Running a restaurant can be quite a challenge, especially in today’s digital age. But fear not, because there are some handy tools out there that can make your restaurant management smoother, save you time, and even cut down on costs.
Not only do these tools offer administrative benefits, but they also enhance the dining experience for your customers.
Imagine being able to offer online reservations, easy takeout options, and quick customer support – all at the tip of your fingers. That’s what the right apps can do for your restaurant.
With this in mind, we’ve done our homework and put together a list of 10 fantastic restaurant management apps tailored for restaurant owners & managers.
In this list, you’ll find brief descriptions of these apps, their pricing details, and insights from various sources. Our goal is to provide you with valuable information that can make life easier for you, your hardworking staff, and, of course, your valued customers.
What is a restaurant management app?
A restaurant management app is also known as a restaurant management software to helps restaurant owners & managers streamline & automate all the operations involved in running the restaurant business smoothly.
This special system takes care of important stuff behind the scenes, like keeping track of inventory, order management, menu management, billing & invoicing, analytics & reporting, & order tracking.
So, it’s like having a handy assistant to help run the whole restaurant hassle-free.
4 Types of restaurant management apps
Choosing the right restaurant management system (RMS) is like picking the perfect tool for your restaurant. Just like how you’d choose different tools for different jobs, there are various types of RMS, each with its own set of features.
To figure out which one suits your restaurant or bar best, think about what your restaurant needs and how important those needs are to you.
1. End-to-End RMS
This is like having an all-in-one solution. It covers everything your restaurant could possibly need: the main point-of-sale system (where you take orders and payments), keeping track of what’s in your kitchen, managing customer relationships, handling your staff, customizing your menu, sorting out orders and payments, getting help when something goes wrong, and even giving you reports and stats about how your restaurant is doing.
Depending on where you get your RMS, you might even be able to pick and choose which features you want.
2. POS RMS
The heart of any RMS is the point-of-sale system. It’s like the control center. With this type, you can connect it to other computer systems for things like keeping track of what’s in your kitchen, managing money, marketing your restaurant, and more.
3. iPad or Android-only RMS
Some RMS are made to work on just one type of device, like an iPad or an Android tablet. So, before you choose an RMS, make sure you know which kind of tablet your restaurant will use.
4. General POS RMS
This type of RMS is like a jack-of-all-trades. It’s designed for businesses that do both retail and food service. It’s like having a system that can easily switch between different tasks, making it useful for a variety of situations.
What features should a restaurant management application should have?
When you’re trying to figure out which one is the best restaurant management app for your business, keep an eye out for these five helpful features.
1. Sales and Tax Tracking
Your restaurant management system should keep a close watch on all your sales details. It’s like your personal data detective, helping you know which dishes are most popular, when your restaurant gets the busiest, which team members are doing a fantastic job, and how much money you’re making.
This helps you make smart choices for your restaurant. Plus, it keeps all the records you need for tax time.
2. Order Management
Your staff should find it super easy to handle everything related to orders – from taking care of tables and reservations to creating checks and managing the menu items. You and your managers should be able to control refunds, voids, and freebies, and keep an eye on how orders are progressing.
If you run a bar, your system should let you pre-authorize credit cards to open tabs. This makes things smooth for both your customers and staff, reducing the chance of mistakes and keeping all the important info in one place.
3. Inventory Management
Knowing exactly how much stuff you have in your kitchen is essential. It helps you figure out when and how much to order from your suppliers. Some restaurant management apps have built-in inventory features, while others might need to work with other software to help you manage this.
4. Reports and Customer Data
If your chosen system keeps an eye on your sales and customer data, it’s like having a treasure trove of information at your fingertips. This info can help your business grow and improve your marketing decisions.
Understanding your customers better can lead to personalized dining experiences – you can send them birthday or anniversary gifts like gift cards or free meals.
5. Marketing, Gift Cards, and Rewards
Think about whether the system offers marketing tools, like special offers and loyalty programs. Some systems come with built-in marketing tools, while others might need to team up with other software for this.
If you want to sell gift cards for your restaurant, make sure your system can handle that too.
6. Digital Menu
A digital menu is a game-changer for restaurants in today’s tech-savvy world. Incorporating a user-friendly digital menu within your restaurant management apps allows customers to browse through your offerings with ease. They can view dish descriptions, images, prices, and even dietary information.
Plus, it can be updated in real time to reflect any changes or specials, reducing the need for printed menus. This not only enhances the dining experience but also helps in upselling as customers can quickly explore your full range of offerings, resulting in increased orders and revenue.
7. Order Tracking
Keeping customers informed about the status of their orders is paramount for customer satisfaction. An integrated order tracking feature enables customers to monitor the progress of their orders in real-time. From the moment an order is placed to its preparation, cooking, and delivery stages, customers can track every step.
This transparency not only reduces anxiety but also sets clear expectations, leading to happier customers and positive reviews. Additionally, it enables your restaurant staff to manage orders efficiently, ensuring timely deliveries and minimizing errors.
Proficient restaurant management apps can really boost your restaurant’s performance. While there are lots of things to consider, it’s worth spending some time figuring out exactly what you need from the system and what features are a must-have.
When you know what you’re aiming for and have a list of things you can’t do without, you’re well on your way to getting your restaurant management system up and running. It’s like setting the stage for success!
10 Best restaurant management apps for business owners
1. resOS
resOS is one of the best go-to restaurant management apps, making life easier for both you and your customers. It lets your guests book tables and order takeout effortlessly. With over 20 handy features, it’s a breeze to run your restaurant. Whether you’re a small, medium, or large eatery, there’s a plan that fits.
Plus, there’s a Free Plan for up to 25 bookings and 20 orders every month – no hidden fees! You can pay monthly or yearly, with a 20% discount for annual payments. And guess what? Other restaurant owners love resOS for its simplicity and great support. Give it a try and make your restaurant shine!
Key Features:
- Table Reservations
- Takeout Orders
- Simple Interface
- Custom Plans
- Transparent Pricing
- 20% Yearly Discount
- Feedback Friendly
- Always Improving
- Plus Over 20 More Useful Features
2. Uber Eats
UberEats is your super-easy food delivery app, connecting you to restaurants worldwide. Discover menus, read reviews, and order and pay for your favorite dishes in a snap. But what’s even more exciting for restaurants is that UberEats serves as a magic wand, conjuring new customers and loyal regulars.
It equips eateries with powerful marketing tools and data insights, backed by solid support. Restaurants have the freedom to choose how they handle pick-up and delivery. With three payment plans—Lite, Plus, and Premium—restaurants can tailor their experience, with costs varying based on desired features.
Fees range from 15% for deliveries to 6% for pick-up orders, and options for high-tech solutions are available. Users love UberEats, and it continues to grow with an increasing number of restaurant partnerships each year.
Key Features:
- User-Friendly Interface
- Menu Exploration
- Ratings and Reviews
- Order and Payment Convenience
- Marketing Tools
- Data Insights
- Flexible Pick-Up and Delivery Options
- Three Payment Plans: Lite, Plus, Premium
- Transparent Pricing
- Positive User Feedback
- Expanding Restaurant Partnerships
3. Yelp
Yelp is one of the best restaurant management apps for worldwide restaurant reviews and recommendations, where people share their dining experiences. For restaurants, having a business profile on Yelp is a powerful way to grab the attention of new customers and boost sales.
It allows patrons to share their reviews and ratings, while Yelp offers valuable marketing and growth services beneficial for various businesses, including restaurants. Creating a profile on Yelp is absolutely free, but if you’re looking to utilize their specialized marketing services, it starts at just $1 a day.
These tools encompass features like a Call-to-Action Button, ad removal from your page, enhanced slideshows for showcasing your restaurant, and paid ads for increased visibility in Yelp searches.
Key Features:
- User-Generated Reviews
- Business Profile Creation
- Marketing Services
- Call-to-Action Button
- Competitor Ad Removal
- Enhanced Slideshows
- Paid Ads for Increased Visibility
- Large User Base
- Trusted Reviews
- Millions of Mobile and Desktop Users
4. Restaurant365
Restaurant365 is a versatile restaurant management platform that offers comprehensive accounting, operations, and staffing solutions, adaptable to restaurants of all sizes.
With Restaurant365, you can efficiently handle crucial HR functions, from hiring and onboarding to scheduling, payroll, and benefits management.
Empower your restaurant operations with data-driven insights, including employee performance, production efficiency, and sales metrics. The platform includes a powerful inventory and prime cost management system within its accounting solution, streamlining your restaurant’s financial operations.
Additionally, Restaurant365 provides a valuable resource database to support the success of its partners.
Key Features:
- HR Management (Hiring, Onboarding, Scheduling, Payroll, Benefits)
- Data Analytics for Employee and Sales Performance
- Inventory and Prime Cost Management
- Resource Database for Partner Support
5. Posist
Posist is a comprehensive enterprise restaurant management software that extends its services through global partnerships. With Posist, you can efficiently control both front-of-house and back-of-house restaurant operations, consolidating them into one integrated solution.
This powerful software provides robust analytics and customer relationship management tools to ensure your restaurant operates at its peak performance. Posist also offers seamless integrations with various software solutions, including contactless payments and loyalty programs, enhancing your restaurant’s capabilities.
Key Features:
- Unified Front-of-House and Back-of-House Management
- Advanced Analytics
- Customer Relationship Management
- Integration with Contactless Payments
- Loyalty Program Integration
- Custom Pricing Based on Business Scale and Needs
6. Toast
Toast is one of the highly acclaimed restaurant management apps that provides a comprehensive toolkit for efficiently managing all aspects of your restaurant in a single platform.
This robust solution empowers you to oversee your restaurant’s inventory, staffing, online and delivery orders, and sales with ease.
By listing your restaurant on the Toast TakeOut app marketplace, you can expand your reach to new customers. Toast simplifies ordering and inventory management, optimizing labor efficiency and speeding up service.
Its user-friendly point-of-sale and back-office software are suitable for both newcomers and experienced professionals. Toast also enhances customer engagement with loyalty programs and offers valuable marketing assistance.
Additionally, it offers powerful analytics to gain insights into all restaurant operations, from the front-of-house to the back office.
Key Features:
- Inventory Management
- Staffing Management
- Online and Delivery Order Handling
- Sales Tracking
- Listing on Toast TakeOut App Marketplace
- Streamlined Ordering and Inventory
- User-Friendly Point-of-Sale Software
- Loyalty Programs and Marketing Assistance
- Powerful Analytics
7. 7shifts
7shifts is the ultimate solution for effortlessly managing your restaurant staff. It’s not just about scheduling; it offers a range of invaluable services such as tip handling, time tracking, task management, and employee engagement.
Additionally, it provides a wealth of resources including blog posts, training materials, restaurant data, and videos. You can get started with a free demo to explore the app’s capabilities, or choose from three plans:
Comp (free, designed for smaller restaurants), Entrée, and the Works, each tailored to meet specific needs. Trusted by over 30,000 restaurants worldwide, 7shifts simplifies shift scheduling and management, whether you run a pub, bakery, bar, or café, ultimately saving you time and hassle.
Key Features:
- Effortless Staff Scheduling
- Tip Handling
- Time Tracking
- Task Management
- Employee Engagement Tools
- Access to Valuable Resources
- Multiple Plan Options
- Trusted by 30,000+ Restaurants Worldwide
- Suitable for Various Restaurant Types
- Time-Saving Shift Management
8. Feedly
Feedly is your go-to app for gathering news from various online sources, allowing you to curate and share the content that interests you. For restaurants, it serves as an invaluable kitchen companion, keeping you informed about the latest culinary trends, food tips, new dishes, renowned chefs, and global dining establishments.
With Feedly’s intelligent AI engine, Leo, simply specify your interests, and it swiftly locates relevant news websites, tweets, blogs, videos, and more to keep you up-to-date.
Key Features:
- News Aggregation
- Customized News Curation
- Smart AI Engine (Leo)
- Three Payment Plans: Pro, Pro+, and Enterprise
- Pro Plan for Enhanced Benefits
- Pro+ Plan for More Features and Savings
- Enterprise Plan with Custom Pricing
- 100,000+ Satisfied Users Worldwide
- Rapid Information Retrieval for Businesses
9. Orderly
Orderly is a handy app tailored for restaurants, simplifying food cost management into a breeze. It eliminates the tedious tasks of data entry and manual inventory counts. With features like “Costs of goods sold” and “Team meetings,” Orderly effortlessly syncs invoices from food suppliers, provides supplier support, and seamlessly integrates with your point-of-sale system.
This empowers restaurants to focus more on delivering excellent customer service and less on administrative tasks.
Key Features:
- Streamlined Food Cost Management
- Automated Data Entry
- Inventory Management
- Recipe Cost Calculation
- Online Invoice Handling
- Image and Invoice Scanning
- EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) Support
- One Comprehensive Plan
- Monthly Subscription at $195
- One-Time Activation Fee of $500
- Trusted by Thousands of U.S. Restaurants
- Proven Cost Reduction and Profit Increase
10. Foodics
Foodics is a comprehensive restaurant management and Point of Sale (POS) solution that caters to businesses of all sizes and types. It streamlines restaurant operations, from order processing and payment handling to inventory management and customer engagement.
What sets Foodics apart is its ability to seamlessly integrate with various third-party services, including delivery aggregators, accounting, finance, loyalty programs, business intelligence, and delivery management. Foodics is committed to empowering the Food and Beverage community by leveraging technology.
They have also introduced two financial products, an integrated payment solution for a smoother checkout experience and a micro-lending program to support the growth plans of small businesses.
Key Features:
- Order processing
- Payment handling
- Inventory management
- Customer engagement
- Seamless integrations
- Integrated payment solution
- Micro-lending program for growth support
How NetWeb Tech can help you build a restaurant management app?
NetWeb Tech is your ideal partner for developing restaurant management apps that will revolutionize your business. Our team of seasoned app developers possesses the expertise to craft a tailored solution that streamlines your restaurant operations, from order management to staff scheduling.
We understand the unique challenges faced by the restaurant industry and can design an app that enhances efficiency, improves customer experiences, and ultimately boosts your profitability. With our user-centric design approach and in-depth knowledge of restaurant operations, we’re not just building an app; we’re empowering your restaurant to thrive in the digital age.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to transform your restaurant – choose NetWeb Tech for your restaurant management app development needs.
We are the best mobile app development company that will give your business & customers a sense of robust and seamless experience.
