In today’s competitive restaurant industry, efficient management is crucial for success. Restaurant owners and managers rely on technology solutions to streamline daily operations, enhance customer experience, and optimize business performance and productivity. One of the most popular technology solutions is restaurant management software and apps
These comprehensive tools simplify restaurant operations, including inventory management, customer reviews, and table booking. There are also website builder apps that simplify and speed up the restaurant website creation process. In general, restaurant software and apps help to save time, increase productivity, and enable decision-making. This article will cover the pros and cons of the top 30 restaurant management software & apps. Let’s explore the specifics of restaurant software programs and further explore the details.
What is restaurant management software?
- point-of-sale (POS) systems for order processing,
- inventory management tools,
- online ordering management,
- staff scheduling capabilities,
- customer relationship management (restaurant CRM) functionalities, and more.
Restaurant software enables comprehensive management of restaurants from start to finish, assisting restaurant owners and managers in overseeing all aspects of their operations.
What can I use to design a menu?
Depending on your preferences and level of design expertise, you can create a menu using a variety of tools. Here are a few well-liked choices:
- Graphic design software: With rich design features offered by graphic design programs, you’ll be able to create unique menu layouts from scratch. These tools provide cutting-edge capabilities and exact control over each design component.
- Software for desktop publishing: Programs like UpMenu provide a selection of design and layout capabilities that are especially suited for producing menus. This system offers templates and design components that expedite the menu design process.
- Online design tools: Sites like UpMenu, Canva, PosterMyWall, or Adobe Express provide intuitive user interfaces and a huge selection of templates that may be customized especially for menus. These tools offer a more user-friendly and accessible approach to design, making them appropriate for individuals with limited design expertise.
- Menu Design Templates: A lot of websites and software programs provide pre-designed menu templates that you may edit to match the look and feel of your restaurant. You may easily customize the design using tools like UpMenu, MustHaveMenus, iMenuPro, or Flipsnack, which offer a range of menu designs with adjustable features.
How do you make a homemade menu?
Making your own food menu can be a creative and enjoyable project that can save you hundreds on menu design costs. Here are the steps you can take to create your own menu:
- Brainstorm: Select the dishes and other ingredients you want to use for your menu. Think about your target market, the concept or theme of your restaurant, and any special dietary needs or requirements you need to accommodate.
- Menu layout: consider your menu layout and categories, such as appetizers, main dishes, desserts, beverages, etc., you want to include. Your menu will become more organized as a result, making it simpler for customers to navigate.
- Write descriptions: For each item on your menu, write clear, alluring descriptions. Describe the main ingredients, flavors, and any unique characteristics or cooking methods employed.
- Include prices: decide on each item’s price and include it in the item description. Make sure your pricing reflects the value you offer and is consistent with your target market.
- Create a visual design: Establish the required page count, size, and orientation (portrait or landscape). Before beginning the digital design, draft out the layout on paper.
- Selecting fonts and colors: Choose fonts and colors that go with the logo or theme of your restaurant. Use readable typefaces that go well with the overall design and are legible. Choose hues that will help you achieve the desired atmosphere or look.
- Print or publish the menu: print your menu pages on good paper, cardstock, or have a printing company print it for, especially if you plan to have table tents. After your design is ready, assemble the pages. If you’re planning on having a digital menu, simply go over your menu items and designs. If you’re satisfied with the results, just publish your menu and you’re good to go.
How do I create a menu template?
An effective technique to speed up the process of producing menus for your restaurant or foodservice business is to create a menu template. The steps to creating a menu template are as follows:
- Choose the layout: Establish the structure and layout of your menu template. Think about the amount of sections, how the contents are organized, and any other design components you wish to use, like headers, borders, or columns.
- Find programs or design tools: To construct your template, use a program or design tool like UpMenu, Adobe Express or Canva if you don’t feel like starting from scratch.
- Decide on the size: Standard menus are either 8.5″ x 11″ (letter format) or 8.5″ x 14″ (legal size). If there are any folding or binding specifications, be sure to take them into account.
- Header and the branding components: Make a visually appealing header with the name, logo, and any other branding components you want to use for your restaurant. Make sure the header captures the essence of your business and establishes the tone for the menu.
- Fonts: choose fonts that complement the logo or theme of your restaurant. To distinguish between item names, descriptions, and prices, use various font sizes and styles. Keep the template consistent throughout.
- Include visual components: To improve your template’s visual appeal, think about integrating visual components like pictures, graphics, or icons. Use eye-catching images that accurately depict the menu or atmosphere of your business.
- Review and improve: Pay close attention to the template design and make sure it is readable.
Which app is best for menu card design?
There are several apps and design tools available that can help you create a visually appealing menu. The best app for a menu design is UpMenu, as it’s dedicated to the food service industry specifically. With over 40 menu templates, fully customizable designs, and extra tools such as a built in online ordering option, UpMenu stands out as one of the top menu card design systems.
How do I create a creative menu?
Thinking outside the box and introducing distinctive and captivating aspects that attract your clients are essential to creating a creative menu. You can make a creative menu by following the steps shown below:
- Recognize your idea: start by becoming familiar with the concept, theme, or cuisine of your restaurant. Think about your target market, the atmosphere you want to create, and the kind of eating experience you want to offer in general. Your cuisine should complement and go along with your theme.
- Narrate a story: use your menu to create a story about your eatery, the ideas that went into your cuisine, or the journey that you took to starting your business. Include verbalizations that conjure up feelings and images to enhance the meal experience.
- Play with words: describe your cuisine using imaginative, alluring wording. Create engaging and enticing descriptions of your recipes rather than just listing the ingredients to make them stand out. To draw customers in, play around with phrases, be humorous, and arouse curiosity.
- Include graphics: use images in your menu design to increase its aesthetic appeal. Add high-quality pictures of your food or utilize artwork and graphics. Create a visually appealing menu that captures the spirit of your restaurant by paying attention to the overall design, font selections, and color scheme.
- Experiment with menu sections: offer a tasting menu that delivers a specially curated dining experience or a “Chef’s Specials” section that is updated every day. To add a tactile and memorable element to your menu, take into account utilizing various forms, folds, or materials.
- Highlight fresh and local dishes: use this to draw attention to your menu’s local sourcing. Showcase recipes that use fresh seasonal ingredients or local producers. This displays a dedication to sustainability, freshness, and local community support.
- According to the Grand View Research Global, market report on the restaurant software market, the global market was valued at USD 4,556.4 million in 2022. It is projected to witness a significant compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.3% from 2023 to 2030. This indicates a substantial market expansion and growing adoption of restaurant management software worldwide.
- Restaurant Business Online, says automation has emerged as the top restaurant industry trends over the past year. With the challenges of rising costs and reduced staffing, an increasing number of restaurant operators are embracing automation to enhance the efficiency of their operations. The demand for mobile-based restaurant management apps is rising as they provide convenience and flexibility for managing operations on the go.
What software is needed for a restaurant?
Various restaurant software is used in the restaurant industry, each with its unique purpose. Some essential software types that restaurants commonly use include the following:
- Online Ordering and Delivery Management Software: With the surge in delivery and carryout services, such software has become necessary. There are portals popularly used for deliveries and in-house online ordering systems.
- Website builder apps: help create a restaurant website without technical knowledge
- Restaurant menu management software: helps create a restaurant menu with attractive photos and menu descriptions.
- Sales Management (POS) Software: Essential for tracking sales and inventory and managing employee timesheets.
- Restaurant Reservation Software allows customers to book restaurant tables via online platforms.
- Table Management Software helps efficiently manage restaurant seating and reservations.
- Inventory Management Systems: This helps keep track of food inventory to prevent waste and ensure ingredients are always stocked.
- Restaurant Scheduling Software: Assists with organizing staff schedules, recording work hours and often includes payroll features.
- Restaurant review tracking management software: helps to observe restaurant reviews and respond to them
- Social media management software enables businesses to manage their social media activities across various platforms from a unified dashboard.
It’s essential to remember that many contemporary systems provide multi-functional features. For instance, a restaurant POS system might combine inventory management, staff scheduling, and analytics. An online ordering system might include a restaurant website builder, reservation system, and menu management software. Remember that choosing restaurant management system software that caters best to a restaurant’s specific operational needs is critical.
For the purpose of this article, we divided the restaurant management software programs into categories, and for each category, we described the 3 best restaurant management software programs with their pros and cons.
Online Ordering and Delivery Management Software
This software helps restaurants get orders straight from customers and handle deliveries smoothly. As more and more people order food online and get it delivered, this kind of software has become famous and essential among restaurants. Loyalty programs are a great feature of a good restaurant management platform for online orders.
1. UpMenu
UpMenu is a top restaurant management system dedicated to the restaurant industry. It is an online ordering system that helps restaurants manage their online orders. This software also offers mobile ordering for restaurant customers.
The system provides restaurants with custom reports and the possibility to track sales. The ordering process is smooth and quick. Thanks to a built-in loyalty program and other marketing tools, restaurants can convert their one-time customers into loyal customers.
Cons
User-Friendly Interface
A limited number of orders in Basic and Standard subscriptions
Built-in marketing tools
Unbranding is available only in the Premium plan
Commission-free pricing model
2. Square
Square is an online ordering software that allows restaurants to set up and personalize their online ordering website to align with their brand. It provides convenient functionalities, including menu management, order tracking, and integrated payment processing, ensuring a seamless and efficient online ordering experience for the restaurant and its customers.
Cons
Provide restaurants with a comprehensive ecosystem that includes their POS system and payment processing solutions.
High transaction fees if you don’t use Square payment gateway
Inventory management
Limited options of customization
Data reporting tools
3. Cloudwaitress
Cloudwaitress is an online ordering software and reservation platform designed specifically for restaurants. It helps restaurants to process online orders, manage pickups, deliveries, QR code-based tableside ordering, and table reservations. The platform allows small business owners to create branded websites and menus, providing a unique and personalized online presence.
Cons
Ease of use and the ability to customize your product or service
Lack of loyalty program
Integrated POS system
Lack of inventory management
Gives access to data on sales data, customer behavior, and order trends.
Extra features like the iOS & Android app are expensive
Website builder apps
These apps are user-friendly tools that enable restaurant owners to create and customize restaurant websites without extensive technical knowledge. These apps provide ready-to-be-used templates, drag-and-drop functionality, and many customization options to build restaurant websites.
1. UpMenu
UpMenu is an excellent restaurant management system that provides restaurants with a website builder. It is free software for restaurants requiring no technical knowledge and enables a restaurant owner to create and customize a website consistent with the restaurant brand. A user needs to choose one of the available predesigned restaurant website templates, add images and content, and then publish it on their domain.
2. Wix
Wix is a user-friendly cloud-based software for web development that empowers users to create and design restaurant websites. With Wix, users can access key features like website-building tools, reliable website hosting, and domain registration services.
Cons
Drag-and-drop tools
Limited customization
Ready-made templates to choose from
E-commerce functionality is limited
Websites are mobile-optimized
3. Squarespace
Squarespace is a website builder app and hosting platform that equips users with various tools for creating and managing their websites. Users can access diverse customizable templates, an excellent starting point for building a personalized website.
Cons
High-quality templates
Limited customization
Drag-and-drop tools
Expensive compared to other website builder apps
Responsive and Mobile-Optimized Design
Restaurant menu building and management software
Restaurant menu management software offers a centralized platform dedicated to creating, adjusting, and managing menu items. This software helps to save time and minimize errors in restaurant menu creation and management.
1. UpMenu
UpMenu is among the best restaurant management software thanks to its comprehensive restaurant menu app module that simplifies the process of adding and editing digital menus. Users can easily add menu items, incorporate modifiers, detailed descriptions, and visually appealing photos to enhance their menus. A selection of free menu templates enables users to create professional-looking menus quickly.
Cons
Menu modifiers
No paper menu templates
Free menu templates
QR code menu
2. iMenuPro
iMenuPro is a good restaurant management solution to design and create a restaurant menu by utilizing a range of customizable templates and design tools. The platform allows for easy menu editing and updating, ensuring owners of restaurants can keep their offerings up-to-date. iMenuPro also provides features like menu printing options and integration with existing websites, making it a convenient solution for streamlining menu design and management processes.
Cons
Drag-and-drop tools
Lack of modifiers management module
Ready menu templates
Custom menu design is paid extra
It’s possible to create tent cards from a restaurant menu
3. MustHaveMenus
MustHaveMenus is an online restaurant management platform dedicated to assisting restaurants in creating and managing their menus. With a wide range of configurable free menu templates, design tools, and printing services, MustHaveMenus helps businesses effectively showcase their dishes.
Cons
Professional menu templates
Lack of modifiers management module
Photos editing and adding effects feature
A free version doesn’t have all features
QR code menu
Sales Management (POS) Software
For seamless functioning in any restaurant, Sales Management or Point of Sale (POS) software plays a critical role. These systems handle sales operations, monitor inventory, and frequently come equipped with supplementary features like customer relationship handling and workforce planning. Learn how much does a pos system cost.
1. TouchBistro
TouchBistro is one of the mobile POS systems designed specifically for restaurants. It has all the features and functionality of a traditional point-of-sale system with the convenience of a mobile app. It helps to manage inventory of the food service businesses. It also offers order management functionality, a customizable menu, and staff scheduling ability.
Cons
A wide range of features for restaurants
May require technical expertise to use advanced features
iPad-Based Mobility
Limited Third-Party Integrations:
An intuitive and user-friendly interface
2. Toast POS
Toast is one of the restaurant management solutions that integrate POS system, front-of-house, back-of-house operations, and guest-facing technologies into a single restaurant management software. It provides third-party integrations, and Toast empowers restaurants to enhance operations, drive revenue growth, and deliver exceptional guest experiences. By consolidating multiple functionalities, Toast offers a unified and efficient approach to restaurant management.
Cons
Good POS system with tableside ordering
You must use its payment processing services and cannot use a third party
Built-in reporting and analytics tools
Customized tipping
3. Lightspeed Restaurant POS
Lightspeed Restaurant POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system designed for restaurants and retailers. This restaurant management solution offers advanced inventory management, integrated payment processing, customizable menu and helps to manage a restaurant’s floor plan.
Cons
Great inventory interface
More advanced configurations may require technical knowledge, or additional support
Calculates food costs
Higher pricing compared to some other POS systems, especially for small businesses
Reporting feature
Restaurant Reservation Software
This software is a digital tool that customers use to reserve tables at eateries online. Additionally, it serves as an organizational tool for restaurants, helping them efficiently manage these reservations.
1. SevenRooms
SevenRooms is a restaurant management system for the hospitality industry. This hotel restaurant management software platform integrates features such as reservation management, waitlist management, guest communication, table management, and online ordering into a unified system.
Cons
Google and social media integrations
High cost for a reservation system
Reservation reports
Feedback software to measure customer satisfaction
2. OpenTable
OpenTable is a restaurant management system that offers a comprehensive reservation and guest management system. It can be accessed both from the office and on mobile devices. This reservation software automates table status updates and information on key metrics like shift average guest spend.
Cons
Guest CRM
A restaurant doesn’t own customer data
Reporting and analytics tools
No pre-payments
3. Resy
Resy is one of the most popular restaurant management systems that help restaurants manage guests and tables. It is a dining platform that offers real-time availability, efficient waitlist management, and personalized recommendations to elevate the dining experience for both diners and restaurant managers.
Cons
Commission free pricing model
Lack of guest CRM
Pre-payments feature
Lack of marketing automation
Reporting and analytics tools
Table Management Software
This software is vital for restaurants to handle their seating and bookings well. It provides a complete picture of the restaurant’s seating arrangement, takes care of waiting lists, controls the movement of guests, reduces waiting times, and improves the restaurant’s overall workflow.
1. Eat App
Eat App is one of the most popular restaurant management systems that help restaurants manage tables. It provides cloud-based applications to restaurants with the aim of boosting efficiency and revenue. Its key features include real-time restaurant reservations, automation capabilities, comprehensive guest data, and customer relationship management (CRM) tools.
Cons
Guest Relationship Management
CRM, marketing and reports are included in the Pro version only
Marketing tools
Real-time updates and notifications
2. Tock
Tock is a table management software and guest management platform tailored for the hospitality industry. It empowers restaurants to handle reservations efficiently, implement pre-paid bookings, and elevate the guest experience. The platform also offers tools for personalized promotions, gift card management, and comprehensive reporting.
Cons
It specializes in pre-paid reservations
Expensive compared to other table managements systems
Ownership of all guest data
3. NexTable
NexTable is an easy-to-use platform that helps restaurants handle reservations and manage their tables more effectively. It has a simple interface and valuable features allow restaurants to organize bookings, make the best use of their tables, and create better experiences for their guests. The platform provides real-time updates, automatic notifications, and detailed reports, which help restaurants run more smoothly and offer exceptional customer service.
Cons
Real-time updates
Two-way text messaging in Pro version only
Automatic notifications
Building guests database with every reservation in Pro version only
Reporting and analytics tools
Inventory Management Systems
It revolves around keeping track of all ingredients and supplies involved in its operations. These systems are essential to prevent excess or shortage in the restaurant’s inventory, ensure order accuracy, and contribute to minimizing food wastage. Inventory management systems can be integrated with point-of-sales systems and accounting software.
1. BlueCart
BlueCart is a web and mobile platform that enables you to easily order from your suppliers and efficiently manage your inventory using your smartphone. This restaurant management application enables you to browse through their network of suppliers or add your own, simplifying the ordering process. It also lets you return excess or damaged products.
Cons
It simplifies the ordering process by providing a centralized platform to order from multiple suppliers
Access to the entire BlueCart platform available in the more expensive platform version
Users can manage orders and inventory directly from their smartphones
It reduces the chances of overstocking or wastage
2. MarketMan
MarketMan is a cloud-based inventory management platform supporting all sizes of restaurants. It offers a range of features, including menu planning, budgeting, supplier management, and system-suggested ordering. It helps streamline operations and optimize restaurant inventory management, helping reduce food costs.
Cons
Real-time inventory tracking
Recipe management & digital cookbook not available in Operator plan
Reporting tools to track restaurant’s performance
Inventory waste tracking not available in Operator plan
Recipe costing software to accurately calculate food cost
3. Upserve by Lightspeed
Upserve by Lightspeed, now known as Lightspeed Restaurant (U-Series), is a one-stop restaurant management platform that provides a wide array of features to support restaurants, including point-of-sale system, online ordering capabilities, inventory management tools, staff scheduling solutions, and powerful analytics capabilities.
Cons
It gives low stock alerts and helps you review inventory in real-time
Loyalty programs are available in the Advanced version only
It eliminates manual stock counting and spreadsheets
The possibility to integrate your POS with accounting software
Food Safety Management Software
This software can streamline and automate the monitoring, documentation, and compliance processes related to food safety standards and regulations within the food industry.
1. FoodDocs
FoodDocs is a fully customizable smart HACCP Food Safety System designed by industry experts to make compliance, monitoring, and traceability easy for food businesses. By incorporating digital solutions into food safety systems, FoodDocs contributes to restaurant digital transformation. This innovation allows food service and production companies to save quality managers and teams 20% of their time on repetitive tasks every week.
Cons
14-day free trial, including the mobile app
Limited third-party integrations
Easy HACCP builder to start your business fast
Basic auditing system
Pre-set monitoring tasks with full customization capabilities
Staff Scheduling Software
It helps in the effective management of restaurant staff schedules. These tools are equipped to accommodate shift changes and time-off requests and ensure adherence to labor regulations, among other essential tasks. You can use these apps to create your own restaurant schedule template for maximum efficiency.
1. 7shifts
7Shifts is a specialized employee personnel management software tailored for the restaurant industry, addressing common scheduling challenges. The labor management platform offers a mobile app that allows employees to access upcoming shifts, availability, and time-off requests from their phones. Managers can manage shift swaps, communicate with employees, and oversee the scheduling calendar via the mobile app.
Cons
It simplifies the scheduling process
Advanced features are not available in a Free plan
The platform offers labor cost tracking and forecasting features
Integrated with POS systems
2. HotSchedules
In 2019, HotSchedules merged with Fourth, and since then, it has been part of its technological ecosystem. It is a cloud-based software solution for the restaurant and hospitality industry. It provides comprehensive scheduling, labor management, and communication tools. It helps streamline employee management, improve communication among staff members, and optimize operational efficiency and employee productivity.
Cons
Labor forecasting and budgeting tools
The mobile app for staff is paid extra
It reduces labor costs
It reduces the time a manager spends on creating and managing schedules
3. Zenefits
Zenefits is an HR software platform designed to simplify and streamline HR operations for businesses of any size. Its features include benefits administration, payroll management, time tracking, and employee onboarding, Zenefits offers a comprehensive solution for managing various HR processes. It helps businesses improve efficiency and reduce administrative tasks.
Cons
All-in-one HR software including recruiting, onboarding, time, and scheduling
You are charged for a minimum of 5 employees for each of the products and services you use, even if you have fewer employees
User-friendly interface
It automates many HR processes, reducing manual data entry
Restaurant review tracking management software
It is a helpful tool that enables restaurants to track and handle customer reviews from multiple platforms. These software solutions gather and analyze reviews from websites, social media platforms, and other sources. Providing valuable insights makes it easier for restaurants to manage their reviews efficiently.
1. ReviewTrackers
ReviewTrackers is an app that enables monitoring all your restaurant reviews from various platforms in one centralized location. This app aggregates reviews from popular websites like Google, TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Foursquare, ensuring you have a comprehensive overview of customer feedback. It simplifies the process of tracking and managing your restaurant’s online reputation.
Cons
A centralized platform to monitor and manage reviews from multiple sources
Pricing might be higher compared to other review tracking software
Real-time notifications for new reviews
It helps restaurants improve their sales performance by listening and responding to guests in real-time
2. Reputology
Reputology is now part of ASG MarTech’s suite under the Grade.Us brand. It provides comprehensive solutions for managing customer feedback, monitoring reviews, and conducting text analysis. Using a centralized dashboard, it helps businesses respond to customer reviews across various restaurant review sites.
Cons
Monitoring and analyzing customer reviews from various online review platforms
Management system dedicated to marketing agencies, not restaurants
Real-time alerts for new reviews
Reporting and analytics features
3. Yelp
Yelp is a widely recognized platform that enables diners to submit reviews for businesses, providing restaurants an opportunity to respond publicly or privately. Over 80 million people visit Yelp each month. As a restauranteur, you can actively manage your presence on the Yelp restaurant application to engage with customers and maintain a positive reputation. The Yelp platform can help you improve your restaurant sales data and overall business performance.
Cons
Positive reviews can act as social proof, and increase the number of guests visiting your restaurant
Yelp Ads are paid extra
It increases your restaurant's visibility and exposure to potential customers
Advertising options and promotional features
Social media management software
1. Hootsuite
Hootsuite is a highly regarded social media management app and platform that simplifies the management of multiple social media accounts for restaurants. It allows restaurants to handle all social media activities in one place. The platform offers post-scheduling, trend monitoring, and performance tracking features, empowering restaurants to engage effectively with their audience and optimize their social media presence.
Cons
One centralized dashboard to manage many social media platforms
Saved replies and auto-resolve conversations are not available in Professional and Team plans
You can plan and schedule social media posts in advance
Analytics and reporting tools
2. Sprout Social
Sprout Social is a platform designed to assist businesses in efficiently managing and enhancing their social media presence. It offers a range of valuable features, including content scheduling, social media analytics, and collaboration tools, enabling businesses to streamline their social media efforts, engage with their audience effectively, and evaluate the effectiveness of their social media strategies.
Cons
Social content calendar
5 social plans only in Standard version
Social CRM
Profiles, keywords and locations monitoring
3. Buffer
Buffer is a convenient app that centralizes the management of your restaurant’s social media accounts. It helps to plan and schedule posts in advance, saving time and effort. It also provides insights into social media performance, allowing you to track engagement and make data-driven decisions, all from the convenience of your phone or laptop.
Cons
You can schedule and publish posts across various platforms from one place
In a Free plan, you can schedule only up to 30 posts
You can plan and schedule social media posts in advance
Limited capabilities for social media monitoring and real-time engagement
It provides analytics on your restaurant social media performance
Key Takeaways
- Using top restaurant software and apps can significantly streamline operations. From order management and inventory tracking to table reservations, these tools automate many processes helping to increase operational efficiency and sales performance.
- Some software for restaurants provides an integrated approach to restaurant management, combining several functions online ordering, menu building, and reservation system. This can simplify overall operations and provide a more unified business view.
- The best restaurant management software provides detailed reports and analytics that help restaurant owners and managers make more informed decisions in everyday business operations.
- The best restaurant management software solutions help to improve the overall customer experience.
- As a restaurant business grows and evolves through restaurant expansion, adding new locations, or introducing varied services, software for restaurants has the capacity to adjust and scale along with it. This adaptability makes such a management platform a beneficial investment in the long run.
