Operating a small restaurant itself is not an easy task; from orders for customers to proper functioning, the restaurant owner has to go through a million tasks in one day. Nowadays, technology makes these tasks so much easier. Restaurant ordering software will be one of the biggest technological boons among all the tools provided for small businesses.
Statistics show that the demand for digital ordering systems is growing. Indeed, in fresh studies, over 40% of restaurant owners reported that the enhancement of ordering software radically improved their operations. Moreover, 60% of customers would like to place online orders. So far, it means that small restaurants should move in the same direction and implement these solutions, too.
In this blog, we will discuss the top nine restaurant ordering software solutions to help small businesses smoothen their operations, increase customer satisfaction, and improve revenue.
Top Restaurant Ordering Software Solutions
Foodiv
Foodiv is an all-in-one restaurant ordering software for small businesses. It simplifies the whole ordering-from-you process, whether it is dine-in, takeaway, or delivery. The software allows extensive integrations through which restaurant owners can link up with different delivery platforms and payment gateways. Its analytics dashboard gives valuable insights into the sales trend that helps the owner make effective data-driven decisions.
Key Features
- Online ordering integration, and menu customization.
- Real-time order tracking for customers and staff alike.
- Built-in analytics keep track of sales and customer trends.
- Seamless integration with major payment gateways.
Foodiv has some unique selling points: it is comparatively affordable and also extends quite strong support to small restaurant operations.
Toast
Toast is also another up-to-date software solution targeted for small and middle-sized restaurants. Toast has an all-in-one platform for payment, inventory, and customer management over and above a basic order processing system. This encompasses built-in marketing tools to involve customers via targeted email campaigns. The powerful and reliable performance during peak hours makes Toast quite popular.
Key Features
- Fully integrated POS and ordering system.
- Mobile ordering and contactless payment.
- Employee management and scheduling tools.
- Built-in marketing features, including email campaigns.
Toast’s scalability makes it perfect for small businesses that are planning to expand.
Square for Restaurants
Square for Restaurants is an extremely versatile ordering software, praised for its simplicity and affordability. It boasts an easy setup that even the smallest teams with any tech experience can handle. The software also boasts transparent, flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees, hence budget-friendly. Its intuitive design ensures quicker staff onboarding and seamless day-to-day operations.
Key Features
- Easy-to-use interface and suitable for small teams.
- Customizable POS solutions for quicker order processing.
- Integration with third-party delivery platforms.
- Reporting and analytics in great detail for decision-making.
Square’s pricing is very affordable for startups and small-scale restaurants.
Lightspeed
Lightspeed is an operative restaurant management and ordering tool, basically designed for small businesses. It offers one single platform where anything with regard to operations can be managed by the owner-from menus and inventory to customer data. Since Lightspeed operates on the cloud, owners may access information from anywhere, thus tracking performance even from a distance. Its scalability makes it a perfect solution for businesses with growth ambitions.
Key Features
- Custom menus that one can easily manage for placing orders.
- Multi-location management for expanding businesses.
- Advanced reporting and analytics to optimize performance.
- Integration with delivery platforms and payment gateways.
Lightspeed is ideal for small restaurants looking for a solution that is both scalable and feature-rich.
Upserve
Upserve is all about providing personalized experiences to restaurant customers. The easy management of operations by the intuitive dashboard of this tool has made life easy for busy restaurant owners. The data-driven approach of the software helps restaurants to find out customer preferences and change their menu in that respective direction. A mobile management app allows owners to monitor operations and make updates even when they are away from business.
Key Features
- AI-enabled sales forecasting and inventory management.
- Integrated Point of Sale with a table-side ordering interface.
- Customer insight and loyalty tracking tools.
- Management on-the-go using the mobile application.
Upserve stands out in how it grants restaurateurs the insights to drive real, tangible improvement in their restaurants’ operations and customers’ satisfaction.
Clover
Clover provides the solution for every requirement of a small restaurant through its all-rounded software back-up with its easy and simple interface along with flexible setup. Different custom-made apps also make it easier for restaurants to modify the system as per the restaurants’ needs. Clover offers an assortment of choices regarding hardware to keep the process smooth for dining in-store or taking away options. Equally impressive is how excellent customer support tries to resolve all the technical issues as soon as possible.
Key Features
- All-in-one POS and ordering system.
- Mobile-friendly interface for seamless service.
- Customizable applications that meet the requirements of a particular restaurant.
- Secure payment processing via multiple options.
Because it is modularly designed, Clover is a very good choice for restaurants with special operational needs.
GloriaFood
GloriaFood is an affordable restaurant ordering software, ideal for small businesses. It helps restaurants set up online ordering without investing hugely in the same. Its zero commission structure helps restaurants retain their profits, thus highly economical. Quick setup and intuitive design make GloriaFood especially appealing to first-time users in the tech space.
Key Features
- Commission-free, free online ordering system.
- Real-time order notifications enable the efficient management of those orders.
- Table reservation and the ability to pre-order.
- Integration with delivery services to make the operation smooth.
GloriaFood is the perfect solution for small restaurants needing an affordable yet full-of-features solution.
TouchBistro
TouchBistro is a restaurant ordering software that has been built for restaurants from the ground up. This increases the quality of the dining experience by bringing ordering right to each table, which can be offered offline. It was built by a very experienced professional team in this industry to manage the specific requirements of small-scale restaurants. More importantly, TouchBistro offers additional in-depth training resources designed to help every restaurant team make the most out of its feature set.
Key Features
- Tableside ordering, assisted by an iPad for speedier service.
- Customizable menus that update in real-time.
- Management tools for staff work scheduling and tracking performance.
- In-built CRM features for tracking customer preferences.
TouchBistro is a good choice for small restaurants that want to focus on personalized customer experiences.
Revel Systems
Revel Systems is a cloud-based POS and ordering software meant for the dynamic nature of small restaurants. It integrates online and offline functions, hence assuring seamless operations in events of internet collapse. Its robust customization options let restaurants shape it to their peculiar workflows. Enterprise-grade security means enterprise-grade protection of sensitive customer data and payment information.
Key Features
- Architecture for offline capability hybrid.
- Tracking at an inventory and ingredient level.
- Multi-location management for scaling businesses.
- Loyalty programs and customer engagement features.
Revel Systems offers a perfect option for restaurants since it is intended to be a truly reliable and universal platform that caters to growth and efficiency needs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right restaurant ordering software can make all the difference for small businesses. It streamlines operations and makes customers happy while increasing tab sizes in the process. Regardless of your needs affordability, scalability, or even unique features such as tableside ordering, there’s an option that can suit your needs.
Assess each of them against your needs in terms of budget, ease of use, and how well they integrate with other solutions. This investment will provide you with an edge to take on the hurdles that come your way in the restaurant business, thereby setting your business on the path to success.
As the editor of the blog, She curate insightful content that sparks curiosity and fosters learning. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, she strive to bring diverse perspectives and engaging narratives to readers, ensuring every piece informs, inspires, and enriches.