
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans
- Limited inventory tracking for food supplies
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants with established catering arms seeking general event management rather than specialized restaurant software.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month (Essentials plan) up to $199/month (Enterprise), with annual discounts and free trial.
Culinary Software
specializedBanquet and catering system for handling reservations, menus, production sheets, and guest counts.
Advanced automated proposal and contract builder with built-in deposit tracking and e-signature support
Culinary Software is a robust, Windows-based restaurant management platform with a dedicated catering module designed for handling off-premise events. It streamlines the entire catering process, from creating customizable menus and proposals to managing contracts, deposits, staff scheduling, and post-event invoicing. The software integrates tightly with its POS, inventory, and accounting tools, making it suitable for restaurants with significant catering operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive end-to-end catering workflow including proposals and contracts
- Seamless integration with POS, inventory, and QuickBooks
- Reliable reporting and customization for menus and pricing
Cons
- Dated Windows-only interface feels outdated compared to modern SaaS options
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Limited mobile accessibility and no native cloud deployment
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants with established catering programs needing deep integration with back-office operations.
Pricing
One-time license fees starting at $1,995 per module plus annual maintenance around 20%; custom quotes for full restaurant suites.
Total Party Planner
specializedCatering and event planning software with features for client management, food costing, and scheduling.
Advanced interactive seating planner with automatic table assignments and conflict resolution
Total Party Planner is a desktop-based software solution tailored for caterers and event planners, enabling detailed event management from proposals to execution. It excels in creating customized menus, seating charts, guest lists, and banquet event orders (BEOs), making it suitable for restaurant catering operations handling off-site parties. While comprehensive for planning, it lacks modern cloud features like real-time collaboration.
Pros
- Robust menu and seating chart builders for detailed event customization
- Generates professional proposals, contracts, and invoices quickly
- Offline functionality ideal for on-site event adjustments
Cons
- Windows-only desktop app with no native mobile support
- Dated interface requires a learning curve for new users
- Limited integrations with restaurant POS or accounting systems
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurant caterers focused on in-house event planning without needing cloud-based team collaboration.
Pricing
One-time purchase starting at $295 for lifetime license, with optional support plans.
Conclusion
The reviewed catering software offers varied strengths, with Toast leading as the top choice, boasting cloud-based POS, advanced order fulfillment, and event scheduling for a seamless experience. Caterease and Tripleseat follow closely, each excelling in specialized areas—proposal management and sales tracking, respectively—serving as strong alternatives for different operational needs. Together, these tools highlight the innovation available to elevate catering workflows.
Dive into Toast’s comprehensive features to redefine your catering operations and unlock greater efficiency and success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison