Restaurant owners and managers need to manage tons of tasks at one time. Fortunately, restaurant management software can make your life much easier. Digitize what you can to focus on what’s most important – your employees, customers, and their experiences.
Restaurant owners and managers have to complete a multitude of tasks, like staff scheduling, inventory management, payroll, and managing employee attendance, and restaurant management software is essential to a restaurant’s success.
Doing these tasks manually can lead to mistakes, tons of wasted time, and ultimately other tasks falling through the cracks. Fortunately, restaurant management software can make the process much easier.
Keep reading to learn my top 9 picks of restaurant management software solutions on the market today to find the best one for your business.
If you don’t have the time to read through our research, jump down to our quick comparison table.
Our Top Picks
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Best all-in-one restaurant management software
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Good for its POS system
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Good for payment processing
How I Chose the Best Restaurant Management Software
With so many restaurant management software solutions on the market, it can be difficult to find the best option. To choose the options on this list, I looked for the following features and capabilities:
Important core features:
- Employee scheduling and time tracking: You should be able to easily create employee schedules, track employee hours and PTO, and manage shift swaps.
- Shift swapping capabilities: Employees should be able to swap shifts directly in the app.
- Communication tools: The best restaurant management software has communication tools like in-app chat so you can message staff directly from the app.
- On-the-go onboarding and training: All restaurant employees should be able to access onboarding and training materials from their phones and complete both processes on the go. As a result, businesses save time and money by eliminating the need for in-person training.
I looked for usability features, including:
- A mobile app: The software should be accessible via mobile devices, allowing all restaurant workers to view their schedules, request changes, and request time off on the go. This allows for flexibility and convenience and helps keep workers on the same page.
- Easy to use: The software should have a user friendly interface and be easy for both managers and employees to use.
Other product features I checked for include:
- Payroll integrations: Integrations with popular payroll systems allow you to automate and streamline payroll. Timesheets can also be exported as PDF or Excel files for easier payroll processing.
- Compliance and updates: The software should be compliant with industry standards and regularly updated to meet changing needs and regulations.
- Reservation management: Some of the best restaurant management systems allow customers to make reservations online and helps staff manage table assignments.
- Point of Sale (POS) integration: Some restaurant employee software integrates with POS systems, allowing for easy transaction tracking and sales analysis.
The 9 Best Restaurant Management Softwares of 2023
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Connecteam — Best all-in-one restaurant management software
Connecteam offers a one-stop restaurant management app that is both easy to use and affordable.
Why I chose Connecteam: Restaurants of all sizes can use this app to streamline their workflows and digitize manual processes.
But let’s take a closer look at how Connecteam can not only help you manage your team and improve your overall restaurant operations.
Automate and digitize your restaurant
Connecteam helps you digitize and automate checklist-based processes and reduce tedious manual tasks. This can free up time for your employees and enhance productivity. Connected mobile devices and a central knowledge base provide instant access to forms and lists.
Whether your manager needs to create employee schedules or your chef needs to submit health inspection forms, Connecteam helps you ensure efficiency, quality, and compliance.
Ensure sidework gets done
Between server side work, cleaning kitchen equipment, and stocking the bar, restaurants utilize a lot of checklists to ensure these procedural tasks get done.
Ensure checklists never get lost inside a dusty binder again by taking advantage of Connecteam’s checklist feature. You can easily digitize all crucial tasks and attach shift-specific checklists and digital forms to assigned staff from the employee schedule so that they won’t miss anything.
Workers can check off tasks as they complete them and notify managers when they are done.
Efficient employee scheduling tools
Connecteam’s scheduling app allows all admins to create schedules for employees. Both front and back of the house managers can create customized schedules or utilize scheduling templates and then distribute them with the click of a button. Managers can also view time-off requests and scheduling preferences directly on the platform, preventing scheduling conflicts.
They can also assign shift-specific tasks for employees and include them in the schedule so employees see them as soon as they clock in.
Time clock with GPS-tracking ability
With Connecteam’s easy-to-use employee time clock, your servers, cooks, bartenders, and hosts can clock in and out with just one tap. A full view of clocked in employees allows you to message those who haven’t started their shift yet.
Connecteam’s Time Clock is also GPS-enabled, so you can see exactly where your employees are while they are on the clock. This geofence time clock allows you to set a geofence around the location of your restaurant to restrict your staff to only be able to clock in and out while at work.
At the end of the pay period, Connecteam automatically creates timesheets for payroll and sends them for manager approval, saving time on payroll and reducing the likelihood of errors.
Onboard and train new hires and existing employees
Quickly and efficiently onboard new employees or train existing employees on new procedures with this employee training app. Connecteam allows you to create customized and structured employee training experiences for all roles in your restaurant with training documents, read-and-sign forms, quizzes, videos, and PDFs.
Then, your staff can complete training directly from their smartphones, and managers can track their progress and results.
Keep all important documents in one easily accessible place
Connecteam’s company knowledge base allows you to store all important work-related documents in one place, like training materials, inventory lists, employee handbooks, and workplace safety information. Employees can access them from anywhere, directly from their phones, so they don’t need to keep track of physical pieces of paper.
Streamline employee communication
Communicating with your restaurant employees is incredibly simple with Connecteam’s built-in online team chat. Instantly communicate with your staff and share updates using the in-app chat or the employee newsfeed. You can also provide easy access to everyone’s contact information with the employee directory.
Streamlined payroll and HR processes
All tracked hours are automatically organized on a digital timesheets, where you can review all data such as total daily work hours, the number of hours worked during a payroll period, overtime, breaks, time off, and any irregularities.
It allows managers to make edits and notify users when their timesheets need to be checked, ensuring all information is accurate. You can then lock timesheets in a click to stop further adjustments.
When ready, you can simply process payroll using Connecteam’s Gusto or QuickBooks Online payroll integrations or directly export timesheets to Excel.
And so much more…
In addition, Connecteam offers excellent customer service, a user-friendly interface, robust workforce management tools, and complete customizability.
Connecteam’s paid plan starts at just $29 per month for up to 30 users, and small businesses with fewer than 10 users can access the app completely free.
The amount of innovation, customer service, and absolute quality in their product is the reason we will never leave Connecteam
Connecteam also offers a free for life plan – Get Started Now!
Key Features
Read & sign digital forms and checklists
Pros
All-in-one software solution
Excellent customer service
Affordable and scalable
Extremely attractive and simple user interface
100% free plan for up to 10 users
Cons
Integrations in development
Pricing
Free-for-life plan availablePremium plans start at $29/month for 30 users
14-day free trial, no credit card required
Start your free trial -
Toast — Good for its POS system
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Toast is known for its feature-rich POS system because it can split items and customer bills and send notifications when an order is completed.
Why I chose Toast: The POS restaurant management software is used on Android-based tablets meaning servers can send orders straight to the kitchen and collect payment tableside. This simple-to-use system increases table turnover, and Toast even claims to have increased annual server gratuity by $7,000.
You should be aware, however, that there is a minimum of a one-year commitment to the software.
Learn more about ToastKey Features
- POS system
- Payment processing
- Inventory management
- Guest CRM
Pros
- Feature-rich
- Made specifically for restaurants
Cons
- Expensive
- Minimum one-year commitment
Pricing
Starting at $165/month + transaction fees Trial: Yes Free Plan: Yes
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Revel — Good for payment processing
Available on
Revel’s restaurant system software and POS system were created with restaurants and bars in mind.
Why I chose Revel: This software also provides many other features, too, like customized loyalty program tools, an online ordering system, and food delivery service tools.
When your system goes offline, everything comes to a halt, including credit card payments. Revel provides an always-on mode to keep your restaurant running even when the internet connection isn’t active. Payments can be made offline, and as soon as the system is back online, the payments are processed.
Learn more about RevelKey Features
- POS system
- Customer loyalty program tools
- Online ordering
- Food delivery services
Pros
- Can be customized to all restaurant types
- Top notch customer service
Cons
- Users report the system has many technical issues during implementation
- Users report that tickets with large party orders get convoluted
Pricing
Starting at $99/terminal/month, 2 terminals minimum Trial: No Free Plan: No
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7shifts — Good for training new employees
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Offering workforce scheduling and shift-based task manageent, 7Shifts was created for specifically for restaurants.
Why I chose 7Shifts: Communication features are user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to notify all employees of any scheduling changes.
From an employer’s perspective, the app is simple to use, creating schedules is easy, and communicating with employees is straightforward. You can conduct your own online training courses directly from the app and track new employee progress easily.
Learn more about 7shiftsKey Features
- Labor compliance management
- Templates for quick scheduling
- Drag and drop scheduler
- Onboarding and training tools
Pros
- Automated schedule notifications
- Intuitive and easy to use
Cons
- Users report push notifications don’t always work
- Have to pay a heavy price for extra features
Pricing
Starts at $29.99/month/location, up to 30 employees Trial: Yes — 14-day Free Plan: Yes — Up to 1 location & 30 employees
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Foodics — Good for payment processing
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
With FoodicsPOS system, your restaurant can accept all payment methods, including digital wallets.
Why I chose FoodicsPOS: You can settle daily settlements, and the pay device supports claims, disputes, and chargebacks which are seamlessly completed through the software.
Learn more about Foodics
The payment terminal processes payments quickly and comes with an auto-focus camera with flash to read 1D/2D codes as well as a full suite of payment certifications PCI PTS 5.x, EMV L1/L2/CL1, PayPass, mada, and Paywave.Key Features
- POS system
- Tower or counter top self ordering screens
- Kitchen display screens
- Online ordering system
Pros
- 24/7 technical support
- Monitor all transactions remotely
Cons
- Expensive
- Useres report that updates can cause bugs in the system
Pricing
Starts at $54/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
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Lightspeed Restaurant — Good for inventory management
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Take hospitality to new heights with Lightspeed Restaurant.
Why I chose Lightspeed Restaurant: This cloud-based POS solution is suitable for restaurants of all sizes. With this software for restaurants, you can manage inventory, operate your restaurant, manage cash drawers, process payments, manage purchase orders, access customer profiles, integrate accounting software, and integrate POS hardware like barcode scanners and receipt printers.
Learn more about Lightspeed RestaurantKey Features
- Detailed reports
- Online ordering system
- Inventory management
- Customer facing display
Pros
- Flexible and scalable
- Lots of integrations
Cons
- No remote access
- Changes to the database take time to implement
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
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NCR Aloha POS
NCR Aloha POS — Good for restaurants with multiple locations
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
NCR Aloha’s all-in-one restaurant POS and restaurant management platform helps food businesses run their operations and order management more efficiently.
Why I chose NCR Aloha: You can drive profitable growth and create memorable experiences for your guests. With both cloud-based and on-premise software, Aloha is a great option for all types of restaurants of any size.
Learn more about NCR Aloha POS
Aloha comes with online and digital ordering to make ordering off-premise easier, reporting and analytics that give you insight into your operations, and business forecasts, tools to track employee productivity to make quick and data-driven decisions.Key Features
- Employee progress reports
- Contactless payments
- Online ordering
- Loyalty programs
Pros
- Check splitting on POS system
- Customers can pay by scanning QR code
Cons
- Expensive solution
- Inventory management costs extra
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: No Free Plan: No
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HungerRush — Good for customizing customer orders
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
- Windows
- Mac
HungerRush’s intuitive POS system is great for busy restaurants with lots of menu options.
Why I chose HungerRush: The intuitive, easy-to-use interface makes putting orders into the system incredibly efficient. It comes with large, colorful buttons for customizing orders so servers don’t have to waste time searching for the right buttons.
Track and apply coupons, past orders, loyalty rewards, and customer information from one screen. You can also create specialty menus, make menu changes, and generate coupons for one store or all stores at once.
Learn more about HungerRushKey Features
- POS system
- Delivery order system
- Online ordering
- Voice and text ordering
Pros
- 24/7 customer support
- Simplifies payroll
Cons
- Expensive solution
- No cloud backup
Pricing
Starts at $99/month Trial: No Free Plan: No
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Square for Restaurants — Good for bridging the gap between the front and back of house
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Square for Restaurants is a top-tier restaurant manager software by Square, designed specifically for restaurant owners and managers.
Why I chose Square for Restaurants: It offers an integrated point-of-sale system for your front of house and back of house teams, customizable floor plans, and dynamic menu item editing. Backend analytics provide valuable insights into sales and staff performance, while the user-friendly interface ensures quick staff onboarding. With seamless app integrations, Square for Restaurnats a comprehensive solution that streamlines operations and drives success.
Learn more about Square for RestaurantsKey Features
- Menu management
- Payment processing
- Online ordering
- Integrated baking solutions
Pros
- Fully integrated POS system
- Suitable for all restaurant types
Cons
- Free plan doesn’t include 24/7 support
- Restricted to Square’s payment processing
Pricing
Starts at $60/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: Yes
Compare the Best Restaurant Management Softwares
| Topic |
Start for free
|
|
|
|
|
|
NCR Aloha POS |
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reviews |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
| Pricing |
Starts at just $29/month for the first 30 users
|
Starting at $165/month + transaction fees
|
Starting at $99/terminal/month, 2 terminals minimum
|
Starts at $29.99/month/location, up to 30 employees
|
Starts at $54/month
|
Contact vendor for price
|
Contact vendor for price
|
Starts at $99/month
|
Starts at $60/month
|
| Free Trial |
yes
14-day
|
yes
|
no
|
yes
14-day
|
yes
|
yes
|
no
|
no
|
yes
|
| Free Plan |
yes
Free Up to 10 users
|
yes
|
no
|
yes
Up to 1 location & 30 employees
|
no
|
no
|
no
|
no
|
yes
|
What is Restaurant Management Software?
Restaurant manager software is designed to streamline restaurant operations, enhancing efficiency and improving the guest experience. This type of software encompasses a range of functionalities, some of which may include point-of-sale (POS) systems for order processing, inventory management to track ingredients and supplies, reservation and table management tools, employee training tools, and employee scheduling features. Additionally, many restaurant management systems offer analytics and reporting capabilities, enabling restaurant owners and managers to make data-driven decisions. The goal of this software is not only to simplify daily operations but also to increase the profitability and overall success of the establishment.
How Does Restaurant Management Software Work?
Restaurant management software operates by centralizing and automating various functions to automate restaurant operations. Through a combination of user-friendly interfaces and backend databases, it captures, processes, and stores information ranging from customer orders to inventory levels so restaurants can save time.
When a server inputs an order into the system, it’s simultaneously relayed to the kitchen, deducted from inventory counts, and added to the customer’s bill. The software can track reservations, manage employee schedules, and even analyze sales data to provide insights. By consolidating tasks into a single platform, the software ensures consistency, reduces human error, and allows for real-time monitoring and data driven decision making, ultimately streamlining the entire restaurant operation.
What are the Benefits of Restaurant Management Software
Efficiency and productivity
The best restaurant management software ensures that all processes, from kitchen to service, run smoothly. This reduces wastage of resources and time, leading to faster service and higher productivity.
Cost savings
Restaurant management software helps restaurants conduct effective inventory management and optimize staffing. By monitoring and controlling expenses, restaurants can improve their profit margins.
Enhanced customer experience
Streamlined operations often result in quicker service, consistent food quality, and a better overall dining experience, leading to satisfied customers who are more likely to return.
Data-driven decision making
Software helps restaurants gather valuable data on sales, customer preferences, and inventory control so they can make better business decisions.
Reduced errors
Automated systems and standardized procedures can significantly reduce the chances of human errors in order processing, billing, and other critical areas.
Improved employee morale
A well-organized work environment with clear roles, responsibilities, and processes can boost employee morale and job satisfaction. This can lead to lower staff turnover and better team performance.
Adaptability
A well-managed restaurant can more easily adapt to changes, whether they are market trends, seasonal variations, or unforeseen challenges.
How Much Does Restaurant Management Software Cost?
The cost of restaurant management systems differ per provider and often depends on the number of users and the feature package. Pricing ranges drastically, starting at $29/month and can go up to hundreds of dollars per month depending on the company. Some companies also don’t disclose their complete pricing structure. Square for Restaurants, for example, doesn’t include pricing for their Premium plan on their website.
Be aware that high pricing does not necessarily mean a better user experience or all the tools your company needs. Our number one pick, Connecteam, offers premium plans with a wide variety of features and customization options at a set and reasonable monthly rate of $29 for the first 30 employees.
FAQs
What is a good free restaurant management software?
The best restaurant management system for your business depends on your specific business needs. Our number one pick for free restaurant management software is Connecteam, which is completely free for restaurants with up to 10 users.
How can I manage my restaurant?
Managing a restaurant requires a combination of excellent people skills, project management, and multi-tasking skills. Digital tools, like restaurant management systems, are also essential to automate and streamline processes to make your restaurant run more efficiently.
What is a restaurant management system?
A restaurant management system is software specifically designed for restaurants, bars, food trucks, and other foodservice businesses. This type of software helps restaurants bridge the gap between the front and back of house, maintain food costs and inventory levels, create employee schedules and training programs, and maintain communication amongst teams.
The Bottom Line On Restaurant Management Software
The restaurant industry is a fast-paced industry to work in. However, wiith the right restaurant management software, you can manage employees, automate important financial processes, maintain inventory, and streamline service.
Carefully look over the options we listed in this article to find the best option for your business. The best restaurant management system won’t just save you money, it will streamline your business operations.