The best POS system out there, is dependent on your business model. Are you a small business with minimal square footage? Maybe opt for a cloud based POS system. Are you a multi-unit restaurant group that needs robust reporting and reservation capabilities? Maybe a hardware based POS solution is the best option for you. The key in looking for restaurant software is finding something that is flexible to your restaurant; not a “one size fits all” model.

So we're put together a small list of the possible point-of-sale systems that are best for your restaurant:

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Squirrel Point of Sale

As the first touch screen point-of-sale system on the market, Squirrel is a leading point-of-sale provider in the restaurant industry. With a quote based model for pricing, their software caters to small businesses to multi-location restaurant groups.

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Pros:

• Hospitality and restaurant focused
• Flexible pricing and products
• Software and hardware options
• Robust multi-unit location reporting

Cons:

• Level of ease of use is dependent on restaurant software knowledge
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Lavu

Looking for a mobile point-of-sale system? Look no further! Lavu is a restaurant specific mobile point-of-sale software that is made for those who love details. Their reports are extensive, and they offer inventory management for restaurants.

Pros:

• Restaurant specific
• Monthly contracts
• Detailed reporting

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Cons:

• Compatible with Apple/iOS devices only
• Different tiers of support
• Limited device options based on tiers
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Square

One of the tablet POS systems taking the industry by storm, is SquarePOS. With a payment terminal that’s presented as a sleek white square, SquarePOS works best for new restaurants, and quick service type establishments.

Pros:

• Compatible with both Apple and Android devices
• Easy set-up and navigation
• No extra hardware
• Third party integrations
• Loyalty program and marketing tools available

Cons:

• Interac/Debit cards can only be tapped, with a $100 limit
• Costly for high revenue businesses
• Limited phone support

Need more help picking your software solution? Check out our guide to running a restaurant with technology!