Customized add-on products
Pros
- iOS-based interface is user-friendly
- Integrates with several payment processors
- Built-in online ordering, reservation, and loyalty options
- Add-on features can be customized
Cons
- No free plans or free trial
- Less robust workforce management
- Contracts are automatically renewed with a short window for cancellation
- Third-party apps are required for purchase orders and vendor management
About TouchBistro
TouchBistro is a user-friendly POS system for iPad that has supported more than 29,000 restaurants in over 100 countries. This point-of-sale provider is known for its essential features, scalability, and flexibility. TouchBistro is a great fit for restaurant businesses with high turnover rates. It’s easy to train new hires to manage the system but businesses will be required to commit to a contract.
Products and Services
TouchBistro is a streamlined restaurant POS with a competitive price point. The system supports a variety of payment processors so business owners can find the best rates. Restaurants with high staff turnover will find TouchBistro advantageous for their operations. The cloud system has a user-friendly interface which makes it easier for new staff to learn.
TouchBistro’s POS system provides hardware and software that restaurants need to track their sales and manage payments. This is designed for quick-service and full-service restaurants, bars, nightclubs, cafes, and food trucks. The system can help restaurants manage menus, tables, staff, and inventory as well. There are tools built-in that help businesses determine which menu items get the most profit and expedite table turnover.
TouchBistro works on iPads only so this is one consideration for business owners. There are available printers, scanners, and routers from TouchBistro but it is also possible to set up their software on the hardware available in the location. There are live workshops and demos, tutorials, and a chance to talk to an onboarding manager if you need to set up a tool or feature.
Core Features
1. Table management
TouchBistro presents user-friendly table management and food plan software that allows you to effortlessly design your restaurant’s layout. You can designate staff to specific sections and monitor table availability in your dining area seamlessly. Furthermore, it simplifies table transfers, allowing diners to switch without any fuss.
2. Tableside ordering
The system provides restaurant staff with convenient access to the menu. It also allows servers to enter items along with modifiers and quickly send the complete order ticket to the kitchen. Additionally, it incorporates a feature that prompts servers to suggest other items, and it helps them to split or combine bills if the customer requests it. Furthermore, the system facilitates “card not present” transactions and offers the convenience of automatic gratuity calculation at checkout.
3. Menu management
The POS system can be used to build just menus. Items can be customized by adding detailed descriptions which can also help servers when dealing with customer inquiries or special orders. It’s possible to schedule seasonal changes or specials by duplicating the current menu.
4. Staff management
The software also gives access to a clock-in/clock-out feature that helps track employee hours accurately. This feature enables you to assign individual accounts to staff members and customize their permissions according to their roles within the business. Crucial details pertaining to employee payroll are securely stored, simplifying wage calculations. Moreover, comprehensive reports with data on overtime hours and labor costs are accessible.
5. Inventory management
The software allows users to create a comprehensive record of ingredient quantities and costs incorporated in their recipes. This feature helps in calculating precise menu item profit margins, enabling you to make informed decisions regarding the retention or removal of specific items from your menu.
6. Reports and analytics
The software offers an extensive collection of over 50 reports. Each one provides key insights into the overall performance of the restaurants. Managers and owners benefit from data relating to customer behavior, preferences, and spending patterns. this knowledge helps when it comes to selecting menu offers, promo strategies, and necessary improvements to the service. Reports on staff performance are also available
Additional Features
1. Reservations
The booking system is flexible and suitable for restaurants of all sizes. TouchBistro levies an additional flat monthly fee to access this feature. You have total control over the availability of online reservations, allowing you to block out specific dates or time slots as needed. Once guests make reservations through the system, they receive email confirmations
2. Online Orders
This versatile system enables customers to place advance orders and make online payments seamlessly. Customers gain the convenience of placing orders through multiple channels. They can order directly from your website, social media platforms, and TouchBistro Dine, the reservation platform. It’s important to note that this feature is available in the United States and Canada, except Quebec.
3. Loyalty Programs
The CRM feature within TouchBistro offers a variety of reward options for your valued patrons. You have the flexibility to set up tailored promotions for customers and send them via email. Customers who meet a certain set of criteria can automatically receive rewards. This can be based on a certain amount spent or a specific item purchased. Loyal patrons can monitor and redeem points through the Customer Web App.
Pricing
TouchBistro recognizes that each restaurant has unique needs and provides customizable solutions with flexible pricing. This allows you to tailor the restaurant management system to suit your specific needs. To get started, simply reach out to TouchBistro’s dedicated sales team.
TouchBistro’s POS software offers a competitive starting price of $69 per month, which covers menu management, tableside ordering, floor plan, table management, and staff management, as well as robust reporting and analytics capabilities. Scalability is supported by offering additional features for customer engagement.
• Reservation: $229
• Online ordering: $50
• Gift cards: $25
• Loyalty program: $99
• Marketing: $99
Customer Support
TouchBistro takes customer support seriously, offering free and accessible assistance through various channels such as phone, chat, and email. The support team is available 24/7, even during holidays, to promptly address any customer inquiries or concerns.
Upon signing up for TouchBistro, an onboarding manager will guide you through the entire setup process. This includes assistance with installation, menu setup, and comprehensive training to ensure a smooth transition and efficient use of the system. One of the notable benefits of TouchBistro is the remote access feature, which allows a skilled staff member to securely access your POS system to diagnose and resolve any issues
Conclusion
TouchBistro POS stands out as an excellent choice for restaurants seeking a solution to streamline their unique operations effectively. Its customizable à la carte approach makes it ideal for restaurateurs who wish to use a POS system that suits their specific requirements and to only pay for the features they need.
Since most employees can become proficient with TouchBistro POS in under an hour, the learning curve is minimal, enabling new staff members to quickly adapt and efficiently handle transactions and orders. However, for those who prefer an Android-based platform, are specifically looking for a free POS provider, or would like to try out the features of different POS systems before committing.