As a ghost or cloud kitchen operator, your business model primarily focuses on preparing food for takeout and delivery, accepting orders digitally, and partnering with third-party delivery services.
In this unique setting, a comprehensive Point of Sale (POS) system can significantly enhance your operations.
The right ghost kitchen POS system not only coordinates all your orders from various platforms into a single interface but also tracks ingredients, manages drivers, and provides valuable data analytics.
We researched all the major restaurant POS systems to find the ones best suited for ghost or cloud kitchens. Here they are:
The Top 5 Ghost Kitchen POS Systems In 2024
Square – Best overall all-in-one ghost kitchen POS
GoTab – Best flexible and commission-free ordering solution
Toast – Best online ordering and delivery system
TouchBistro – Best integrated loyalty features
Truffle Systems – Best pickup features for ghost kitchens
Note: Our reviews are reader-supported. We may earn affiliate commissions from links on this page. Learn more…
Why use a Ghost Kitchen POS?
A Ghost Kitchen Point of Sale (POS) system is a crucial tool for ghost kitchen businesses, streamlining order management across platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. This all-in-one solution enhances operational efficiency, inventory management, and order processing.
Additionally, these modern cloud-based point-of-sale systems provide valuable data analytics and reporting to guide strategic business decisions. With its intelligent customer management and integrated marketing tools, a Ghost Kitchen POS effectively aids in building a loyal customer base and promoting business growth.
Square
Square for Restaurants: The Comprehensive Ghost Kitchen POS Solution
Square for Restaurants provides a tailor-made POS solution for ghost kitchens, facilitating every aspect of running and expanding your virtual restaurant venture.
With Square Online, you can accept orders on your free personalized website and manage them seamlessly using the Kitchen Display System (KDS), enabling curbside pickup and delivery.
You can simultaneously manage multiple virtual restaurants under one cloud kitchen, unifying operations, payroll, and staffing. And, benefit from the intelligent routing and reporting capabilities to enhance order accuracy and minimize errors.
One notable feature is Square’s integrations with applications for inventory management, delivery, and restaurant administration, including Chowly, Postmates, Quickbooks, Marketman, Homebase, and BentoBox.
Furthermore, Square offers marketing tools to connect with customers and heighten sales. Effortlessly design, send, and monitor email and social media campaigns while implementing a loyalty program to reward your regulars.
The Square KDS allows you to manage orders from anywhere with a single screen, offering detailed ticket views, timers, and alerts to prioritize and organize orders. This feature is engineered to optimize order accuracy and maximize efficiency in your kitchen.
Additionally, Square’s POS system encompasses payroll functionalities, letting you compensate your team from any location and automating tax filings. This feature is a boon for ghost kitchens with staff dispersed across various sites or working at different schedules.
Square Pricing & Hardware
Free plan: There’s no monthly fee, but there is a transaction fee for each in-person sale. 2.6% + 10¢ for swiped or tapped card transactions. 3.5% + 15¢ when the card number is keyed in. Online payment: 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction.
Plus: Includes more advanced features designed specifically for restaurants. $60/month for one device per location. +$40/month per added countertop POS device. (+ processing fees).
Premium subscribers get everything in the Plus subscription and custom pricing for add-ons like Square Payroll, Square Marketing, and Square Loyalty.
Example pricing of some add-ons:
Square Payroll +$35/mo then $5/mo per employee
Square Loyalty From $45/mo per location
Square Marketing From $15/mo per location
(Hardware is not included in the subscription. See hardware costs in the section below).
Contract length
A key advantage of Square’s payment processing is the absence of long-term subscriptions, providing flexibility in the usage of its services. You can opt for month-to-month payments and easily cancel your subscription anytime without penalties.
As a result, you can experiment with different business strategies while staying agile and adaptable to changing market conditions.
The Square app is available worldwide. Card payment acceptance is available in the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, France and Spain (Source).
The Square Terminal can read all types of cards. You can use it for everything from taking payments to accessing your Square POS system to printing receipts to using all the features of Square’s app. The price for the terminal is $299.
Square Reader for Contactless and Chip: Restaurants can now process payments more easily with the new Square Reader, which has improved Bluetooth connectivity, enhanced security, and longer battery life.
Square Stand Restaurant Station with cash drawer, receipt printer, and kitchen printer.
Restaurant Mobile POS Kit for Square for Restaurants. Includes a Square Reader for contactless and chip (2nd generation), a phone case, and a Samsung Galaxy A32.
The Square Register is a countertop setup and a fully integrated point-of-sale system. No extra tablets or apps are required. Includes a touchscreen card terminal facing the customer and a built-in card reader. Costs $799.
Square User Reviews
Here is a summary of my analysis of user reviews, testimonials, and complaints about Square for Restaurants as seen on major review sites like Capterra, G2, and others.
- Ease of Setup and Use: Many users commend Square for its user-friendly setup process and intuitive design. The system is easy to configure, adaptable for various devices including iPads and smartphones, and provides quick access to online market tools.
- Cost-Effective: Business owners appreciate the affordability of Square for Restaurants. The pricing is competitive, and the system offers a variety of financial management tools such as integrated payment processing which contributes to a low-stress financial experience.
- Efficient Sales Tracking and Payment Processing: The app has been highlighted for its capabilities in sales monitoring and secure payment processing, with immediate transaction fees rather than monthly billing.
- CRM and Website Integration: Users appreciate the CRM tools provided by Square and find the website creation services particularly beneficial for enhancing their online presence, which is especially notable for quick transitions to online ordering during events like the pandemic.
- Resourceful Features: Square for Restaurants POS is valued for its many features that assist in business operations, including inventory tracking, promotional offers, loyalty rewards, customer feedback collection, and seamless QuickBooks integration.
- Complex Restaurant Issues: Some users report that Square for Restaurants is not ideal for complex restaurant operations. Glitches have led to crashes, with systems becoming unresponsive during busy times, causing major distress for restaurant owners. The system is also criticized for being unable to handle the intricacies of a full-service restaurant setting.
- Customization Limits: Certain users find it tedious to customize menus and loyalty programs. Adjustments to the system may require excessive steps, which can be frustrating, especially for businesses with frequently changing offerings.
- Technical Support Concerns: There have been complaints regarding the level of technical support provided by Square. Troubleshooting complex issues has sometimes proven difficult, with tech support struggling to resolve problems effectively. Furthermore, the lack of on-site support from Square when compared to competing products is a significant drawback for some users.
- Inadequate Reporting: Users have mentioned that the reporting feature for Square for Restaurants POS could be improved. Detailed drill-down reports are lacking, making it cumbersome for business owners to analyze sales and inventory effectively.
- Hardware Problems: Issues with the card reader have also been mentioned, with it occasionally rotating during a swipe and causing a read error, although solutions like anchoring the reader have been used to fix it.
Where Square Stands Out
Ease of Use: Square has a modern and familiar user interface design that simplifies learning and operation. The system is easy to set up and doesn’t require much training. This means your staff can focus on guests rather than learning the system.
Affordable Pricing: The Free plan includes fundamental services, such as online ordering and POS. The Plus plan costs $60 per month and includes advanced features like coursing as well as 24/7 support. For in-person payments, all plans include a processing rate of 2.6% plus 10 cents.
No long-term contract: Getting started with Square for Restaurants is simple because there are no installation fees or long-term commitments required. Additionally, you have the flexibility to upgrade, downgrade, or terminate your plan whenever necessary.
CRM Capabilities: The system has CRM features that allow for customer profiles, order history tracking, and integration with Square Loyalty and Marketing. This creates a complete solution for managing customers.
Square Online is a free add-on that allows cloud kitchens to build and design their own websites for online ordering.
Square Online integrates with Order with Google so when a customer searches for the restaurant on Google Search or Maps, they will see an ordering button on the search result that they can select to choose an ordering channel.
Square Online also has e-commerce capabilities for restaurants that want to sell products online.
Integration with the Square Ecosystem: Square for Restaurants is part of a larger ecosystem of Square products, which means it can integrate with other Square services. This includes Square Payroll and Team Management for handling permissions, schedules, timecards, and tips, and Square KDS.
Where Square Can Improve
Limited Advanced Features: Square for Restaurants may lack some advanced features offered by other POS systems, such as in-depth inventory management and comprehensive reporting tools
Complex Reporting: The reporting features are causing concerns because they lack sufficient detail and are complex, making it difficult to search for specific information. Additionally, the process of reconciling sales to receivables is lengthy.
Lack of On-Site Support: Square for Restaurants does not provide on-site support, which may not be suitable for businesses that rely on in-person assistance.
Limited Support for Complex Menus: For restaurants with frequently changing or complex menus, Square for Restaurants might not be the best choice. Making changes to the menu can be slower than other systems.
GoTab
GoTab, founded in 2016, is an adaptable and innovative restaurant POS and commerce platform specifically designed to enhance the operation and service of food service businesses through technology.
GoTab is compatible with almost any web-enabled mobile device, which allows you to utilize your existing hardware and save costs.
GoTab is primarily geared towards contactless service, mobile ordering, payment, and efficient communication.
Its intuitive interface, compatibility with various systems, and real-time analytics provide ghost kitchen operators with the necessary tools to modernize their operations, enhance efficiency, and stimulate growth.
GoTab offers simple-to-use and easy-to-integrate technology with features like order management, centralized menu management, kitchen display system (KDS) function, as well as the capability to integrate with other POS systems and more.
GoTab also offers flexible service model capabilities, allowing operators to adjust their service models on the go.
For instance, in the event of an unexpected staff shortage, operators can activate QR ordering, or extend ordering to non-traditional service areas like a patio or waiting area, making it a versatile solution suited for large, medium, and small venue formats.
GoTab’s KDS feature also enables operators and managers to maintain direct communication with customers through text, providing transparency and unmatched hospitality, like notifying a customer if an order’s delivery is delayed.
Lastly, GoTab’s 100% cloud-based platform offers flexible hardware options, eliminating barriers for ghost kitchens wanting to transition to more advanced technology without having to make a costly initial investment.
The transitions to new technologies and the operational adoption of new systems are seamless, unlike traditional, complex, and confusing transitions in hospitality technology.
GoTab Pricing & Hardware
GoTab stands out with potentially significant cost savings and flexibility through its transaction-based pricing model.
- No additional charges for essential products or support.
- Option to buy your own hardware or opt for GoTab-branded hardware.
- Feature-rich offerings catered to diverse business needs without additional costs.
- Savings on processing fees through the “Open Tabs” feature.
- Customized enterprise pricing available.
Processing Fees:
- 2.25% + $0.15 for Card Present Transactions. (When a card is tapped, dipped or swiped in person).
- 2.5% + $0.25 for Card Not Present Transactions. (When an order is placed through mobile ordering, card on file or manual entry).
Contact GoTab for a pricing quote for the Quickstart, Premium and Enterprise pla
GoTab is only available in the US.
GoTab offers a diverse range of hardware options to suit various business needs. GoTab can run on any Internet-connected Android, iOS, or Windows tablet or phone.
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Some key features of their hardware offerings are:
Kitchen Ready: GoTab provides responsive, high-quality touch displays designed to withstand high-volume kitchen environments.
Buy Online: Restaurants can purchase GoTab hardware such as tablets, handhelds, printers, and displays from the GoTab Store.
At Your Service: A dedicated onboarding team is available to help restaurants set up their hardware, whether live and onsite or over the phone.
More Choices: GoTab allows restaurants to use any hardware that works best for their operation, ensuring they are never locked into a specific device.
GoTab User Reviews
Here is a summary of my analysis of user reviews, testimonials, and complaints about GoTab as seen on major review sites like Capterra, G2, and others.
- Customization and Flexibility: Users rave about GoTab’s flexibility, highlighting its customizable menu and zone setup that responds well to dynamic service models. This feature is specifically favored by venues that pivot their services regularly, such as breweries.
- Strong Features and Innovation: The features of GoTab, including the shared tabs and kitchen display system, receive high praise for their uniqueness and practicality in enhancing service at large venues. Updates and new “nice to have” features roll out consistently, reflecting GoTab’s commitment to innovation.
- Ease of Adoption and Use: Clients appreciate the ease with which they can learn and use GoTab’s system, complemented by hands-on customer service during the setup process. The user interface facilitates easy management of menus and ordering, which is credited for being invaluable during the challenges posed by the pandemic.
- Responsive Customer Service: Fast and exceptional customer support stands out in the reviews. Any issues that arise are quickly addressed, showcasing the company’s dedication to its clients’ success.
- Streamlined Operations: GoTab’s adaptability allows businesses to shift between full-service and labor-lite models with ease, aiding in cost management without sacrificing guest experience. Its ability to empower guests to have their own POS also opens up new revenue streams and improves operational efficiency.
- Connectivity and Technical Glitches: Some users experience daily hiccups and bugs, including issues with Wi-Fi connectivity that affect the system’s performance, indicating a need for more robust troubleshooting solutions and stability improvements.
- Learning Curve and Usability Challenges: Customers point out that certain functions are confusing or difficult for guests to navigate without detailed explanations, suggesting room for improvement in user experience design.
- Incomplete Feature Sets and Workarounds: Although GoTab covers the basic functionality needed for most restaurants, there are calls for more advanced features. Users note the need to devise workarounds for features that are lacking or not yet fully developed.
- Reporting and Management Functions: Enhancements are requested in the reporting area, where users ask for more detailed and automated reporting, such as weekly summaries, merchandise inventory, and sales breakdowns across multiple locations.
- Integration Limitations: While GoTab offers a variety of integrations, some users desire a broader selection of third-party integrations to further streamline their operations and expand functionality.
GoTab: A Versatile POS Solution for Ghost Kitchens and Pop-Ups
GoTab offers a flexible and streamlined Point of Sale (POS) solution, perfect for ghost kitchens and pop-up eateries. This system is designed to ease the launching and handling of your virtual eatery, letting you dedicate your efforts to making and delivering meals.
Toast
In recent years, Toast has emerged as a significant player in the restaurant commerce industry, experiencing rapid growth and gaining attention through several notable acquisitions.
Named one of the most innovative companies of 2023 by Fast Company (Source), Toast offers a feature-rich platform that covers a wide range of functionalities.
These include payment processing, inventory and menu management, marketing and customer loyalty programs, employee management, labor and food cost control, and business reporting, among others.
Aiming to become a comprehensive restaurant commerce system, Toast also positions itself as a one-stop shop for ghost and cloud kitchens.
Despite offering an extensive array of features, Toast maintains reasonable pricing, making it one of the top Point of Sale (POS) systems for ghost kitchens available.
Toast Pricing & Hardware
Here is the pricing plan for the Quick Start Bundle, Core, and Growth plan:
Quick Start Bundle: Starting at $0/month
A great match for food trucks or single-location cafes, this shop-and-go option includes initial hardware and our basic POS software. Features include cloud-based point of sale and hardware setup including one terminal (additional charges apply for subsequent devices).
Core Plan: Subscription starting at $69/month
Ideal for any restaurant looking to streamline operations and provide faster service, with flexible options to meet your specific needs. This package includes powerful cloud-based point of sale with reporting and analytics, simple, flat rate payment processing with real-time fraud monitoring, mobile dining solutions, including digital menus and mobile payments, and 24/7/365 customer care, with installation support.
Growth Plan: Subscription starting at $165/month
A software bundle including online ordering and delivery software for restaurants looking to add more revenue streams. This plan includes everything in Core, plus Toast Online Ordering, Toast Delivery Services, and Toast TakeOut App.
Please note that additional features and software are available for each plan, and you can pair each plan with a hardware setup of your choosing.
Credit card processing fees: You cannot opt to use a third-party payment processor as Toast will handle all credit and debit card transactions for you.
Toast believes that customers should receive more than just transaction reports from their card processor. To achieve this goal, they combine their card processing service with technology that engages with customers.
The information gathered from customers can then be used by restaurants to understand them better and create more targeted marketing campaigns.
As for the fees, Toast customizes the rates for processing card transactions based on the specific needs of your restaurant.
Toast is available in the US, Canada, UK, and Ireland.
Toast Flex is a handheld device constructed for you to swiftly take orders and process payments. Its design is spill-resistant, allowing you to conveniently manage contactless payment types like swipe, dip, or tap.
Designed for smaller establishments such as coffee shops and restaurants with minimal counter space, Toast Go is an all-in-one portable device. You can take orders, process payments, and print receipts without swapping gadgets.
Toast Kiosk offers your customers a self-ordering experience. They can pick their dishes using a large, interactive touchscreen display. Particularly beneficial for quick-service restaurants, this device plays a helpful role in reducing wait times and enhancing the customer experience.
The Toast Terminal is a comprehensive countertop setup, covering a touchscreen display, card reader, cash drawer, and receipt printer, all ready to go.
Toast Display, a customer-facing setup, supports you in managing restaurant orders. It gives you the ability to monitor orders in real-time and handle your inventory.
Bear in mind, that hardware costs differ based on the configuration you opt for, and some devices come included in certain plans. Should you require a tailored quote, you should reach out directly to the Toast team.
Toast User Reviews
Here is a summary of my analysis of user reviews, testimonials, and complaints about Toast as seen on major review sites like Capterra, G2, and others.
- User-Friendly Interface: Many Toast users express satisfaction with the system’s user-friendly interface. They find that the software is easy to navigate, and training new employees is straightforward due to its intuitive design.
- Customization and Flexibility: Users appreciate the high level of customization available with Toast POS. The system allows them to tailor the POS to their specific business needs, from table layouts to menu configurations.
- Comprehensive Reporting: The reporting features of Toast POS are praised by several users. They find the reports easy to tailor to their needs and are pleased with the ability to download them into different formats for further analysis.
- Effective Tableside Ordering: The handheld devices for tableside ordering receive high marks for their ease of use and ability to increase efficiency for service staff, allowing them to spend more time with guests.
- Mobile and Cloud-Based: Toast’s mobile compatibility and cloud-based platform are highlighted as beneficial, enabling business owners to manage their operations and access real-time data from anywhere.
- Technical Problems and Outages: Some reviewers report experiencing technical issues with the system, including network-wide crashes and offline payment processing errors, which occasionally cause entry errors and disrupt operations.
- Additional Costs and Fees: Fees associated with certain features and payment processing rates are a point of contention for some users, who believe these fees can be excessive and not fully transparent.
- Limited Quick Service Features: Toast POS is criticized by some quick service restaurants for its limited feature set tailored to their business model, suggesting improvements in order management and throttling.
- Problematic Payroll Service: There are some complaints specifically about Toast’s payroll service, with users advising others to avoid it due to errors in tax reporting and other difficulties.
- Installation and Setup Challenges: A few users find the self-install process to be complicated, noting that initial setup could be smoother and sometimes requires intervention from company representatives.
- Issues with Customer Service: A common theme among the negative reviews is dissatisfaction with customer service. Users complain about receiving minimal support from customer service representatives, stating they often follow scripts with limited product knowledge.
Toast: Simplifying Operations for Ghost Kitchens
Toast offers a comprehensive Point of Sale (POS) system designed to handle the unique needs of ghost kitchens. This means fewer administrative hassles for you, freeing you to focus on preparing delicious meals for delivery and takeout.
Efficient Operations Management
One of Toast’s key features is its efficient operations management capability. It makes it possible for you to manage offsite delivery even during peak hours without disturbing seated diners.
Additionally, Toast helps you create an efficiently managed labor force, including chefs, dishwashers, managers, and delivery drivers.
Maximizes Sales and Savings
Toast’s online ordering system is designed to boost sales while also saving you money. It comes with integrated, commission-free ordering channels, which means more profits for your kitchen.
The system also features built-in tools for upselling your meals and turning first-time diners into regular patrons.
Comprehensive Digital Ordering System
Toast’s robust digital ordering system enables online ordering and delivery and provides a profile on their ordering app. The system can handle order management during rush hours, listing on the commission-free Toast TakeOut app, and link you to a growing network of food lovers.
Advanced Kitchen Display System
Another notable feature of Toast is the Kitchen Display System (KDS). It fits different screen sizes and integrates with Toast Go. The KDS also combines orders from all sources (kiosks, online, third-party platforms) and has features for alerts, auto-firing by prep time, and color-coded modifications for allergens.
Customer-centric Features
Lastly, Toast’s technology offers customer-focused capabilities. The integrated Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system allows for outreach through email marketing, loyalty, and gift cards.
It offers restaurant-specific templates and automated campaigns based on guest history. Conveniently manage loyalty points and sell gift cards both online and offline, ensuring improved customer engagement.
To conclude, Toast offers an all-in-one solution to managing a ghost kitchen – from taking orders to food preparation and delivery. With numerous tools designed to attract and retain customers, Toast paves the way for increased sales and continuous growth.
What Makes Toast Stand Out
- A complete restaurant management system
- Rapid development of new features
- Built for restaurants
- Excellent business analytics & reporting
- Online and contactless ordering
- Online ordering through Google
Where Toast Falls Short
- Locked into Toast payment processing
- Add-ons can get expensive
- Not very transparent pricing
- Only available in a few English-speaking countries
TouchBistro
TouchBistro is crafted to suit the fast-paced environment of ghost kitchen operations.
A crucial component of TouchBistro is its integrated marketing platform. This feature enables you to devise personalized promotions, automatically initiate targeted marketing campaigns, and manage customer data with an inbuilt Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.
With its emphasis on incorporating various customer interaction technologies, TouchBistro fosters improved communication and understanding of customer behaviors and trends.
With an aesthetically pleasing, logically organized design, TouchBistro comes packed with various features. To ensure data availability and security, it functions using a hybrid model that combines both cloud and server systems.
Thanks to its intuitive design, mastering TouchBistro is simple, making it a valuable choice for ghost kitchens in need of an uncomplicated, easy-to-learn system.
If you’re familiar with the iOS ecosystem, you’ll likely catch on to TouchBistro even quicker. Additionally, the system allows you to customize menus and interfaces to your liking, improving long-term efficiency and potentially saving time.
TouchBistro Pricing & Hardware
I like the modularity of the TouchBistro pricing structure. You get a good deal at a low price and can choose from the selection of add-on options as your business grows.
Here is the pricing plan for TouchBistro and its add-ons:
Monthly subscription fee: Starts at $69/month for up to two setups
Add-on pricing (starting at):
- Online ordering: $50/month
- Reservations: $229/month
- Gift cards: $25/month
- Marketing: $99/month
- Loyalty: $99/month
TouchBistro Payments (US only)is powered by Chase and provides pricing through an innovative cost plus pricing model. The solution supports all major credit and debit cards, as well as swipe, dip, tap, and digital wallet payments from Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
TouchBistro Payments also offers an offline payments mode, allowing you to continue taking payments even when their internet is down.
Payment processing fees depend on if you use TouchBistro Payments (US only) or one of the available payment processing partners like Square. You’ll be able to use different payment processors depending on which one offers the lowest rate.
For example, Square charges the following: 2.6% +10¢ per transaction.
Please note that hardware and additional fees may apply to these prices. It’s recommended to contact TouchBistro directly for a custom quote.
TouchBistro is available in the US, Canada, the UK, Mexico, and over 100 other countries. (TouchBistro Payments is only available in the US).
TouchBistro supports iPads, iPad Pro, or the iPad Mini and runs best on devices from 2018 or later. These tablets are used to take orders and process payments table-side.
A TouchBistro setup can include an iPad stand, receipt printer, card reader, router, and modem.
TouchBistro also sells accessories, such as a Self-Service Kiosk, customer-facing display, KDS, and Digital Menu Boards. TouchBistro may also make use of third-party hardware such as cash drawers, card readers, and receipt printers.
Customizable Additional Hardware: Depending on the unique needs of your restaurant, you can mix and match different POS equipment such as cash drawers and receipt printers.
Hardware Setups for Different Venue Sizes: TouchBistro offers tailored hardware configurations based on the venue size and type of your restaurant. Whether you have a small or large venue, they have hardware solutions designed to fit your specific needs.
Integrated Hardware Support: TouchBistro also offers dedicated implementation specialists to provide round-the-clock support for your hardware.
TouchBistro suggests always purchasing the latest iPad models for the best experience and longevity of support. While they provide iPad stands, they also offer the flexibility for you to use your own. Their iPads are compatible with any iPad stands, allowing you to choose a stand style that aligns best with your restaurant’s look and feel.
TouchBistro User Reviews
Here is a summary of my analysis of user reviews, testimonials, and complaints about TouchBistro as seen on major review sites like Capterra, G2, and others.
- Ease of Use: The user interface is generally praised as user-friendly and easily navigable, making it simple for staff to manage tasks and learn the system.
- Robust Features: TouchBistro offers comprehensive features for managing a wide range of restaurant operations, from room charges to extensive menus.
- Menu Management: Users enjoy the intuitive platform for updating pricing, adding and removing items, and overall menu customization.
- Self-Ordering Kiosk and Offline Functionality: The self-ordering kiosk feature for customer upgrades and the ability to operate without internet are well-received.
- Quick and Efficient Order Taking: Utilizing iPads, the TouchBistro POS allows for efficient order taking directly at the table, enhancing the guest experience.
- Inventory Tracking: Although it requires extensive setup, the inventory tracking capabilities are detailed and offer significant benefits once in place.
- Responsive Customer Service: Some reviewers cite the customer service team as being quick to respond and helpful, often implementing suggested features.
- Ongoing Software Improvements: The company is recognized for continuously rolling out new features and for being supportive during the challenges faced by the restaurant industry.
Technology Issues During Updates: Users experience significant technology issues when updates to TouchBistro are required, leading to potential downtime that businesses cannot afford.
Difficulties with Customer Support: Reaching customer support can be time-consuming, and some users face lengthy wait times and get passed from one representative to another.
Challenges with Reporting: Obtaining comprehensive reports is cumbersome, and the analytics provided are found to be lacking in depth by some users.
Onboarding and Training Challenges: Users noted the onboarding process could be difficult, and the lack of user-friendly support materials led to some businesses having to create their own training manuals.
Wi-Fi Connection Problems: Some users reported intermittent Wi-Fi connection issues, which occasionally require modem resets.
System Stability and Bugs: Instances of the system disconnecting daily, causing significant operational burdens and frustrations.
Limited Remote Management: Managing multiple restaurants or making substantial changes remotely is problematic due to limitations of the system’s infrastructure.
Where TouchBistro Stands Out for Cloud Kitchens
Online Ordering and Delivery
TouchBistro’s online ordering system enables you to receive orders directly from your restaurant’s website, bypassing third-party commission fees. This initiative is focused on boosting revenue by accepting orders for pickup and delivery via various avenues, including your website, social media channels, and more. Additionally, TouchBistro Marketing integration allows timely delivery of targeted online promotions to your customers.
Menu Management
TouchBistro provides easy management and updates for your online menu from any location. This ensures your menu stays current and aligned with your latest offerings.
Integrated Loyalty Program
Designed to attract online-ordering customers and encourage repeat business, TouchBistro’s loyalty program allows customers to place orders, accumulate points, and redeem rewards from any location.
POS System Integration
TouchBistro’s online ordering system connects with its POS system, ensuring that you receive immediate notifications of customer orders on your POS system for prompt acceptance.
Commission-Free Delivery Integration
Integrated with DoorDash Drive, TouchBistro offers a commission-free delivery solution—helping to move your orders from door-to-door without requiring separate delivery staff.
Digital Gift Card Integration
TouchBistro enhances the customer experience and drives additional revenue by allowing customers to pay for online orders using digital gift cards. It also enables them to purchase digital gift cards directly from your online ordering page.
Where TouchBistro Falls Short
While it is a highly regarded system, there are some areas for improvement and potential drawbacks to consider.
- Limited integrations: While TouchBistro has some integrations available, it may not have as many options as other POS systems. This could be a limiting factor for businesses that require more extensive integrations with other software and platforms.
- Limited reporting: There are certain areas where the reporting features need improvement to generate more useful sales, employee performance, and inventory reports.
Truffle
Truffle Systems is a company specializing in food service point-of-sale systems. Established in 2010, Truffle has its headquarters in Canada. They have solutions tailored for various quick-service food and beverage establishments, including ghost kitchens.
One of Truffle’s standout offerings that may interest you is the “GoBox,” a contactless food locker system that simplifies the pickup process for your customers and drivers. This feature helps in reducing crowding in front-of-house areas and prevents confusion during deliveries.
Truffle’s platform also offers you a unified dashboard, giving you control over operations ranging from front-of-house to back-office. This includes ordering, fulfillment, pickup, delivery, inventory management, and customer loyalty programs.
Why You Should Choose Truffle POS for Your Ghost Kitchen
Truffle’s Point of Sale (POS) system is uniquely tailored to meet the specific needs of cloud kitchens. It offers a unique blend of innovation, custom solutions, and ground-breaking features. Here’s why:
Innovation and Efficiency
Efficient Management: With Truffle’s system, you can efficiently manage multiple locations and franchises, saving precious time when generating reports.
Timely Delivery: Using a mobile driver app, Truffle ensures on-time delivery of your orders, enhancing customer satisfaction.
Larger Online Orders: Truffle’s platform encourages your customers to place larger online orders, compared to traditional over-the-phone orders.
Labor Savings: Truffle significantly reduces labor costs through streamlined kitchen and order management.
Tailored Solutions for Growth
Customized for Ghost Kitchens: Truffle has solutions that simplify the scaling of your pizza shop, whether it’s a single-location or multi-location operation.
Empowering Local Businesses: Unlike commission-driven platforms, Truffle focuses on empowering local cloud kitchen like yours with sustainable, affordable tools that yield tangible results.
Revolutionary Features
GoBox: Truffle’s GoBox is a game-changer, offering a scan, grab & go system that streamlines the pickup process, enhancing guest experience, and freeing up your staff.
Driver App: The driver management tools provide a comprehensive view of your delivery force, complete with live order tracking for customers.
Real-Time Reporting: Truffle’s single dashboard with real-time data illustrates the success of your business, a vital tool for attracting potential franchisees.
In summary, Truffle POS stands out for ghost kitchens by offering a specialized, comprehensive solution that combines efficiency, customization, and cutting-edge features, all aimed at enhancing your operations and growth.
Where Truffle Falls Short
- Pricing Structure: While Truffle Systems is affordable, their pricing model is dependent on a variety of factors which might make it less predictable and potentially more expensive for some businesses.
- Integration Challenges: The system may face difficulties in sharing information with other systems such as inventory management, complicating the accounting process.
- Software Complexity: As a multi-platform software that allows customization of restaurant layout, menu, etc., users may find it complex and challenging to use without proper training.
Truffle Payment Processing and Pricing
Truffle works with major payment processors such as Stripe, Global Payments, and Moneris, and also offers recommended hardware configurations that work seamlessly with their POS software.
Truffle POS’s pricing model is based on the size of the business. The pricing plans start at $79.99 and can vary depending on the specific needs of the business.
Key takeaways:
- Truffle POS offers innovative and efficient tools for managing your ghost kitchen.
- It provides tailored solutions to help you grow your business.
- Its revolutionary features, such as GoBox and the Driver App, streamline operations and enhance customer experience.
- Truffle POS focuses on empowering local pizzerias with sustainable, affordable tools.
- Truffle’s all-in-one management software includes menu management, customer loyalty programs, real-time reporting, and more.
Summary: Choosing the Right POS System
Opting for the right POS system is a pivotal business decision for any ghost kitchen. A well-suited system can refine operations, bolster efficiency, elevate the customer experience, and thereby, propel business growth and success.
Square for Restaurants, Toast, GoTab, and TouchBistro each bring to the table robust solutions tailored to cater to the specific needs of ghost kitchens. All these systems equip you with features such as online ordering, delivery integration, inventory administration, and advanced analytics. Yet, each of them carves out a unique niche.
(Click the links below for my full review of each system).
Square stands out with its exhaustive suite of features and seamless integration with other Square products. Toast sets the standard with its robust online ordering system and customer-facing technology, designed to nurture repeat clientele. GoTab distinguishes itself with a flexible, commission-free solution that’s straightforward to implement and operate.
Lastly, TouchBistro impresses with its integrated loyalty program and delivery integration feature, aimed at enhancing the customer experience and catalyzing additional revenue.
Choosing the perfect POS system for your ghost kitchen invariably hinges on your specific requirements and context. Consider crucial factors such as your budget, the scope of operations, desired integration platforms, and features of paramount importance to your business.
By meticulously scrutinizing each offering, and aligning it with your business objectives, you’re well-positioned to select the POS system best suited to your ghost kitchen’s needs.
You might also like:
How to Start a Ghost Kitchen Business: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Write a Ghost Kitchen Business Plan (With Examples)
How to Choose The Best Ghost Kitchen Business Model
What Is a Ghost Kitchen? A Guide to Virtual Restaurants
