Quick Overview
- 1#1: 7shifts - Comprehensive restaurant scheduling, labor forecasting, and team communication platform.
- 2#2: Fourth - Enterprise-grade workforce management and scheduling software tailored for hospitality and restaurants.
- 3#3: Homebase - Free employee scheduling, time tracking, and hiring tool designed for small restaurants and teams.
- 4#4: When I Work - Flexible shift scheduling, availability management, and time clock app for hourly restaurant workers.
- 5#5: Deputy - Workforce scheduling, time tracking, and compliance software with strong restaurant integrations.
- 6#6: Connecteam - All-in-one mobile app for restaurant staff scheduling, communication, and task management.
- 7#7: Sling - Free team scheduling and shift management tool with labor cost controls for restaurants.
- 8#8: ZoomShift - Cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking software optimized for restaurant operations.
- 9#9: Agendrix - Simple employee scheduling app with messaging and availability features for small restaurants.
- 10#10: WorkforceHub - HR and scheduling platform for hourly restaurant workers with payroll and onboarding tools.
We ranked these tools by prioritizing robust features, user-friendly design, reliability, and value, ensuring they deliver actionable solutions for modern restaurant staffing challenges.
Comparison Table
Efficient staffing is key to restaurant success, but with tools like 7shifts, Fourth, Homebase, When I Work, Deputy, and more, selecting the right software can feel challenging. This comparison table outlines critical features—scheduling, communication, and labor management—to help readers quickly assess which tool aligns with their team’s needs. By evaluating integration, user experience, and scalability, you’ll gain clarity to choose a solution that streamlines operations and boosts efficiency.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7shifts Comprehensive restaurant scheduling, labor forecasting, and team communication platform. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Fourth Enterprise-grade workforce management and scheduling software tailored for hospitality and restaurants. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Homebase Free employee scheduling, time tracking, and hiring tool designed for small restaurants and teams. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 4 | When I Work Flexible shift scheduling, availability management, and time clock app for hourly restaurant workers. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | Deputy Workforce scheduling, time tracking, and compliance software with strong restaurant integrations. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Connecteam All-in-one mobile app for restaurant staff scheduling, communication, and task management. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 7 | Sling Free team scheduling and shift management tool with labor cost controls for restaurants. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 8 | ZoomShift Cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking software optimized for restaurant operations. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 9 | Agendrix Simple employee scheduling app with messaging and availability features for small restaurants. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | WorkforceHub HR and scheduling platform for hourly restaurant workers with payroll and onboarding tools. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
Comprehensive restaurant scheduling, labor forecasting, and team communication platform.
Enterprise-grade workforce management and scheduling software tailored for hospitality and restaurants.
Free employee scheduling, time tracking, and hiring tool designed for small restaurants and teams.
Flexible shift scheduling, availability management, and time clock app for hourly restaurant workers.
Workforce scheduling, time tracking, and compliance software with strong restaurant integrations.
All-in-one mobile app for restaurant staff scheduling, communication, and task management.
Free team scheduling and shift management tool with labor cost controls for restaurants.
Cloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking software optimized for restaurant operations.
Simple employee scheduling app with messaging and availability features for small restaurants.
HR and scheduling platform for hourly restaurant workers with payroll and onboarding tools.
7shifts
specializedComprehensive restaurant scheduling, labor forecasting, and team communication platform.
Predictive labor forecasting powered by POS sales data integration for proactive staffing decisions
7shifts is a leading restaurant staffing software that specializes in employee scheduling, time tracking, and workforce management tailored for the hospitality industry. It enables managers to create optimized schedules, forecast labor costs based on sales data, and facilitate shift trades through an intuitive mobile app. Additional tools include payroll integrations, performance insights, and team communication features to reduce no-shows and overtime expenses.
Pros
- Powerful AI-driven scheduling and labor forecasting that minimizes overstaffing
- Seamless mobile app for employees to clock in, pick shifts, and communicate
- Extensive integrations with POS systems, payroll providers, and accounting software
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced features like multi-location support
- Occasional learning curve for customizing reports and forecasts
- Customer support can have variable response times during peak seasons
Best For
Multi-location restaurant groups and chains seeking scalable staffing solutions with strong labor cost controls.
Pricing
Free for single locations (up to 20 team members); paid plans start at $29.99/location/month for Team plan, up to $130+/location/month for enterprise features.
Fourth
enterpriseEnterprise-grade workforce management and scheduling software tailored for hospitality and restaurants.
AI-powered Intelligent Scheduler that uses historical sales data and predictive analytics for optimal shift planning
Fourth is a robust workforce management platform tailored for restaurants, offering AI-powered scheduling, labor forecasting, time and attendance tracking, and compliance tools. It integrates with POS systems to align staffing with real-time sales data, helping operators optimize labor costs while ensuring regulatory adherence. The mobile app empowers employees with self-service shift management and communication features.
Pros
- AI-driven forecasting and auto-scheduling reduce labor costs by up to 5-10%
- Seamless POS integrations for accurate demand-based staffing
- Comprehensive compliance tools including ACA reporting and tip compliance
Cons
- Steep learning curve for smaller teams without dedicated IT support
- Custom pricing can be expensive for single-location restaurants
- Limited flexibility for highly customized workflows
Best For
Multi-location restaurant chains needing scalable, data-driven staffing optimization.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $50-150 per location/month depending on size and features.
Homebase
specializedFree employee scheduling, time tracking, and hiring tool designed for small restaurants and teams.
OpenShifts, which allows managers to post unfilled shifts for employees to claim in real-time via mobile app
Homebase is an all-in-one workforce management platform tailored for hourly operations like restaurants, offering drag-and-drop scheduling, mobile time tracking with geofencing, and team communication tools. It simplifies staffing by enabling shift trades, auto-scheduling based on availability, and integrated hiring with applicant tracking. Additionally, it supports payroll integrations and compliance features such as tip tracking and labor law alerts, making it efficient for shift-based environments.
Pros
- Generous free plan for basic needs
- Intuitive mobile-first interface for hourly staff
- Strong communication and shift trading tools
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting and analytics
- Some premium features require higher tiers
- Scalability challenges for multi-location chains
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants seeking an affordable, user-friendly solution for scheduling and time tracking.
Pricing
Free plan for one location (up to 20 employees); Essentials at $29/month per location (billed annually), Premium at $59/month with advanced hiring and forecasting.
When I Work
specializedFlexible shift scheduling, availability management, and time clock app for hourly restaurant workers.
OpenShifts marketplace where employees can instantly claim or offer shifts
When I Work is a cloud-based workforce management platform focused on employee scheduling, time tracking, and team communication, making it suitable for shift-based operations like restaurants. Managers can build drag-and-drop schedules, set availability preferences, enable shift trades, and monitor attendance via a mobile app. It also offers time clock features with geofencing and integrates with payroll systems to streamline restaurant staffing.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling
- Robust mobile app for employees
- Shift trading and OpenShifts for flexibility
Cons
- Limited restaurant-specific integrations like POS or tip tracking
- Reporting lacks depth for multi-location chains
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurants needing simple, mobile-friendly scheduling without advanced forecasting.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Standard at $2/active user/month; Advanced at $3.50/active user/month (billed annually).
Deputy
specializedWorkforce scheduling, time tracking, and compliance software with strong restaurant integrations.
Integrated labor cost forecasting tied to POS sales data for optimized staffing
Deputy is a mobile-first workforce management platform tailored for restaurant staffing, offering drag-and-drop scheduling, time tracking, and employee communication tools. It enables managers to build shift rosters based on availability, sales forecasts, and labor budgets, while staff can swap shifts, clock in/out via geofenced mobile app, and receive instant notifications. The software integrates with POS systems and payroll providers to streamline operations and ensure compliance with labor laws.
Pros
- Flexible drag-and-drop scheduling with demand forecasting
- Employee self-service mobile app for shift swaps and timesheets
- Real-time labor costing and overtime alerts
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with active users and add-ons
- Advanced reporting locked behind higher tiers
- Occasional mobile app glitches during peak hours
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants with hourly shift workers needing mobile scheduling and communication on the go.
Pricing
Starts at $3.50/active user/month (Essentials, billed annually), up to $6+/user/month (Premium) with Enterprise custom pricing.
Connecteam
specializedAll-in-one mobile app for restaurant staff scheduling, communication, and task management.
GPS geofencing time clock that ensures accurate clock-ins/outs and combats time theft in dynamic restaurant environments
Connecteam is a mobile-first all-in-one workforce management platform tailored for frontline and deskless teams, including restaurants, offering tools for shift scheduling, time tracking, communication, and operations. It enables managers to create drag-and-drop schedules, track employee hours with GPS geofencing to prevent buddy punching, and facilitate team chats, announcements, and task checklists. The platform also includes training modules and forms to streamline onboarding and compliance for restaurant staff.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app accessible for hourly restaurant workers
- Comprehensive scheduling and GPS time tracking tailored for shifts
- Affordable scaling with a free tier for small teams
Cons
- Limited native integrations with popular restaurant POS systems
- Advanced reporting and automation locked behind higher plans
- Customization options can feel basic for complex operations
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurants with shift-based hourly staff needing simple, mobile scheduling and communication tools.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; paid plans start at $29/month (Small Business) for first 30 users + $0.50/additional user/month, up to Enterprise custom pricing.
Sling
specializedFree team scheduling and shift management tool with labor cost controls for restaurants.
Real-time labor cost tracking that forecasts expenses and alerts on overtime, helping restaurants control budgets dynamically
Sling is a user-friendly employee scheduling platform designed for shift-based businesses like restaurants, enabling managers to create optimized schedules, track time and attendance, and monitor labor costs in real-time. It includes features such as shift trading, availability requests, task management, and in-app team communication to streamline daily operations. The mobile app empowers employees to view shifts, clock in/out, and swap shifts effortlessly, reducing administrative burdens for restaurant owners.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with mobile accessibility
- Real-time labor cost tracking and forecasting
- Generous free plan covering core needs for small teams
Cons
- Limited integrations with POS or payroll systems
- Advanced reporting locked behind premium tiers
- No built-in applicant tracking or full recruiting tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurants needing affordable, straightforward shift scheduling and communication without enterprise complexity.
Pricing
Free plan for basic scheduling; Standard at $1.70/active user/month (annual) and Premium at $3.25/active user/month (annual).
ZoomShift
specializedCloud-based employee scheduling and time tracking software optimized for restaurant operations.
OpenShifts marketplace where employees can browse and claim available shifts in real-time
ZoomShift is a cloud-based workforce management platform tailored for hourly workforces like restaurants, offering drag-and-drop scheduling, mobile time tracking, and employee communication tools. It helps restaurant managers create optimized schedules based on availability, forecast labor costs, and handle shift trades or open shifts via a mobile app. The software integrates time clocks with geofencing to prevent buddy punching and provides basic reporting for payroll and compliance.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Robust mobile app for clock-ins and shift claims
- Affordable pricing scalable for small teams
Cons
- Limited advanced labor forecasting and analytics
- Fewer native integrations with POS systems
- Reporting lacks depth for multi-location chains
Best For
Small to mid-sized restaurants seeking simple, mobile-first scheduling and time tracking without enterprise complexity.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 shifts/month; paid plans start at ~$2/active user/month (Growth tier) up to $3.25/user/month (Enterprise), with free trial.
Agendrix
specializedSimple employee scheduling app with messaging and availability features for small restaurants.
Automated shift trading and availability bidding that empowers employees to swap shifts directly via mobile app
Agendrix is a user-friendly workforce management platform focused on employee scheduling, time tracking, and communication, making it suitable for restaurant staffing needs. It features drag-and-drop scheduling, shift trades, availability management, and mobile time clocking to help managers handle variable shifts and hourly workers efficiently. While versatile across industries, it provides solid tools for restaurants to minimize overtime and improve staff coordination.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with conflict detection
- Affordable pricing ideal for small restaurants
- Strong mobile app for employee self-service and clock-ins
Cons
- Limited native integrations with popular restaurant POS systems
- Basic labor forecasting without advanced restaurant-specific costing
- Reporting lacks depth for multi-location chains
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants needing simple, cost-effective scheduling without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $2 per active user/month (minimum 10 users, billed annually); premium plans up to $4/user/month add advanced features like payroll integration.
WorkforceHub
enterpriseHR and scheduling platform for hourly restaurant workers with payroll and onboarding tools.
Employee self-scheduling and shift trading based on real-time availability
WorkforceHub is an all-in-one workforce management platform designed for small to mid-sized businesses, including restaurants, focusing on scheduling, time tracking, and basic HR functions. It allows restaurant managers to build shift schedules based on employee availability, handle time clocking via mobile app with geofencing, and manage onboarding and PTO requests digitally. The tool emphasizes simplicity for hourly staffing needs, with built-in communication features to coordinate teams efficiently.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Mobile app with geofencing for accurate time tracking
- Affordable pricing scaled to active employees
Cons
- Limited deep integrations with restaurant POS systems like Toast or Square
- Basic reporting lacks advanced analytics for labor forecasting
- Fewer restaurant-specific features compared to dedicated tools like 7shifts
Best For
Small to medium restaurants seeking straightforward, cost-effective scheduling and time tracking without complex enterprise needs.
Pricing
Starts at $2.99 per active employee/month (Core plan), up to $6.99 for Elite plan; billed annually with a minimum of 10 users.
Conclusion
The reviewed restaurant staffing tools range from robust enterprise solutions to simple, small-business-friendly options, with 7shifts rising as the top pick—its blend of comprehensive scheduling and labor management setting it apart. Fourth impresses as an authoritative choice for large-scale operations, while Homebase stands out for its accessibility and free features, ensuring there’s a strong alternative for every restaurant type.
Ready to elevate your staffing efficiency? Start with 7shifts—your team’s productivity and operations will thank you.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison