2020's Leading Restaurant POS Systems: Enhancing Efficiency in the Food Service Industry
Explore the top restaurant POS solutions of 2020, designed to improve efficiency and streamline operations across various dining establishments. From quick-service venues to full-service restaurants, discover the best options tailored to your needs, with features like inventory management, sales analytics, and customer engagement tools. Make informed choices to enhance your restaurant’s workflow and customer experience today.
2020's Top Restaurant POS Solutions for Streamlined Dining Operations
In the fast-paced world of the food service industry, a reliable Point of Sale (POS) system is essential for managing daily operations effectively. Modern restaurant POS platforms offer much more than simple payment processing—they enable seamless inventory management, real-time sales analytics, digital receipt issuance, staff scheduling, menu updates, and customer engagement tools. Whether you're launching a new restaurant or upgrading your existing setup, selecting the right POS system is critical to enhance efficiency, improve customer experience, and boost profitability. This comprehensive guide explores the most prominent restaurant POS solutions of 2020, highlighting their features, advantages, and ideal use cases to help you make an informed decision.
Best for Quick-Service Establishments – Square POS
Square POS has established itself as a top choice for fast-food outlets, cafes, bakeries, food trucks, and bars. Its user-friendly interface combined with rich feature sets makes it ideal for quick-service venues seeking efficiency and reliability. Square’s software allows easy menu configuration, layout customization, inventory tracking, and sales reporting. Additionally, it supports digital receipts, tips, and integrations with various payment processors. Businesses benefit from its free trial, around-the-clock customer support, and affordable monthly plans. Small to medium-sized quick-service restaurants appreciate the intuitive setup process and comprehensive support, making Square POS a popular choice for entrepreneurs seeking straightforward, effective management tools.
Square POS’s key strengths include its ease of use, efficient transaction processing, and versatile hardware options. It offers a free trial period, enabling restaurants to test its features before committing. Its cloud-based platform ensures data accessibility from any device, facilitating smooth operations across multiple locations. Furthermore, Square POS integrates with various third-party apps, including marketing tools, loyalty programs, and online ordering systems, making it adaptable to future business growth. Customer support is available 24/7, which is crucial for resolving issues swiftly and maintaining uninterrupted operations.
Ideal for Franchise Chains – Revel Systems
Revel POS is tailored primarily for larger restaurant groups, franchise chains, and catering businesses that require extensive customization and scalable solutions. This iPad-based system offers a robust set of features, including detailed inventory management, comprehensive table management, and seamless online and offline functionalities. Revel supports multiple payment integrations, customized menu configurations, loyalty programs, and real-time sales analytics. It also provides comprehensive hardware options, such as docks, printers, and cash drawers, to create an integrated point-of-sale environment. Franchise operators benefit from centralized management tools that streamline operations across multiple locations, ensuring consistency and efficiency. Revel’s flexibility makes it suitable for both quick-service and full-service dining, catering, and event management.
Best for Microsoft Technology Enthusiasts – Dinerware
Built on Microsoft technology platforms, Dinerware offers a dependable POS solution with advanced features suitable for a variety of restaurant types. Its strengths lie in its robust table management, menu creation, and detailed sales reporting. Dinerware also excels in handling tableside ordering, allowing servers to take orders directly at the table, speeding up service and reducing errors. Additional features include customizable menus, digital gift cards, combo deals, and check management. Its interface is designed for ease of use, making onboarding straightforward for staff. Dinerware’s integration with Microsoft Office tools further enhances data analysis and reporting capabilities, making it an excellent option for tech-savvy restaurants seeking a reliable, customizable POS system.
Designed for Full-Service Dining – Upserve POS
Upserve POS is a comprehensive platform designed specifically for full-service restaurants. Its compatibility with both iOS and Android devices grants flexibility in hardware selections. The system simplifies menu management, table assignments, and real-time sales tracking, helping restaurant managers make informed decisions quickly. Upserve offers hardware leasing options or outright purchases, providing flexibility based on budget needs. It features built-in modules for staff scheduling, loyalty programs, online ordering, and marketing automation—tools that enhance customer retention and operational efficiency. With detailed analytics and reporting, restaurants can identify sales trends, optimize staffing, and increase revenue. Support services include setup assistance, training, and 24/7 customer care, ensuring seamless integration with existing operations.
All-in-One Industry Favorite – TouchBistro
Recognized as one of the leading POS systems in the restaurant industry, TouchBistro caters to establishments of all sizes—from small cafes to large fine dining restaurants. Its versatile, user-friendly interface simplifies staff training and daily operations. Key features include detailed floor plans, tableside ordering, easy bill splitting, loyalty programs, and customizable menus. The system’s inventory management and staff scheduling modules further improve operational workflow. TouchBistro’s support team provides round-the-clock assistance, ensuring minimum downtime. The platform offers a free trial, encouraging new users to explore its capabilities. Its flexibility, comprehensive features, and dedicated support make it an ideal choice for restaurants aiming to elevate their efficiency and customer service standards.
