Top 7 Most Recommended POS For Bakeries & Cafes
Written by
Daniel Zvi
Running a successful bakery or café requires balancing creativity with operational efficiency. From managing perishable inventory to handling high transaction volumes during peak hours, bakeries and cafes face unique challenges that demand specialized tools. A well-suited POS system for bakeries or cafe POS system can be a game-changer, helping you streamline order management, track inventory, and deliver an exceptional customer experience.
In this article, we’ll review the top 7 best POS systems for bakeries and cafes, exploring their key features, pricing, and benefits. Whether you own a small bakery, a cozy coffee shop, or a bustling café, these POS systems are tailored to meet your needs, offering tools like inventory tracking, loyalty programs, and online ordering integrations. Let’s find the perfect solution to help your business thrive!
Our top picks for December 2024
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Restaurants & food trucks
Key Features to Look for in a POS System for Bakeries & Cafes
Choosing the best POS system for bakeries or cafes requires focusing on the features that address the unique demands of your business. From handling high transaction volumes to managing perishable inventory, the right bakery POS system or cafe POS software can make a significant difference. Here are the essential features to consider:
Inventory Management for Bakeries and Cafes
- Track perishable ingredients and raw materials to reduce waste and optimize costs.
- Use automated reorder alerts to maintain stock levels of essentials like flour, coffee beans, and pastries.
- Real-time inventory tracking across multiple locations ensures seamless operations for growing businesses.
Quick-Service and Mobile POS Capabilities
- Enable faster checkouts with features like touchscreen systems, mobile payments, and self-service kiosks.
- Optimize counter-service workflows to handle high-volume transactions during peak hours.
- Integrate with kitchen display systems (KDS) to speed up order preparation for cafes and bakeries.
Custom Order and Special Request Management
- Easily manage personalized orders, such as custom cakes or specialty coffee drinks.
- Include detailed notes for dietary preferences or design specifics to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Offer order modification options directly within the POS system for flexibility.
Customer Loyalty Programs and Marketing Tools
- Build repeat business with loyalty rewards programs tailored to bakeries and cafes, such as free coffee after a set number of visits.
- Use your cafe POS system to collect customer data and launch personalized promotions.
- Leverage built-in marketing tools to announce special offers, seasonal discounts, and new menu items.
Online Ordering and Delivery Integration
- Sync with third-party platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Grubhub to expand your delivery services.
- Offer native online ordering options directly through your POS system for cafes, making it easy for customers to place orders for pickup or delivery.
- Manage all orders, including dine-in, takeout, and delivery, from one central system.
User-Friendly Design
- Ensure your POS system for small bakeries or cafes is intuitive and requires minimal staff training.
- Look for mobile-friendly point-of-sales systems or touchscreen interfaces to handle fast-paced operations efficiently.
- Streamline workflows for new or seasonal employees, improving onboarding and reducing errors.
Detailed Reporting and Analytics
- Access sales insights, track best-selling products, and identify peak hours to maximize profitability.
- Monitor staff performance and productivity to make informed scheduling decisions.
- Use analytics to adjust inventory, pricing, and marketing strategies based on real-time data.
Scalability and Integration
- Choose a point of sales system for bakeries and cafes that can grow with your business, supporting additional locations or higher transaction volumes.
- Ensure the POS integrates seamlessly with other tools, such as accounting software, payroll systems, and customer relationship management (CRM).
Top 7 POS Systems for Bakeries & Cafes
Here are the best POS systems tailored specifically for bakeries and cafes, offering features to streamline operations, improve customer experience, and boost sales. For each system, we’ll explore key features, pricing, transaction fees, and suitability.
1. Toast POS
Key Features:
- Built specifically for foodservice businesses, Toast POS excels in managing orders for cafes and bakeries.
- Inventory management for tracking ingredients and minimizing waste.
- Tableside ordering and payments for fast service.
- Integration with online ordering platforms and delivery services.
- Customizable loyalty programs to reward repeat customers.
Pricing:
- Hardware: Starts at $0 for basic hardware bundles with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- Software: Starts at $69/month for the Essentials Plan.
- Transaction Fees: 2.49% + 15¢ for card-present transactions; 3.50% + 15¢ for card-not-present transactions.
Best For: Full-service bakeries and cafes needing robust customization and scalability.
Our top picks for December 2024
2. TouchBistro
Key Features:
- iPad-based POS system designed for small to medium-sized cafes and bakeries.
- Built-in menu and table management tools for cafes with dine-in options.
- Offline functionality ensures operations continue without internet connectivity.
- Integration with customer loyalty and marketing tools.
- Advanced reporting to analyze sales and track inventory.
Pricing:
- Point of Sale (POS):
- POS Software: Starts at $69 per month. This includes features like menu management, floor plan and table management, reporting and analytics, staff management, tableside ordering, and integrations.
- Front of House Solutions:
- Payments: Pricing is quote-based and varies depending on the specific needs of the restaurant. TouchBistro offers integrated payment processing solutions with transparent terms and competitive rates.
- Customer Facing Display: Pricing details are not specified on the website; interested parties are encouraged to contact TouchBistro for a custom quote.
- Back of House Solutions:
- Inventory Management: Starts at $195 per month. This solution helps in saving time, reducing food costs, and managing inventory with ease.
- Labor Management: Starts at $69 per month. It streamlines labor forecasting, employee scheduling, and task management while keeping costs in check.
- Kitchen Display System (KDS): Starts at $19 per month. The KDS streamlines communication between front and back of house, improving order accuracy and delivering a seamless guest experience.
- Profit Management: Starts at $330 per month. This platform processes invoices digitally, tracks costs, automates key accounting processes, and maximizes profitability.
- Guest Engagement Solutions:
- Online Ordering: Starts at $50 per month. This feature allows diners to order takeout and delivery directly from the restaurant, with the restaurant retaining 100% of the profits.
- Reservations: Starts at $229 per month. It offers a complete reservation and guest management platform with no cover charges, providing a low, predictable monthly bill.
- Loyalty Programs: Pricing details are not specified on the website; interested parties are encouraged to contact TouchBistro for a custom quote.
- Marketing: Pricing details are not specified on the website; interested parties are encouraged to contact TouchBistro for a custom quote.
- Gift Cards: Pricing details are not specified on the website; interested parties are encouraged to contact TouchBistro for a custom quote.
- Integration Partners: TouchBistro integrates with various third-party applications, and pricing for these integrations may vary. For detailed pricing information, it's recommended to contact TouchBistro directly.
Please note that hardware costs are not included in the above prices and may vary based on the specific requirements of the restaurant. Additionally, all prices are subject to change, and it's advisable to consult with TouchBistro for the most current pricing and to obtain a customized quote based on your restaurant's needs.
Best For: Small bakeries and cafes looking for an easy-to-use and reliable POS system.
Our top picks for December 2024
3. Square for Restaurants
Key Features:
- A flexible and affordable solution for small cafes and bakeries.
- Free plan available with basic POS features.
- Built-in online ordering system with no additional cost.
- Inventory tracking tools for perishable goods.
- Seamless integration with Square’s ecosystem, including payroll and marketing tools.
Pricing:
- Hardware: Starts at $0 for basic terminals, with upgrades available.
- Software: Free for basic use; advanced plans start at $60/month.
- Transaction Fees: 2.6% + 10¢ for card-present transactions; 3.5% + 15¢ for manually entered transactions.
Best For: Small, budget-conscious bakeries and cafes needing basic yet efficient functionality.
Our top picks for December 2024
4. SumUp
Key Features:
- Portable POS system ideal for pop-up bakeries and mobile coffee carts.
- Simplified order and payment processing.
- Basic sales reporting tools.
- No monthly fees, making it cost-effective for small operations.
Pricing:
- Hardware: Starts at $54 for the SumUp Plus Card Reader.
- Software: No monthly fees.
- Transaction Fees: 2.6% + 10¢ for in-person transactions; 3.5% + 15¢ for online or manually entered transactions.
Best For: Small, mobile bakeries and cafes looking for a no-frills, portable POS system.
Our top picks for December 2024
5. SpotOn
Key Features:
- Tailored solutions for bakeries and cafes with loyalty programs and marketing tools.
- Menu and inventory management for quick-service workflows.
- Customizable setup for different bakery and café layouts.
- Integration with online ordering and delivery platforms.
Pricing:
- Hardware: Starts at $0 with pay-as-you-go pricing options.
- Software: Plans start at $25/month.
- Transaction Fees: 1.99% + 25¢ for card-present transactions; 2.89% + 25¢ for keyed-in transactions.
Best For: Growing bakeries and cafes that prioritize marketing and customer engagement.
Our top picks for December 2024
6. SkyTab
Key Features:
- Handheld devices for tableside orders and payments.
- Built-in loyalty programs and delivery management.
- Customizable menu setup for quick-service cafes.
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics.
Pricing:
- Hardware: Custom pricing based on business needs.
- Software: Starts at $29.99/month.
- Transaction Fees: 2.49% + 15¢ per transaction.
Best For: High-volume cafes and bakeries offering tableside service and delivery options.
Our top picks for December 2024
7. CAKE POS
Key Features:
- Designed for bakeries and cafes with custom order management needs.
- Kitchen Display System (KDS) for efficient order tracking.
- Tools for managing reservations and waitlists.
- Detailed reporting and analytics to monitor performance.
Pricing:
- Hardware: $999 for the Full Service Essentials package.
- Software: $69/month.
- Transaction Fees: 3% + 15¢ per transaction.
Best For: Full-service bakeries and cafes requiring robust custom order management and reporting tools.
Our top picks for December 2024
Top 7 POS Systems for Bakeries & Cafes Compared
| POS System | Hardware Starting Price | Software Cost | Transaction Fees | Best For |
| Toast | Custom Quote | Starts at $69/month | 2.49% + $0.15 (card-present) | Full-service and quick-service bakeries |
| TouchBistro | Custom Quote | Starts at $69/month | Custom rates via payment partner | Small to medium-sized bakeries and cafes |
| Square | $0 (Free Plan) | $0–$60/month | 2.6% + $0.10 (card-present) | Budget-conscious cafes and mobile bakeries |
| SumUp | $54+ | No monthly fees | 2.6% + $0.10 (in-person) | Small, mobile bakeries and pop-up cafes |
| SpotOn | $0–$135+ (Plan dependent) | Starts at $25/month | 1.99% + $0.25 or 2.89% + $0.25 | Growing bakeries with marketing needs |
| SkyTab | Custom Quote | Starts at $29.99/month | 2.49% + $0.15 (standard) | High-volume cafes offering delivery services |
| CAKE | $999 (Full Service) / $1,299 (Quick Service) | $69/month | 3% + $0.15 (card-present) | Custom-order bakeries and full-service cafes |
How to Choose the Best POS for Your Bakery or Cafe
Selecting the best POS system for small bakeries and cafes involves evaluating your operational priorities, budget, and customer engagement strategies. Here’s how to decide:
Identify Your Key Features
- Inventory Management: Choose a POS that tracks perishable ingredients and alerts you when to reorder supplies like flour, coffee beans, or milk.
- Quick-Service Tools: Look for mobile POS systems or touchscreen options to handle high transaction volumes during peak hours.
Prioritize Customer Loyalty Tools
- Build repeat business with loyalty programs that reward customers for frequent visits. Choose a POS system for cafes or bakeries that offers integrated loyalty programs or marketing features.
Consider Total Costs
- Evaluate hardware costs, software subscription fees, and transaction charges. High-volume businesses should prioritize systems with competitive processing fees to maximize profitability.
Scalability and Integrations
- If you’re planning to expand, opt for a scalable POS system for bakeries or cafes that integrates with third-party tools like accounting software, online ordering platforms, and delivery services.
Trial Before You Commit
- Request a free trial or demo from POS providers to see how the system fits your workflow. Involve your team for valuable feedback on usability and efficiency.
Find The Right POS System For Your Cafe Or Bakery Today
Finding the right point of sale system for bakeries and cafes is crucial for streamlining your business operations. From managing inventory and customer orders to enhancing loyalty programs, the right POS system can help you save time, reduce costs, and boost customer satisfaction. Discover our detailed reviews of these POS systems for small bakeries and cafes to make an informed decision.
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