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If you’re a restaurant owner, chances are that you’ve been looking for the right POS system to help manage your business. There are many options out there but the best POS systems are the backbone to successful restaurants, and they can be found in many different varieties.
There are many different restaurant POS systems on the market. It can be hard to determine the one that is most appropriate for your needs. However, as there are so many different options out there – how can you find the best POS system for your restaurant?
Well, we’ve researched the market extensively and found three great products that will serve any size business well. If you’re looking for a little help in deciding which one is right for your establishment, this article should be able to give you some insight!
Botton Line Up Front:
Overall, I would highly recommend using Square as your restaurant POS system moving forwards. This is because it’s easy to use, offers great customer service 24/7, and is free to use. It also integrates with a lot of third-party tools, meaning you can embed it seamlessly into your existing workflow, and the drag and drop functionality make it a pleasure to use.
What is a Restaurant POS System?
A point of sale system, or POS for short, is an electronic device that helps process transactions and keeps track of inventory. It’s pretty much a computerized cash register that tracks the flow of merchandise and money at your restaurant.
It can track inventory, calculate costs and taxes, generate reports, and handle customer payments. It’s an important part of every restaurant because it helps the business owner track what they’re selling and how much profit they’re making. It’s what makes sure that every order is correctly processed, and it also helps to manage inventory levels.
How Does a Restaurant POS System Work?
A POS system usually consists of three main parts: the computer, the cash drawer, and the printer. The computer is where all of the orders are processed and it communicates with other devices in your restaurant such as a kitchen display monitor or digital menu boards.
The cash drawer opens when a sale is complete and it prints out a receipt for the customer. The printer usually sits on the counter next to the POS system. Modern-day POS Systems can also be used on iPad-live devices by service staff to take people’s orders and manage tables.
What Are the Different Types of Restaurant POS Systems?
There are a few different types of POS systems that you can choose from. The most common type is the cloud-based system. This type of system is hosted on a remote server and can be accessed from any internet-connected device. You don’t have to worry about installing any software or updates because they are taken care of by the provider.
Another popular type of POS system is the iPad POS. This type of system uses an iPad as the main point of sale terminal. The advantage of using an iPad is that you can download different apps to help run your business. For example, there are apps that can help you track inventory, manage employee hours, and even create menus.
Lastly, there are traditional POS systems that are built into a computer tower. They usually have the same features as cloud-based POS systems but you can also upgrade them with add-ons such as an external printer. Most traditional POS Systems come standard with common features like credit card processing, cash drawer management, inventory control, and time tracking.
Here’s some more information about the different types of POS Systems:
On-site POS system
An on-site POS system is one that is physically installed in your restaurant. It usually consists of a computer, cash drawer, and printer and it’s used to process orders and track inventory. On-site systems are the most common type of POS system and they’re usually less expensive than other types of systems.
Cloud-based POS system
A cloud-based POS system is a type of system that is hosted on a remote server. This means that you don’t have to worry about installing any software or updates because they are taken care of by the provider. All you need is an internet connection and you can access your account from any device. Cloud-based systems are popular because they’re easy to use and don’t require any installation.
Mobile POS system
A mobile POS system is a type of POS system that uses a portable device such as an iPad or Android tablet. This type of system is perfect for businesses that have a limited amount of space because the devices can be used anywhere in the restaurant. Mobile systems also have the advantage of being able to run different apps that can help you track inventory and manage employee hours.
All-in-one POS system
An all-in-one POS system is a type of traditional POS system that has the same features as cloud-based systems. The main difference between an all-in-one and other types of POS Systems is that they usually don’t have any add ons such as credit card processing or cash drawer management.
Self-service POS system
A self-service POS system is a type of system that allows customers to place orders and pay for them without the help of a cashier. This type of system is perfect for businesses that want to reduce the amount of time it takes to process an order. Self-service systems are usually used in fast-food restaurants or cafes.
Industry-specific POS system
Some POS systems are designed specifically for certain industries. For example, there are POS systems that are designed for restaurants, cafes, bars, and nightclubs. If you’re looking for a system that is tailored to your specific industry, then you should consider using an industry-specific POS system. This is where these restaurant POS systems come in.
What Should You Look for in a Restaurant POS System?
There are a few things that you should keep in mind when shopping for a restaurant POS system. Here are some of the most important factors:
Online ordering
If you want to offer online ordering to your customers, then you’ll need a POS system that supports this feature. Not all POS systems offer online ordering so make sure to check before you buy.
Flexible payment processing
Your POS system should be able to process a variety of payment methods, including debit cards, credit cards, and PayPal. This will make it easy for your customers to pay for their orders.
Integrated inventory management
Your POS system should include an integrated inventory management system that allows you to track inventory levels in real-time. This will help you keep tabs on what items are selling and what items need to be ordered.
Employee time tracking
Your POS system should have the ability to track employee hours so you can avoid paying overtime wages. Time tracking features are usually included in POS systems that have a mobile component, such as an app on an iPad or Android tablet.
Table layout feature
An ideal restaurant POS system will have a table layout feature so you can create customized layouts for your restaurant. This type of customization is important because it allows the customer to see the menu items in an organized way.
Management tools
Your POS system should include a variety of management tools that allow you to manage your business effectively. This includes features such as employee tracking, inventory management, and sales reporting.
Reporting tools
Your POS system should also include reporting tools that allow you to track sales and expenses. This information can be helpful when it comes time to prepare your annual budget.
Stock-take tools
Your POS system should also include stock-take tools so you can conduct regular inventory checks. This will help you stay on top of your inventory levels and avoid running out of popular items.
Marketing activities and integrations
Your POS system should also include features that allow you to run marketing activities, such as email campaigns and social media promotions. Additionally, your POS system should be able to integrate with popular third-party apps, such as online ordering systems and accounting software.
Kitchen display system
Your POS system should have a kitchen display feature so you can create custom screens for your menu items. This will make it easier to order items in the kitchen and speed up food preparation time.
Back and front of house communication tools
Your POS system should include communication tools that allow you to connect with your employees in the back and front of house. This will help you ensure that everyone is aware of what’s going on in the restaurant.
Customer loyalty programs
Your POS system should include features that allow you to run customer loyalty programs. This will help you retain your most loyal customers and increase sales over time.
Price comparison
Your POS system should also have the ability to do price comparisons. This will help you make sure that your prices are competitive with other local restaurants. Tablet stand, cash drawer, printer, and scanner compatibility
The Major Differences Between Restaurant POS Systems and Other POS Systems
There are plenty of different types of POS systems on the market, but the main difference between restaurant POS systems and other POS systems is that restaurant POS systems are designed specifically for restaurants.
This may seem obvious, but this means that they include features that are important for restaurants, such as online ordering, flexible payment processing, integrated inventory management, employee time tracking, table layout customization, and restaurant-specific reporting tools.
Restaurant-specific POS systems are also designed to be easy to use. They are often compatible with kitchen display screens, cash registers, credit card terminals, and other equipment used in restaurant kitchens.
Our Top Restaurant POS System Recommendations
Epos Now
Easily one of our favorite POS systems for restaurants, Epos Now is a very complete solution. It offers comprehensive employee management tools and a more than a decent set of features for managing your business. Additionally, it’s got some great support options available which make it ideal for businesses with less experience using POS systems — like restaurants!
Epos Now would be an excellent fit for almost any restaurant thanks to its powerful yet easy-to-use POS software. You can give your staff unlimited training sessions for $35 per month, allowing you to train up new members of your team quickly and easily without breaking the bank too much.
Epos Now also has an excellent inventory management system that allows you to keep track of everything right down to individual ingredients — making sure that there’s always enough. It also has plenty of integrations available with other software, making it an excellent choice for restaurant owners who want to use multiple programs at once without having to switch between them constantly!
Epos Now is definitely one of the best POS systems out there today and would be a great fit for most restaurants. Although its pricing model might seem a little bit intimidating, you’ll get a lot of features and support for the price — which is sure to make its cost easy to swallow.
Pros:
- Great support options
- Individual staff permissions
- Lots of integrations with third-party tools
Cons:
- More expensive than average.
TouchBistro POS
TouchBistro is a cloud-based POS system that is designed for restaurants. It has all the features you need to run your restaurant, including menu creation, ordering and payment processing, and reporting. TouchBistro also offers a free trial so you can try it before you buy.
The platform’s main objectives are to make running a restaurant’s finances less stressful. This service is also perfect for restaurants since it comes with some outstanding functions to consider. The efficiency, flexibility, and reliability of the app make it a fantastic tool for any foodservice operation. From Michelin-starred restaurants to portable businesses like pop-up catering and food trucks, because it can be used on an iPad and accessed anywhere with WIFI.
It also has a variety of features. TouchBistro will handle customer accounts, inventory management, and table-side services such as ordering capabilities and floor plan management for you. There are also reports that show how much money each menu item generates (which includes everything from food expenses to profit margins). How about a POS system that enables you to track your sales and expenses? It’s extremely simple to use, and it syncs easily with QuickBooks, making accounting management even easier than ever before.
Furthermore, TouchBistro offers one of the most extensive menus around. One of their finest features is their large variety of foods! You may handle everything related to inventory, as well as ordering and rescheduling items, and there are a lot more complicated company operations like credit card processing and accounting data.
Pros:
- Fully cloud-based
- Can be used on an iPad
- Syncs with QuickBooks
- Online and tableside ordering capabilities
- Free trial
Cons:
- May be too complex for some small businesses.
Square POS
Among the many features of Restaurant POS, Square POS provides a fantastic selection. It’s easy to use, and it can help you get top sellers in front of more customers. It has smart menu management tools that allow you to create your own layouts and group items together to make them easier to find. Bulk additions may be useful for adding new options and meals to your menu quickly.
Third-party integrations can make delivery and collection simple. Furthermore, you can use a range of third-party applications for employee time recording and customer reservations. For example, depending on the delivery method, you can use DoorDash’s or Postmates’ order management capabilities to manage all of your orders from a single screen.
Similarly, Square’s table management tool is simple to use and lets you drag and drop tables as needed to fit more people or arrange them to make space. Furthermore, you can keep track of each seat in your business to determine which are near to being turned and which have only sat down.
Even better, Square’s reports are stunning. It gives top-line summaries and in-depth analyses of your sales by category, item, or the payment method. Also, you can keep track of broad patterns and how many items were comped during the shift.
Pros:
- Easily integrates with third-party tools
- Drag and drop table management
- Top-line summaries and in-depth analyses of sales data
- No monthly fees
- 24/7 customer support
Cons:
- May not be suitable for businesses that need more complex functionality.
Toast POS
Perfect for smaller businesses, Toast is a powerful POS system that’s also a pleasure to use. It’s easy to get started with and will quickly become an integral part of your restaurant.
Toast is a complete Point-of-Sale system that lets you accept orders from customers at tableside, relay them to kitchen and bar staff, manage inventory, and track costs. Toast supports online ordering for public-facing websites and connects to their dispatch feature to help get orders out the door. It also has exceptional inventory management tools.
It has several features that are perfect for restaurants, including the ability to take payments with EMV cards and Samsung Pay, study the costs of labor and dishes, and track inventory. You can even track each individual ingredient you use in your dishes and match this to portion size, and cost. This information provides restaurant owners with a clear picture of where their eatery’s profits and losses are coming from.
Toast is a cloud-based POS system, which makes it easy to get started and keeps you up-to-date with the latest features. They also have a free plan, so you can try a range of their features risk-free.
Pros:
- Cloud-based
- Easily integrates with third-party tools
- Powerful inventory management
- Great features for delivery services
- Affordable plans
Cons:
- Customer service could be improved
Revel POS
Revel POS is a restaurant POS system that is easy to use and affordable. This software will help you increase productivity, customer satisfaction, sales performance while also giving you helpful insights into your business activities. It is the perfect solution for restaurants of all sizes.
This POS system comes in a variety of hardware packages that include an iPad-based setup, digital menus, employee card swipes, and wireless printers. Revel is easy to use with its intuitive software interface that can be customized according to your business needs. You will also get valuable reporting features such as sales performance analysis, driver dispatch, and finance management. You can also keep track of your inventory on an ingredient level with Revel’s built-in feature.
This POS system is perfect for restaurants of all sizes because it offers affordable pricing packages that are customized to fit the needs of any restaurant owner. If you run a small diner or a big franchise, you can rely on Revel to help your business grow. Because this software is so easy to use, it also doesn’t require an IT department for installation or support.
Revel’s iPad-based hardware packages are very flexible meaning that your staff can be freed up to fulfill orders rather than write them down. This POS system offers a variety of features such as table management, self-checkouts, ingredient-level inventory management, and driver dispatch. These features make it the perfect solution for restaurants of all sizes who want to improve their productivity and sales performance.
Pros:
- Ease of use
- Affordable pricing
- Customizable software to fit the needs of any business
- Flexible hardware that can be used by staff at all levels
Cons:
- Can be complicated to set up
What Criteria Did We Use to Come up With These Suggestions?
To come up with this list of the best restaurant POS systems, we looked at a variety of factors. These factors include:
- Ease of use
- Cloud-based
- Integrations
- Reporting
- Customer service
- Reviews
Let’s look into this in more detail:
Ease of use: First, we looked at how easy it is for someone to use the POS system with little to no training. We also looked at how intuitive the software interface is and if it can be customized to fit the needs of any business.
Cloud-based: Second, we looked at how easy it is for someone to access and run the software from anywhere in the world that they have an internet connection. We also looked at cloud storage, and how much you can store on the cloud.
Integrations: We also considered how well this POS system integrates with other business tools such as accounting, inventory management, and customer relationship management software.
Reporting: Another key factor we looked at was the various types of reports offered by the POS system and how customizable they are to fit your specific needs. This included things like sales performance analysis, driver dispatch, and finance management.
Customer service: Next, we considered how responsive customer service is when issues arise or questions come up. This includes both the quality of the customer service as well as their availability.
Finally, we also looked at customer reviews. We also looked at customer reviews. What are other restaurant owners saying about this POS system? How satisfied are they with their purchase? Are there any common complaints or issues that come up often when using the product? Would we recommend it to our friends and family members who own a restaurant? Do we feel confident recommending it to someone else?
FAQs
Question: What are the most popular POS systems for restaurants?
Answer: The most popular POS systems for restaurants are Epos, TouchBistro, and Square. This is because they are all cloud-based, easy to use, and offer a variety of features that make them perfect for restaurants of all sizes.
Question: What is the easiest POS system to use?
Answer: The easiest POS system to use is Revel. It is cloud-based, intuitive, and customizable to fit the needs of any business.
Question: What restaurant POS system offers the most value for your money?
Answer: The POS system that offers the most value for your money is Epos. It comes with a variety of features, and customizable packages to fit any business’ needs. This means you can use it no matter if you have one location or several across multiple locations as well as whether you are a small diner or a high-volume restaurant.
Question: What is the best POS system for restaurants that want to track their inventory?
Answer: The best POS system for restaurants that want to track their inventory is TouchBistro. It offers ingredient-level inventory management, as well as the ability to create recipes and menu items that are linked directly to your inventory levels.
Question: What should a good POS system do?
Answer: A good POS system should be able to handle all of your restaurant’s needs – whether that is inventory, accounting, or staff management. It should also be easy to use and provide you with detailed reports on how well you are doing financially in your business without breaking the bank!
Question: What POS system has great customer service?
Answer: The best POS systems for customer service would be Epos and Square. They both have responsive customer service teams that are available 24/11 to help with any questions or issues you may have. Additionally, they offer a variety of resources such as tutorials and FAQs to help you troubleshoot any problems on your own.
Question: How much does a POS system cost?
Answer: A POS system for a small diner will cost around $1000. If you have multiple locations or are looking to add more advanced features such as catering and delivery then expect to pay between $2500-$4000 depending on the size of your business. From there, you’ll have a monthly subscription for the service of usually between $50 and upwards of $250, depending on the size of your business.
Best Restaurant POS System: Conclusion
A POS system is a must-have for any restaurant. It is what will allow you to manage your inventory, staff, and accounting without breaking the bank or needing an accountant on hand.
This article has provided all of the information that you need to know about finding the best POS system for restaurants – from which ones are most popular among other restaurateurs to what features you should be looking for in a POS system.
Overall, Square is our top choice because it’s easy to use, offers great customer service 24/7, and comes at an affordable price! But all the other options on this list are also great choices and offer different features that might be perfect for your business.