Quick Overview
- 1#1: Restaurant365 - Comprehensive back-office platform offering advanced sales, labor, and inventory forecasting for multi-location restaurants.
- 2#2: Avero - Restaurant intelligence software providing accurate sales forecasting and performance analytics powered by AI.
- 3#3: Profitteer - Specialized sales forecasting tool that predicts daily revenue using historical data and trends for independent restaurants.
- 4#4: Crunchtime - Enterprise operations management system with demand forecasting for labor, inventory, and production scheduling.
- 5#5: Toast - POS and restaurant management platform featuring predictive sales forecasting and insights for optimal staffing.
- 6#6: Fourth - Workforce and operations platform delivering labor forecasting and scheduling based on sales predictions.
- 7#7: 7shifts - Employee scheduling software with integrated sales forecasting to build optimal labor schedules.
- 8#8: MarginEdge - Inventory and AP automation tool with predictive ordering and usage forecasting for cost control.
- 9#9: Lightspeed Restaurant - Cloud POS system providing sales trend forecasting and business intelligence reports.
- 10#10: TouchBistro - All-in-one POS with forecasting insights for sales, labor, and menu performance optimization.
We ranked these tools by evaluating features like forecasting accuracy, scalability, integration capabilities, and user-friendliness, alongside quality of support and overall value, to prioritize options that deliver actionable insights and practical results for modern restaurants.
Comparison Table
Efficient restaurant forecasting is key to streamlining operations, from inventory management to revenue planning, and selecting the right software is a critical step. This comparison table explores tools like Restaurant365, Avero, Profitteer, Crunchtime, Toast, and more, detailing their core features, pricing structures, and suitability for different business sizes. It empowers readers to identify the platform that best aligns with their operational goals and needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Restaurant365 Comprehensive back-office platform offering advanced sales, labor, and inventory forecasting for multi-location restaurants. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | Avero Restaurant intelligence software providing accurate sales forecasting and performance analytics powered by AI. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Profitteer Specialized sales forecasting tool that predicts daily revenue using historical data and trends for independent restaurants. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Crunchtime Enterprise operations management system with demand forecasting for labor, inventory, and production scheduling. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Toast POS and restaurant management platform featuring predictive sales forecasting and insights for optimal staffing. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 6 | Fourth Workforce and operations platform delivering labor forecasting and scheduling based on sales predictions. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 7 | 7shifts Employee scheduling software with integrated sales forecasting to build optimal labor schedules. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | MarginEdge Inventory and AP automation tool with predictive ordering and usage forecasting for cost control. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 9 | Lightspeed Restaurant Cloud POS system providing sales trend forecasting and business intelligence reports. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | TouchBistro All-in-one POS with forecasting insights for sales, labor, and menu performance optimization. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
Comprehensive back-office platform offering advanced sales, labor, and inventory forecasting for multi-location restaurants.
Restaurant intelligence software providing accurate sales forecasting and performance analytics powered by AI.
Specialized sales forecasting tool that predicts daily revenue using historical data and trends for independent restaurants.
Enterprise operations management system with demand forecasting for labor, inventory, and production scheduling.
POS and restaurant management platform featuring predictive sales forecasting and insights for optimal staffing.
Workforce and operations platform delivering labor forecasting and scheduling based on sales predictions.
Employee scheduling software with integrated sales forecasting to build optimal labor schedules.
Inventory and AP automation tool with predictive ordering and usage forecasting for cost control.
Cloud POS system providing sales trend forecasting and business intelligence reports.
All-in-one POS with forecasting insights for sales, labor, and menu performance optimization.
Restaurant365
enterpriseComprehensive back-office platform offering advanced sales, labor, and inventory forecasting for multi-location restaurants.
End-to-end forecasting integrated with accounting, payroll, and inventory for automatic prime cost variance analysis and what-if scenario modeling
Restaurant365 is a comprehensive cloud-based restaurant management platform with advanced forecasting tools tailored for sales, labor, inventory, and cash flow predictions. It leverages historical data, POS integrations, and real-time analytics to deliver accurate, actionable forecasts that help restaurants optimize staffing, reduce waste, and improve profitability. The software stands out by combining forecasting with full back-office operations like accounting, scheduling, and AP/AR in a single unified system.
Pros
- Powerful, industry-specific forecasting for sales, labor, inventory, and prime costs with AI-driven insights
- Seamless integrations with major POS systems (e.g., Toast, Square) and accounting tools for real-time data accuracy
- Customizable dashboards and scenario planning for multi-location chains
Cons
- Steep learning curve during initial setup and onboarding
- Pricing can be prohibitive for single-location or very small restaurants
- Occasional reports of customer support delays during peak seasons
Best For
Multi-location restaurant groups and growing chains needing integrated forecasting with operations and accounting.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $400-$650 per location per month depending on features, users, and scale.
Avero
specializedRestaurant intelligence software providing accurate sales forecasting and performance analytics powered by AI.
LaborWise, an AI-driven tool that forecasts labor needs with 95%+ accuracy using historical and external data factors like weather and events
Avero is a robust restaurant analytics and forecasting platform designed for multi-unit operators, leveraging real-time data from POS systems to predict sales, labor needs, and inventory requirements. It offers tools like LaborWise for AI-driven scheduling and Secure Ops for operational insights, enabling data-driven decisions to optimize profitability. The software emphasizes accuracy through machine learning models trained on extensive restaurant data, helping chains reduce waste and improve efficiency.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate AI-powered sales and labor forecasting
- Seamless integrations with major POS systems like Toast and NCR
- Real-time dashboards and mobile accessibility for on-the-go management
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Enterprise pricing may be prohibitive for single-location restaurants
- Limited flexibility for highly customized reporting
Best For
Multi-unit restaurant chains and enterprise operators seeking scalable, data-driven forecasting to optimize labor and inventory across locations.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $500-$1,500 per location/month depending on features and scale; requires quote.
Profitteer
specializedSpecialized sales forecasting tool that predicts daily revenue using historical data and trends for independent restaurants.
AI profit optimizer that simulates scenarios to recommend exact labor and inventory adjustments for peak profitability
Profitteer is an AI-powered restaurant forecasting software designed to predict daily sales, optimize labor scheduling, and manage inventory levels for maximum profitability. It integrates with major POS systems like Toast and Square to deliver real-time data-driven forecasts and actionable recommendations. The platform emphasizes profit optimization through scenario planning and automated adjustments, making it a strong choice for data-centric restaurant operators. As the #3 ranked solution, it balances accuracy with usability but trails leaders in advanced analytics depth.
Pros
- Highly accurate AI-driven sales and labor forecasting
- Seamless POS integrations for real-time data
- Actionable profit optimization recommendations
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and customization
- Pricing can be steep for single-location spots
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech users
Best For
Multi-unit restaurant operators seeking precise daily forecasting to boost profits without extensive manual input.
Pricing
Starts at $199/month per location, with custom enterprise plans available.
Crunchtime
enterpriseEnterprise operations management system with demand forecasting for labor, inventory, and production scheduling.
Intelligent forecasting engine that incorporates external factors like weather and promotions for precise demand prediction
Crunchtime is a robust restaurant operations platform specializing in forecasting sales, labor, and inventory to optimize efficiency for multi-unit chains. It leverages historical POS data and advanced analytics to generate precise demand forecasts, enabling automated scheduling and cost control. The software integrates forecasting with inventory management, recipe costing, and reporting tools for comprehensive back-of-house operations.
Pros
- Highly accurate forecasting using historical data and variables like weather/events
- Deep integrations with POS, payroll, and suppliers for seamless data flow
- Scalable enterprise features for multi-location chains with strong analytics
Cons
- Enterprise pricing makes it unaffordable for small/single-location restaurants
- Steep learning curve and requires significant setup/training
- Overly complex for basic forecasting needs without full operations suite
Best For
Multi-unit restaurant chains and enterprise groups needing integrated forecasting with labor and inventory management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $5,000+ per month based on locations/users; quotes required.
Toast
enterprisePOS and restaurant management platform featuring predictive sales forecasting and insights for optimal staffing.
Real-time POS data fusion for predictive sales and labor forecasting
Toast is a comprehensive cloud-based POS and restaurant management platform that includes built-in forecasting tools for sales, labor, and inventory based on real-time transaction data. It helps restaurants predict demand, optimize staffing schedules, and manage costs proactively. While powerful within its ecosystem, its forecasting capabilities are integrated rather than standalone, making it suitable for operations-heavy users.
Pros
- Seamless integration with POS data for accurate, real-time forecasts
- Comprehensive labor scheduling tied to sales predictions
- Scalable for single or multi-location restaurants
Cons
- Forecasting features are secondary to core POS functions
- Pricing can add up with add-ons and hardware requirements
- Limited advanced analytics compared to dedicated forecasting tools
Best For
Restaurants seeking an all-in-one POS solution with solid integrated forecasting for daily operations.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at ~$69/month per terminal plus processing fees (2.49%-3.69%), hardware, and add-ons; averages $165/location/month.
Fourth
enterpriseWorkforce and operations platform delivering labor forecasting and scheduling based on sales predictions.
AI-powered Predictive Forecasting that incorporates weather, events, and historical trends for precise labor and sales predictions
Fourth is a comprehensive operations management platform designed for restaurants and hospitality businesses, featuring robust forecasting tools for sales, labor, and demand prediction. It leverages AI, historical data, POS integrations, and external factors like weather and events to generate accurate forecasts, helping operators optimize staffing, inventory, and costs. The software integrates seamlessly with scheduling, time tracking, and task management for end-to-end efficiency.
Pros
- Highly accurate AI-driven forecasting with POS and external data integrations
- Comprehensive suite including scheduling and real-time analytics
- Scalable for multi-location chains with strong compliance tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for new users
- Enterprise-level pricing not ideal for single-location restaurants
- Limited customization options in forecasting reports
Best For
Multi-location restaurant chains seeking an all-in-one platform for forecasting, scheduling, and operations optimization.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting around $100-300 per location/month depending on features and scale; requires sales quote.
7shifts
specializedEmployee scheduling software with integrated sales forecasting to build optimal labor schedules.
ForecastIQ sales forecasting that factors in historical trends, weather, and events for precise labor predictions
7shifts is a comprehensive workforce management platform for restaurants, with strong labor forecasting tools that predict sales based on historical data, weather, events, and POS integrations. It automates schedule creation to align staffing with forecasted labor needs, helping control costs and improve efficiency. The software also includes time tracking, communication, and compliance features tailored to the restaurant industry.
Pros
- Seamless POS integrations for real-time sales data in forecasts
- Intuitive mobile app for on-the-go scheduling adjustments
- Robust team communication tools integrated with forecasting
Cons
- Advanced forecasting locked in higher-tier plans
- Limited depth in predictive analytics compared to dedicated forecasting tools
- Pricing scales per location, costly for large chains
Best For
Mid-sized to large restaurant groups needing integrated scheduling and labor forecasting with strong team management features.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99/location/month (Essentials, billed annually); Pro at $73.99, Complete at $109.99; custom Enterprise pricing.
MarginEdge
specializedInventory and AP automation tool with predictive ordering and usage forecasting for cost control.
AI-powered predictive purchasing that forecasts inventory needs based on sales trends and historical data
MarginEdge is a comprehensive restaurant operations platform that leverages AI to optimize profitability through real-time inventory tracking, automated purchasing, and advanced forecasting tools. It provides sales predictions, cost forecasting, labor scheduling insights, and margin analysis to help restaurants control expenses and boost efficiency. Ranked #8 in Restaurant Forecasting Software, it excels in back-of-house management with seamless POS integrations for data-driven decisions.
Pros
- AI-driven sales and inventory forecasting for precise predictions
- Automated invoice processing and vendor management to reduce manual errors
- Real-time profitability dashboards with multi-location support
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for single-location or small restaurants
- Initial setup and learning curve for full feature utilization
- Forecasting heavily tied to inventory/costs rather than pure sales analytics
Best For
Multi-unit restaurant operators seeking integrated cost control and forecasting to maximize margins.
Pricing
Custom subscription starting at ~$150/month per location, scaling with volume and features.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseCloud POS system providing sales trend forecasting and business intelligence reports.
POS-driven sales forecasting that automatically generates labor schedules and inventory orders
Lightspeed Restaurant is a cloud-based POS system with built-in forecasting tools for sales, labor, and inventory management, using historical transaction data to predict future trends. It helps restaurant operators optimize staffing schedules, reduce waste through inventory forecasts, and improve profitability with actionable insights. While primarily a full-service POS platform, its forecasting capabilities integrate seamlessly with daily operations for real-time decision-making.
Pros
- Seamless integration of forecasting with POS data for accurate predictions
- User-friendly dashboards and customizable reports
- Real-time insights for labor and inventory optimization
Cons
- Forecasting features are solid but less advanced than dedicated tools
- Pricing can be high for smaller restaurants needing only forecasting
- Requires full POS adoption for maximum benefit
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants seeking an integrated POS system with reliable built-in forecasting rather than standalone software.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location (Basic), $109 (Essential), $149 (Premium), $199 (Enterprise); hardware and add-ons extra.
TouchBistro
enterpriseAll-in-one POS with forecasting insights for sales, labor, and menu performance optimization.
Real-time labor forecasting that syncs directly with scheduling to minimize overstaffing
TouchBistro is an all-in-one iPad-based POS system for restaurants that includes built-in forecasting tools for sales trends, labor costs, and inventory needs. It leverages real-time POS data to generate predictive reports, helping operators anticipate demand, optimize staffing, and control expenses. While not a standalone forecasting platform, its seamless integration makes it a practical choice for operational forecasting within daily restaurant management.
Pros
- Seamless integration with POS data for accurate, real-time sales and labor forecasts
- Intuitive mobile-first interface that's easy for restaurant staff to use
- Comprehensive reporting dashboard with customizable forecasting insights
Cons
- Forecasting features are secondary to core POS functions, lacking depth of specialized tools
- Pricing scales with number of terminals, which can become costly for larger operations
- Limited advanced AI-driven predictions compared to dedicated forecasting software
Best For
Full-service restaurants looking for integrated POS and basic forecasting without needing a separate specialized tool.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Dine plan), plus one-time hardware costs (~$500-1,000) and payment processing fees; Back of House tools free.
Conclusion
The top restaurant forecasting tools cater to varied needs, with Restaurant365 leading as the most comprehensive choice, offering unified sales, labor, and inventory solutions for multi-location setups. Avero stands out for its AI-powered predictive accuracy in sales forecasting, while Profitteer excels as a tailored option for independent restaurants, leveraging historical trends to drive daily revenue predictions.
Don’t miss out—explore Restaurant365 today to streamline operations and gain a competitive edge through its robust, all-in-one approach.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison