podium logo

10 Best Software Tools for Restaurants

Alex WalzSenior Software Engineer

Explore Podium's top software tools for restaurants including review management, reservation systems, and communication.
clock0 min. read

Need new software tools for your restaurant? We’re here to help. Read on for our favorite software tools and local tips to optimize your business operations and improve customer engagement.

1. Toast POS

Toast POS is a software solution designed specifically for the restaurant industry. Its capabilities include online ordering, digital gift cards, loyalty programs, and an array of sales reports to gain insights into your restaurant’s performance.

Toast shines in its comprehensive features and simplicity, making it an invaluable tool for streamlining restaurant operations, regardless of their scale or size.

2. Podium Reviews

Podium Reviews is a product that allows businesses to easily collect and manage customer reviews. Its platform aggregates reviews from a variety of sources, giving restaurants a centralized place to monitor their online reputation.

In today’s digital age, customer reviews can make or break a restaurant. We recommend Podium Reviews for its comprehensive approach to review management, making it easy for restaurants to monitor and respond to customer feedback in real-time.

3. OpenTable

OpenTable is a restaurant reservation platform that allows customers to reserve tables online. Additionally, it provides restaurants with a suite of marketing services to boost their visibility and reputation.

We recommend OpenTable for its industry-specific approach and capacity to streamline your restaurant’s table management and customer experience.

4. ChowNow

ChowNow offers an online ordering system that integrates with a restaurant’s website. It presents a direct-line delivery system that avoids the excessive fees usually associated with third-party delivery services.

We recommend ChowNow for its ability to help restaurants break free from costly third-party delivery apps while offering the same level of convenience to their customers.

5. 7Shifts

7Shifts is a scheduling tool specifically designed to reduce labor costs for restaurants. It’s an efficient way to manage your restaurant’s labor costs, communication, task management, and more. Get started with 7Shifts here.

We recommend 7Shifts for its industry-specific focus and commitment to helping restaurant owners optimize their labor costs while maintaining smooth operations.

6. TouchBistro

TouchBistro is a complete POS solution crafted specifically for the restaurant industry. Their comprehensive platform handles everything from tableside ordering to payments, staff scheduling, menu management, and more. Learn more about TouchBistro here.

We love TouchBistro’s dedication to delivering a comprehensive solution that enables restaurants to handle complex operations more seamlessly.

7. Square Payments

Square Payments supports all types of restaurant businesses by providing a fast and secure way to process credit card payments. They also offer various hardware options for businesses to choose from. Visit Square’s official site here.

We recommend Square Payments for its robust capabilities that offer flexibility and convenience for various types of transactions essential to restaurant businesses.

8. MarketMan

MarketMan is an advanced cloud-based restaurant inventory management software. It enables restaurants to manage all supplier relations, deliveries, accounting, and menu costing from a single platform. You can check out MarketMan here.

We recommend MarketMan for its comprehensive supply chain solutions, making inventory management a breeze for restaurant owners.

9. Podium Webchat

Communication should be easy and efficient; that’s where Podium Webchat comes in. It allows businesses to communicate directly with their customers through their website, providing immediate, personal customer service. Find out more about Podium’s Webchat here.

We recommend Webchat because it understands that great service is all about convenient and efficient communication. The tool turns your website into a top-notch service channel, enhancing customer satisfaction in your restaurant.

10. Canva

Canva offers user-friendly design tools that even individuals with no design background can easily use. It is perfect for creating menus, promotional materials, social media content, and more for your restaurant. Give Canva a try here.

We recommend Canva for its intuitive design platform, simplifying graphic design tasks and allowing establishments to create engaging visuals that resonate with their brand’s identity.

Get Started

Streamlining restaurant operations doesn’t have to be complicated. By utilizing these highly-rated software tools, you can upgrade your restaurant business and improve your customer service. And remember, Podium offers a variety of solutions designed to help businesses in the restaurant industry manage their online presence and connect with their customers more effectively.

Keep reading