Quick Overview
- 1#1: Harri - Comprehensive platform for recruiting, screening, onboarding, and managing hourly hospitality workers.
- 2#2: Workstream - AI-powered hiring software that automates applicant screening and onboarding for restaurants.
- 3#3: 7shifts - Restaurant scheduling and workforce tool with integrated job postings and applicant tracking.
- 4#4: Homebase - Affordable scheduling and hiring platform designed for small restaurant teams.
- 5#5: Deputy - Workforce management software featuring hiring, scheduling, and compliance for restaurants.
- 6#6: When I Work - Employee scheduling app with built-in job board and hiring capabilities for hourly staff.
- 7#7: Instawork - On-demand staffing marketplace connecting restaurants with vetted local workers instantly.
- 8#8: Qwick - Gig economy platform for quick hiring of experienced hospitality professionals.
- 9#9: Bluecrew - Flexible W-2 staffing software for reliable hourly hires in restaurants.
- 10#10: Wonolo - Temp staffing platform that fills restaurant shifts with screened job seekers.
These platforms were chosen based on their ability to deliver robust features (including screening, scheduling, and compliance), user-friendly design, and overall value, ensuring they effectively address the unique demands of hiring hourly hospitality workers.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top restaurant hiring and management software tools, including Harri, Workstream, 7shifts, Homebase, Deputy, and more, to simplify recruitment and operational tasks. Readers will gain insights into how each platform handles candidate sourcing, scheduling, and team coordination, helping them find the best fit for their restaurant’s specific needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harri Comprehensive platform for recruiting, screening, onboarding, and managing hourly hospitality workers. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Workstream AI-powered hiring software that automates applicant screening and onboarding for restaurants. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | 7shifts Restaurant scheduling and workforce tool with integrated job postings and applicant tracking. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Homebase Affordable scheduling and hiring platform designed for small restaurant teams. | other | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 5 | Deputy Workforce management software featuring hiring, scheduling, and compliance for restaurants. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | When I Work Employee scheduling app with built-in job board and hiring capabilities for hourly staff. | other | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Instawork On-demand staffing marketplace connecting restaurants with vetted local workers instantly. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Qwick Gig economy platform for quick hiring of experienced hospitality professionals. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 9 | Bluecrew Flexible W-2 staffing software for reliable hourly hires in restaurants. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | Wonolo Temp staffing platform that fills restaurant shifts with screened job seekers. | enterprise | 6.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.1/10 |
Comprehensive platform for recruiting, screening, onboarding, and managing hourly hospitality workers.
AI-powered hiring software that automates applicant screening and onboarding for restaurants.
Restaurant scheduling and workforce tool with integrated job postings and applicant tracking.
Affordable scheduling and hiring platform designed for small restaurant teams.
Workforce management software featuring hiring, scheduling, and compliance for restaurants.
Employee scheduling app with built-in job board and hiring capabilities for hourly staff.
On-demand staffing marketplace connecting restaurants with vetted local workers instantly.
Gig economy platform for quick hiring of experienced hospitality professionals.
Flexible W-2 staffing software for reliable hourly hires in restaurants.
Temp staffing platform that fills restaurant shifts with screened job seekers.
Harri
specializedComprehensive platform for recruiting, screening, onboarding, and managing hourly hospitality workers.
AI-driven candidate matching and auto-scheduling integration that fills shifts directly from the hiring pipeline
Harri is an all-in-one workforce management platform tailored for the hospitality industry, with a robust applicant tracking system (ATS) that simplifies restaurant hiring from job posting to onboarding. It automates candidate sourcing across 100+ job boards, uses AI for screening and matching hourly workers, and integrates hiring directly with scheduling and compliance tools. Beyond recruitment, it supports employee retention through performance tracking and shift management, making it ideal for high-turnover restaurant environments.
Pros
- Hospitality-specific ATS with AI-powered candidate matching for hourly roles
- Seamless integration of hiring, scheduling, onboarding, and compliance in one platform
- Mobile-first design for candidates and managers, speeding up applications and interviews
Cons
- Custom pricing lacks upfront transparency and can be expensive for single-location restaurants
- Steeper learning curve for advanced analytics and reporting features
- Limited customization for non-hospitality industries
Best For
Multi-location restaurant groups and hospitality chains needing an end-to-end solution for high-volume hourly hiring and retention.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting around $99 per location/month, scaling with users, locations, and features; contact sales for demo and quote.
Workstream
specializedAI-powered hiring software that automates applicant screening and onboarding for restaurants.
Conversational SMS recruiting that automates texting thousands of candidates simultaneously for immediate responses and hires.
Workstream is an all-in-one HR platform tailored for hospitality businesses like restaurants, focusing on high-volume hiring through SMS-based recruiting, applicant tracking, and automated onboarding. It enables quick candidate communication via text messaging, scheduling, video interviews, and compliance tools to speed up the hiring process in fast-paced environments. Additionally, it integrates payroll and shift scheduling to support ongoing employee management and reduce turnover.
Pros
- Lightning-fast SMS recruiting for instant candidate engagement
- Automated onboarding and compliance checklists tailored for restaurants
- Multi-location support with centralized dashboards
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for single-location small restaurants
- Limited third-party integrations compared to enterprise HRIS
- Initial setup requires some customization time
Best For
Multi-location restaurant chains or groups with high turnover needing rapid, mobile-first hiring solutions.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at $199 per location/month for core plans, scaling to enterprise tiers with add-ons for payroll and advanced features.
7shifts
specializedRestaurant scheduling and workforce tool with integrated job postings and applicant tracking.
Instant scheduling integration, where accepted applicants can immediately view and claim shifts during onboarding.
7shifts is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for restaurants, with integrated hiring tools that enable job postings across major boards like Indeed and Craigslist, applicant tracking, interview scheduling, and automated onboarding workflows. It streamlines the recruitment process by allowing managers to review resumes, conduct assessments, and transition new hires directly into scheduling and training. While primarily known for scheduling and labor management, its hiring module provides restaurant-specific templates and mobile accessibility for a seamless employee lifecycle.
Pros
- Seamless integration with scheduling and time tracking for quick hire-to-shift transitions
- Restaurant-focused hiring tools like shift previews for applicants and bulk onboarding
- Mobile-first design accessible for both managers and applicants
Cons
- Hiring features are solid but secondary to core scheduling functions, lacking depth of dedicated ATS platforms
- Pricing scales with locations and employees, which can become costly for small single-site restaurants
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics specifically for recruitment metrics
Best For
Growing restaurant groups and multi-location chains seeking an all-in-one platform that combines hiring with daily operations management.
Pricing
Starts at $29.99 per location/month (Core plan); hiring and onboarding in Pro ($49.99+) and Elite plans; custom enterprise pricing available.
Homebase
otherAffordable scheduling and hiring platform designed for small restaurant teams.
One-click conversion of applicants to scheduled employees, bridging hiring and operations effortlessly
Homebase is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for small businesses like restaurants, offering hiring tools alongside scheduling, time tracking, and communication features. Its Restaurant Hiring Software enables users to post jobs to major boards, collect and screen applications, conduct interviews via integrated calendars, and onboard hires directly into schedules and payroll. This integration streamlines the process from recruitment to first shift for hourly workers in fast-paced environments.
Pros
- Seamless integration of hiring with scheduling and onboarding
- User-friendly mobile app for managers and applicants
- Affordable pricing with a robust free tier for basics
Cons
- Limited advanced applicant tracking and analytics compared to dedicated ATS
- Customization options for hiring workflows are basic
- Support can be slower for free plan users
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurants needing an intuitive, integrated hiring solution tied to daily operations without complex enterprise features.
Pricing
Free plan for core scheduling; Essentials starts at $29.99/month per location (annual billing) including hiring tools; Premium at $59.99/month adds advanced features.
Deputy
enterpriseWorkforce management software featuring hiring, scheduling, and compliance for restaurants.
Instant shift assignment for approved hires directly from the applicant dashboard
Deputy is a workforce management platform designed for shift-based industries like restaurants, featuring built-in hiring tools for posting jobs, managing applicants, and onboarding. It simplifies recruitment by allowing managers to create job ads, track candidates through customizable pipelines, and schedule interviews via mobile app. The software excels in integrating new hires seamlessly into rotas, reducing time-to-hire in high-turnover environments.
Pros
- Seamless integration of hiring with scheduling and time tracking
- Mobile-first interface ideal for restaurant managers on the floor
- Quick job posting to multiple boards and easy applicant communication
Cons
- Limited advanced ATS features like AI matching or skills assessments
- Hiring analytics and reporting are basic compared to dedicated tools
- Higher tiers required for full recruitment functionality
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurants needing hiring tools integrated with shift scheduling in fast-paced, high-turnover settings.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50/active user/month (Essentials, billed annually); hiring features in Premium ($5.25/user/month) and Enterprise plans.
When I Work
otherEmployee scheduling app with built-in job board and hiring capabilities for hourly staff.
Instant shift assignment to new hires upon onboarding, bridging hiring and scheduling in one platform
When I Work is a mobile-first workforce management platform with integrated hiring tools designed for shift-based businesses like restaurants. It enables managers to post job openings for shifts, attract applicants from a large local network, review resumes, schedule interviews via the app, and onboard hires directly into schedules. The solution streamlines recruitment for high-turnover environments by combining hiring with core scheduling, time tracking, and team communication features.
Pros
- Seamless integration of hiring with scheduling for quick onboarding
- Mobile app simplifies applicant communication and interview booking
- Access to a large pool of local, shift-ready candidates
Cons
- Hiring features lack depth compared to dedicated ATS platforms
- Limited customization in applicant tracking workflows
- Advanced hiring tools require higher-tier paid plans
Best For
Restaurants with frequent shift openings and high hourly staff turnover seeking an all-in-one hiring and scheduling solution.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 users with basic features; Standard at $2/user/month, Advanced (full hiring) at $3.50/user/month, billed annually.
Instawork
specializedOn-demand staffing marketplace connecting restaurants with vetted local workers instantly.
Real-time shift posting and instant matching from a massive, location-specific pool of pre-vetted gig workers.
Instawork is a staffing marketplace platform designed for restaurants and hospitality businesses to quickly hire on-demand, flexible workers for shifts. Businesses post open shifts via a mobile app, and pre-vetted professionals from a large network apply instantly, enabling rapid filling of last-minute staffing needs. It handles scheduling, payments, time tracking, and compliance, reducing administrative burden during peak times.
Pros
- Lightning-fast shift filling from a network of over 5 million workers
- User-friendly mobile app for posting and managing shifts
- Automated payroll and compliance tools reduce admin work
Cons
- Primarily temp staffing, not suited for permanent hires
- Service fees can add up for high-volume usage (20-40% markup)
- Worker quality and reliability can vary by location
Best For
Restaurants and hospitality venues needing quick, flexible staffing for peak hours or sudden shortages without long-term commitments.
Pricing
Pay-per-shift model; businesses set hourly rates ($18-35 typically) which include worker pay plus Instawork's service fee; no upfront subscriptions required.
Qwick
specializedGig economy platform for quick hiring of experienced hospitality professionals.
Proprietary vetting process with Qwick Verified pros, ensuring high-quality, reliable talent ready to work immediately
Qwick is a mobile-first staffing platform designed for the hospitality industry, connecting restaurants with a network of pre-vetted professionals for on-demand shifts. It enables managers to post open shifts, receive instant applications, and hire qualified workers in minutes via an intuitive app. While excellent for flexible, short-term staffing needs like peak hours or emergencies, it focuses more on gig economy hiring rather than traditional full-time recruitment.
Pros
- Rapid shift filling with hires often in under 60 seconds
- Access to a large pool of vetted, background-checked professionals
- User-friendly mobile app for posting and managing shifts on the go
Cons
- Primarily suited for temporary gigs, not full-time or long-term hiring
- Service fees (around 20-30% per shift) can accumulate for high-volume users
- Limited integration options with broader HR systems or payroll software
Best For
Restaurants and bars requiring quick, reliable on-demand staffing for variable shifts and peak periods without long-term commitments.
Pricing
Pay-per-shift model with fees typically 20-30% of worker pay (e.g., $5-10/hour markup); no upfront subscription required.
Bluecrew
enterpriseFlexible W-2 staffing software for reliable hourly hires in restaurants.
Liquid workforce pool: instant access to verified, W-2 workers ready to start shifts within hours via the app.
Bluecrew is an on-demand staffing platform designed for hourly workforce needs in restaurants and hospitality, connecting businesses with a pre-vetted pool of flexible workers via a mobile app. Restaurants can post shifts instantly, review applicant profiles, and hire reliably without long-term commitments or traditional recruiting processes. It streamlines operations by handling payroll, compliance, insurance, and scheduling, ideal for managing fluctuating demand.
Pros
- Rapid shift filling with pre-screened, available workers
- Automated payroll, compliance, and insurance management
- Mobile-first app for quick posting and hiring
Cons
- Markup on hourly rates increases effective labor costs
- Workers are gig-based, leading to potential turnover and less loyalty
- Limited customization for specialized restaurant roles or training
Best For
Restaurants with variable staffing needs, such as seasonal peaks, events, or covering sudden absences with hourly front- and back-of-house workers.
Pricing
Pay-per-active-hour model with a markup on worker wages (typically 40-70% above base pay); no upfront fees or subscriptions.
Wonolo
enterpriseTemp staffing platform that fills restaurant shifts with screened job seekers.
Instant job posting with real-time worker matching and GPS-based availability
Wonolo is an on-demand staffing platform that connects restaurants with vetted temporary workers for short-term shifts in roles like servers, cooks, and hosts. Businesses can post jobs instantly via a mobile app, review worker profiles and ratings, and hire on-demand to cover no-shows or peak periods. While effective for flexible labor needs, it focuses on gig-style temporary staffing rather than full-cycle permanent hiring or applicant tracking.
Pros
- Rapid access to vetted workers for immediate shift coverage
- User-friendly mobile app for posting jobs and managing hires
- Worker rating system ensures quality control
Cons
- Primarily for temporary gigs, not suited for permanent hiring pipelines
- Per-shift pricing can become expensive for frequent use
- Availability depends on local worker pool, which varies by location
Best For
Restaurants dealing with frequent staffing shortages or seasonal peaks that need quick temporary hires without long-term commitments.
Pricing
Pay-per-hire model with rates typically $15-30 per hour per worker (including markup), no subscription fees; varies by role and location.
Conclusion
Evaluating 10 standout restaurant hiring tools reveals Harri as the top choice, excelling in comprehensive recruitment, screening, onboarding, and management for hourly hospitality workers. Workstream and 7shifts follow as strong alternatives: Workstream’s AI-driven automation simplifies screening and onboarding, while 7shifts integrates hiring with scheduling and tracking, catering to varied operational needs. Together, these tools address the industry’s unique hiring challenges, ensuring flexibility to suit specific restaurant workflows.
To elevate your hiring efficiency, begin with Harri—the top-ranked tool that delivers end-to-end solutions to streamline your recruitment process and support your team’s growth.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison