How to Choose the Best POS System for Your Restaurant
Choosing the right Point of Sale (POS) system is one of the most critical decisions restaurant operators make. The right system doesn’t just handle transactions—it can transform operations, streamline accounting processes, and even boost profitability. As a firm specializing in accounting for restaurants, Over Easy Office (OEO) often helps clients navigate the complexities of selecting the right technology to manage their unique needs. Here’s our guide to making the best choice for your business.
Why a POS System Matters for Restaurant Accounting
In the fast-paced world of hospitality, a POS system isn’t just for tracking sales—it’s a critical hub for data collection that fuels accurate reporting, inventory management, and vendor reconciliation. For example, one of our clients struggled with matching POS sales data to third-party delivery payouts. Once they upgraded to a system with integrated reporting tools, the time spent reconciling those accounts dropped by half.
A robust POS system doesn’t just benefit the front of the house; it simplifies the back-office work, too, making it easier for accounting firms like ours to deliver insights that drive profitability.
Key Features to Look for in a Restaurant POS System
1. Integration with Accounting and Inventory Tools
A POS system should seamlessly sync with tools like Restaurant365, QuickBooks, or MarginEdge. This integration eliminates manual data entry and reduces errors. For example, systems that automatically update inventory as sales occur make it easier to keep costs under control.
2. Customizable Reporting
You need detailed, flexible reporting to track:
Sales by menu item
Peak business hours
Third-party delivery fees
Reporting helps you monitor trends and optimize operations. One of our favorite success stories involved a restaurant group that used POS analytics to identify underperforming menu items and increased profitability by 10% after re-engineering their menu.
3. Payment Processing Flexibility
In today’s market, customers expect multiple payment options. A good POS system should accept:
EMV chip cards
Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
Contactless payments
This not only improves customer experience but also keeps your restaurant competitive.
4. Cloud-Based vs. On-Premises
Cloud-based systems provide real-time access to sales and inventory data from anywhere, making them ideal for multi-location operations. On-premises systems, while reliable offline, often lack the scalability required by growing businesses.
5. Employee Management Features
Labor costs are one of the most significant expenses in the restaurant business. Many POS systems include tools for:
Time tracking
Tip pooling
Scheduling
These features can help ensure accurate payroll processing and compliance with labor laws.
Our Top Restaurant POS Systems: A Comparative Ranking
We’ve worked with many restaurant groups and accounting firms, giving us insight into which POS systems work best for different needs. Here are our top picks:
GoTab
our All-in-One Game-Changer for Seamless Dining Experiences
GoTab sits at the top of our list because it embodies innovation in every sense. The ability for diners to order and pay directly from their phones or with a server—without the hassle of apps—is a win for both guests and staff. From our perspective at Over Easy Office, GoTab’s mobile-first approach revolutionizes operations, giving your team more time to elevate customer service and streamline the back of house. Its flexible pricing ensures you only pay for success—a philosophy we absolutely respect.
GoTab POS Features for Restaurants:
Mobile Ordering & Payment
Online Ordering
Marketplace Multi Vendor Platform
Manager App
GoTap Point of Sale (POS)
Kiosk
Pocket POS
Kitchen Display System
SpotOn
Website: https://www.spoton.com/
Headquarters: San Francisco, California
Comprehensive POS with Small Business Sensibilities
SpotOn is perfect for restaurants ready to grow without stretching their budgets. We appreciate how this system caters to everyone from quick-service cafes to full-service dining, offering features like review management, online ordering, and employee tools at competitive pricing. SpotOn’s commitment to transparency aligns closely with Over Easy Office’s values—making it an excellent choice for operators seeking control and simplicity without compromises.
SpotOn POS Features for Restaurants
Point-of-sale
Handhelds
Labor & scheduling
Online ordering & delivery
Tip management
Kitchen display system
Payroll prep
Reservations & waitlist
Experience
Square
Website: https://squareup.com/
Headquarters: San Francisco, CA
A Simple Solution for Small-Scale Operators
Square deserves its spot for its affordability and ease of use. It’s perfect for restaurants dipping their toes into POS systems or for those prioritizing cost-effective solutions. At Over Easy Office, we think Square’s no-surprise pricing and free trial make it an accessible entry point for startups. While it may lack some advanced tools for scaling, its simplicity means less setup hassle and quicker adoption by staff.
Square POS for Restaurants
Restaurants POS
Square Point of Sale
Hardware
KDS
Kiosk
Online ordering
Marketing
Loyalty programs
Gift cards
Staff & payroll
Banking
Payments
Invoices
Aloha
Website: https://www.ncrvoyix.com/
A Reliable Workhorse for Industry Veterans
Aloha’s long-standing reputation is hard to ignore, and it’s clear they’ve modernized with their cloud-based offerings. Over Easy Office appreciates how Aloha Cloud simplifies employee onboarding while packing in features like loyalty programs and robust reporting. For restaurants with seasoned teams that value proven solutions, Aloha delivers reliability with a side of innovation.
Aloha POS Features for Restaurants
Loyalty & Marketing
Employee Management
Menu Management
Site Management
Flexible Reporting
Lightspeed
Website: https://www.lightspeedhq.com/
Headquarters: Montreal, Quebec
Good for Retail, But Needs Fine-Tuning for Hospitality
Lightspeed offers versatility but seems more suited for retail than restaurants. While its advanced features like omnichannel loyalty and accounting integrations catch our eye, we’ve found it less intuitive for busy kitchens and front-of-house teams. At Over Easy Office, we believe that seamless data and functionality are critical, and Lightspeed has room to grow in this area. However, for businesses that need flexibility and personalized support, Lightspeed could still shine.
Lightspeed POS Features for Restaurants
Payment Processing
Inventory Management
Accounting
Delivery
Kitchen Display System
Customer Facing Display
Payroll & Workforce Management
Tableside POS
Toast
A Modern and Cool Solution for Restaurant Growth
Toast is an all-in-one restaurant management system that simplifies operations, enhances guest experiences, and helps restaurants thrive. From POS and payroll to online ordering and reporting, Toast integrates every aspect of your business into one platform.
At Over Easy Office, we’re particularly impressed by Toast Websites—a customizable, integrated website builder that provides real-time updates across digital menus, online ordering, and POS. It’s a feature we’ve rarely seen and a game-changer for restaurant operators.
Toast POS for Restaurants - Features
Tableside Service
Online Ordering & Delivery
Analytics & Reporting
Menu Management
Choosing the Right System for Your Clients
One of our accounting firm partners recently guided a restaurant chain toward implementing Toast POS. Their decision was based on its seamless integration with their existing accounting software and robust menu management features, which ultimately saved the group thousands in labor and reporting time.
How to Get Started with the Right POS System
1. Assess Your Needs
Think about your restaurant’s size, concept, and growth plans. For instance, quick-service restaurants might prioritize fast payment processing, while fine dining establishments may focus on table management.
2. Evaluate Costs
Understand the full cost of ownership, including:
Hardware fees
Software subscriptions
Transaction processing rates
3. Test Drive Systems
Before committing, request demos and trials. It’s crucial to involve both front-line staff and back-office professionals to ensure the system works for everyone.
4. Prioritize Support
Choose a provider that offers 24/7 customer support, as downtime in your POS system can directly impact revenue.
Conclusion: How Over Easy Office Can Help
At Over Easy Office, we specialize in helping restaurants and their accounting teams get the most out of their POS systems. Whether it’s reconciling delivery service fees, automating inventory processes, or integrating financial data into accounting software, our team of over 400 professionals across the globe has the expertise to streamline your operations.
One of our recent projects involved collaborating with a multi-location restaurant group to integrate their POS system with Restaurant365. The result? They reduced month-end closing time by 30%, allowing their team to focus on strategic growth.
If you’re considering upgrading your POS system or need help leveraging it for better financial insights, contact us today. We’re here to make your back-office operations as seamless as possible. Get in touch with us here.