What is Toast?
If you run a restaurant, you’ve probably heard about Toast POS. It’s an all-in-one system built just for food service, handling everything from taking orders to paying your staff. Our Toast review will give you the real picture.
The biggest draw is the $0 monthly starter plan, which gets you the essential software to run your business.
But is it truly right for you? This Toast review finds that while it’s powerful, it’s not for everyone. It’s perfect if you want a system that understands restaurant life, with features like tableside ordering on tough handheld devices and your own commission-free online ordering site.
However, you are locked into their payment processing and a long-term contract. We think it’s a fantastic fit for growing sit-down or quick-service restaurants that want everything in one place, but smaller operations should watch out for the total cost.
Small Business, Enterprise
Key Features
Restaurant POS
The main system for taking orders and payments. It's easy to use and lives online.
Your Own Online Ordering
Let customers order directly from your website for pickup/delivery. No paying commissions to services like Uber Eats.
Order at the Table
Use small, tough handheld devices so servers can take orders and process payments right at the table.
Track Your Stock
Know exactly how much food and supplies you have left. Update your menu from anywhere.
Kitchen Screens
Orders go straight to screens in the kitchen. This cuts down on mistakes and speeds things up.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Made Just for Restaurants: It's not a generic system. It gets how restaurants really work.
- Tough Hardware: The tablets and handhelds can survive spills and the heat of a busy kitchen.
- Support Anytime: You can call for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- See Your Numbers: Get clear reports on what's selling, what your staff costs are, and what's popular on your menu.
Cons
- You're Locked In: You must use Toast's payment processing and their hardware. You can't use another company.
- Long Contract: You usually have to sign up for 2 years. Leaving early costs a lot of money.
- Can Get Pricey: The basic software is cheap, but the hardware and add-ons make the total cost high.
- Support Can Be Hit-or-Miss: Sometimes you get help fast, other times it can be slow and frustrating.
Pricing Plans
Core Plan
- Everything in Starter
- Plus staff management
- Connections to other apps
Growth Plan
- Adds online ordering for your website
- Delivery
- Gift cards.
Custom Plans
- Everything, plus payroll
- Advanced marketing
- Loyalty programs.
How It Compares
Square for Restaurants
More powerful features made just for restaurants; tougher hardware; better for complex menus and big kitchens.
Clover
Toast is 100% focused on restaurants, while Clover is for all small businesses. Toast has built-in delivery and payroll.
TouchBistro
Better for growing or multi-location restaurants; has more features and you can get support any time, day or night.