When it comes to restaurant franchise management, there’s no room for error.
With over 188,402 quick service restaurant (QSR) establishments in the US alone and hundreds of thousands more worldwide, restaurant franchise owners need to ensure that their operations are running smoothly.
That’s why having the right software is essential for managing a successful franchise business.
From inventory control systems to point-of-sale solutions and customer loyalty programs, there are many different types of software available on the market today that can help you manage your restaurant franchise better.
In this article, we will be discussing 10 of the best restaurant franchise management software currently available.
We’ll discuss what features they offer and how they can help you streamline your operations while providing valuable insights into customer behavior and improving overall profitability.
So let’s dive in!
What Is Restaurant Franchise Management Software?
Restaurant franchise management software is a specialized enterprise resource planning (ERP) software that helps restaurant owners and managers effectively manage their business operations.
It offers powerful tools for managing everything from customer relationship management (CRM), inventory control, point-of-sale (POS) systems, payroll, financials, and marketing strategies.
It also offers data analysis capabilities that allow businesses to monitor customer behaviors and make informed decisions about pricing strategies, promotions, and the overall success of their restaurant franchise.
The software can also help restaurants automate critical tasks such as scheduling staff shifts, ordering supplies, and creating detailed reports about sales trends.
This can save time and money for the business owner by streamlining processes that would otherwise take up more time if done manually.
Many restaurant franchise management solutions also come with features such as loyalty programs and mobile payment processing capabilities.
These features allow customers to conveniently complete transactions using their smartphones or other devices while tracking customer behavior.
This information can then be used to create targeted marketing campaigns or adjust prices accordingly to maximize profits.
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Types Of Restaurant Franchise Management Software
There are many types of software for managing franchises available, each of which comes with its own unique set of features and capabilities. Here are some examples of common types of management software:
1. Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
One of the most important aspects of running a successful restaurant franchise is having strong customer relationships.
A good CRM software allows you to track customer data and preferences, such as what they order and how often they return.
This information can be used to effectively target customers with tailored promotions, discounts, or loyalty programs that keep them coming back for more.
2. Inventory Management Software
Inventory management software is essential for keeping track of stock levels and ensuring that you have the right supplies on hand when you need them.
It allows restaurant owners to predict future demands accurately, order in bulk, automate inventory tracking, and even manage returns efficiently.
3. Point-of-Sale (POS) Software
Point-of-sale (POS) software helps streamline the checkout process and offers powerful tools for tracking sales and customer behaviors.
It can also help reduce errors, collect payments quickly, create detailed reports, and offer customers additional services such as loyalty programs or gift cards.
10 Best Restaurant Franchise Management Software
The ideal restaurant franchise management software for your franchise system will depend on your unique requirements and objectives.
Here are the 10 best restaurant franchise management software:
1. Toast
Toast POS is designed specifically for US-based businesses, including pubs, coffee shops, and restaurants.
While lowering expenses, it enables the development of worker productivity and customer satisfaction.
The software offers a menu management component that can take care of menu pricing, customization for online and offline clients, and menu creation.
When an order is done, a message can be generated, allowing managers to separate orders into groups and assign them to certain employees.
The app makes it possible to automate workflows for rewards and discounts and customize menus.
Managers can also track staff productivity through daily email alerts that Toast automatically sends.
Toast’s Quick Order function allows managers to execute orders quickly and precisely, reducing order errors.
The feature allows servers to take orders and receive payments at the same time using an iPad or other connected device.
The software also shows customers acceptable tip percentages, a helpful feature for customers and servers alike.
Features:
- Accepts multiple payment options
- Designed for the restaurant industry
- Live, 24/7 customer service for all plans
- Easy to use
Affordable entry-level packages
Pricing:
- Quick Start Bundle: $0/month
- Core: $69/month
- Growth: $165/month
2. MarketMan
If you’re looking for a restaurant franchise management software that truly has it all and will save you time, money, and headaches in the long run, MarketMan is well worth a look.
The software offers an impressive range of features designed to streamline back-of-house processes and lower COGS.
It can manage everything from inventory counts and procurement to accounting and reporting.
For starters, MarketMan offers a range of recipe costing tools that allow you to accurately calculate food costs.
This is a great way to ensure that you’re getting the best deals on ingredients and maximizing profits.
The software also offers an easy-to-use inventory system, allowing you to take inventory counts on any device.
Additionally, MarketMan boasts one-stop-shop ordering functionality, enabling managers and chefs to submit orders, check delivery statuses, and manage multiple vendors, all at the same time.
Advanced analytics are also available, allowing managers to keep an eye on the performance of their businesses and identify areas for improvement.
Finally, the software integrates with all major POS systems, accounting software, and food distributors, making it easy to access real-time information from multiple sources.
Whether you’re a franchise owner, chef, or general manager, MarketMan is essential for any successful restaurant.
Features:
- Helps reduce cost errors
- Users can set up real-time status alerts via text and email
- Advanced Analytics
- MarketMan guides buyers to suppliers
- Integrates with various other tools
Pricing:
- Operator: $179/month
- Professional: $249/month
- Ultimate: $399/month
3. TouchBistro
TouchBistro is an application designed to meet the needs of restaurants and virtually any other kind of food service establishment.
The platform is developed with the intention of automating almost every business procedure that is involved in the operation of restaurants, from marketing and loyalty programs to accounting and payroll.
This software can be used for various tasks, such as ordering food, tracking customer orders, scanning payment methods, and sending automated receipts.
The interface is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for anyone with an iPad to use TouchBistro.
Since TouchBistro operates on local area networks, it does not require an internet connection to function.
This makes it an excellent option for franchise owners who are constantly on the go and don’t always have access to the internet.
This essential function is reinforced by the application’s ability to report and manage menus using the cloud, allowing managers to access the information they need from anywhere in the world.
The software also offers detailed insights into sales, customer analytics, and performance-based analytics so that you can get a better understanding of how your restaurant is performing.
Features:
- Generate automated receipts
- Real-time analytics and reports
- Cloud-based menu management system
- Integrates with accounting software such as Quickbooks and Xero
- Offline operation mode available
Pricing:
- $69/month
4. When I Work
When I Work is an employee scheduling and time-tracking software solution that helps companies save time on scheduling, increase communication, and support transparency among staff members when it comes to time tracking.
When used properly, the program can help restaurant franchise owners become more organized and efficient.
This software has several useful features designed to make managing staff easier.
For example, it integrates with other applications, such as POS systems, allowing franchise owners and managers to keep track of employee performance in real-time.
The software also facilitates communication among staff members by providing them with an easy-to-use messaging platform where they can ask questions and share updates.
Additionally, the software allows franchise owners to easily set up shift times and assign them to employees — a major time-saver for businesses of all sizes.
One-click scheduling, labor forecasting, shift change schedule notifications, and labor reports are just a few of the features that make When I Work stand out from other restaurant franchise management software.
When I Work also has a schedule enforcement function that enables managers and team leaders to restrict clock-ins of employees based on their shifts and locations.
As a result, work schedules can be managed more effectively, ensuring employees always follow company guidelines.
Features:
- Integrates with POS systems
- The messaging platform for communication
- Easily set up shift times and assign them to employees.
- Visualizes workload and overtime
- One-click scheduling
Pricing:
- Standard: $2.50/user/month
- Advanced: $6.00/user/month
5. LightSpeed Restaurant
LightSpeed Restaurant is one of the most popular restaurant franchise management solutions, with big-name companies like Sony and the Five Guys chain trusting the software for their operations.
LightSpeed is essentially a POS system with integrated restaurant management capabilities.
This POS system is incredibly flexible and fast, so restaurants can quickly adapt to changing scenarios.
It’s also highly customizable, allowing businesses to tailor the software’s features to meet their needs.
Running on iPads, the software can be used in various ways and scales to meet different service styles and business models.
LightSpeed Restaurant is an all-in-one solution for restaurant franchise management.
It allows businesses to set up contactless ordering and payment options for customers and manage BOH and FOH operations such as staff scheduling, sales tracking, and inventory management.
In addition, the software offers powerful data and analytics insights to help franchise owners understand their customers better and make informed decisions.
Furthermore, LightSpeed Restaurant integrates with in-house, online, and delivery orders for speedy service.
It also has a floor plan and seating solution so restaurants can easily manage seating arrangements without hassle.
Color indications show if a table is occupied, free, or ready to pay. This can help improve table turnover and efficiency.
Features:
- Contactless ordering and payment
- BOH/FOH operations management
- Data and analytics insights
- Integrates in-house, online, and delivery orders
- Floor plan and seating solution
Pricing:
- Starter: $69/month
- Essential: $189/month
- Premium: $399/month
6. 7Shifts
7Shifts is an employee scheduling software similar to When I Work but with an added focus on improving employee attendance and organizing shifts efficiently.
This restaurant franchise management software helps businesses of all sizes manage employee workloads, keep track of time off requests, and create custom shift schedules.
One of the most notable features of 7Shifts is that it makes it much easier to create and modify shift schedules.
Since it comes with a native mobile app, employees can clock in from anywhere, and supervisors can approve scheduling requests even when away from their desks. It’s not just for employees, though.
The software also comes with different feature sets tailored for employees, managers, owners, and executives.
For example, managers can quickly create schedules for their large staff.
Similarly, owners and executives will have access to powerful analytics tools that provide an in-depth view of the business.
7Shifts makes it easier for managers and employees to communicate via integrated communication features, allowing them to quickly broadcast messages or send one-on-one messages.
This software is also very secure and compliant with industry standards such as GDPR and ISO/IEC 27001 for data security.
Features:
- Employee workload management
- Time off requests tracking
- Custom shift scheduling
- Native mobile app
- Integrated communication features
Pricing:
- Comp: $0/month
- Entrée: $29.99/month
- The Works: $69.99/month
- Chef’s Choice: $89.99/month
- Gourmet: $135/month
7. Oracle MICROS
The Oracle MICROS point of sale system is a staple of the restaurant industry. It is specifically designed to help restaurants manage their operations and keep up with customer demand.
Not only does it provide fast and secure transactions, but it helps franchise owners optimize in-house and online operations.
With Oracle MICROS, you can manage both front-of-house (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH) operations with one system.
For example, you can track performance with analytics and reporting, build schedules for employees, hire new staff members quickly, and even track labor compliance.
It also helps keep your costs in check with digital menus that keep track of prime costs.
The Inventory page of the dashboard offers tools for managing suppliers, making purchase orders, and comparing products received with invoices.
By keeping track of damaged, expired, and canceled orders, the system can help restaurants track waste.
Features:
- Touch screen POS
- Accepts multiple payment methods
- Inventory management toolsGift cards and loyalty programs
- Table management module
Pricing:
- Starts at $39.99/month
9. Clover
Clover is an integrated point-of-sale system created especially for small and medium-sized restaurants.
Thanks to its user-friendly interface, the system makes it simpler for restaurant staff to take orders and accept payments.
With Clover, restaurants can accept payments via NFC and mobile wallets in addition to credit and debit cards, cheques, and other forms of payment.
Restaurants will also be able to improve the dining experience for guests using Clover’s POS hardware and software.
Contactless payments make safer transactions possible while enabling digital receipts and one-touch tipping.
What’s more, Clover systems can accept payments even when the connection is down, processing those transactions once the connection is restored.
Clover’s table mapping feature helps FOH workers better manage seating assignments and table turns.
Additionally, their analytics solution provides powerful insights into the performance of your restaurant.
Whether you want to sort them by period, menu item, order type, or server, you can use this data to make better decisions.
For restaurants that accept online orders, Clover’s integrations with Grubhub and Order with Google make it easier to manage them.
The system also offers mobile ordering solutions that allow customers to pre-order and pay for their meals without ever stepping inside the restaurant.
Features:
- Contactless payments
- Online ordering capabilities
- Table mapping feature
- Integrates with Grubhub and Order with Google
- Reporting tools that allow you to track revenue
Pricing:
- Starter: $160/month
- Standard: $210/month
- Advanced: $310/month
10. Revel POS
Our final pick for the best restaurant franchise management software solutions is Revel POS, which also happens to be one of the first POS systems to use an iPad for point of sale.
Revel has been used by thousands of vendors all around the world, and it offers a great range of features that can help streamline your restaurant operations.
Revel offers tableside ordering, which allows servers to place orders directly from customers’ tables, streamlining the process and saving time.
The system also has a floor plan and table management capabilities for enhanced efficiency.
To make the most out of this offering, Revel POS provides custom iPad stands as well as portable ordering device enclosures.
For employee management and scheduling, Revel POS offers a solution that helps you manage staff more efficiently.
It also has digital menus that can be quickly updated to reflect seasonal changes or special promotions.
To ensure customer loyalty and retention, the system offers a loyalty program that rewards customers for repeat purchases.
Finally, Revel POS also has flexible payment options, so you can accept any kind of payment, from cash to mobile wallets.
All in all, Revel is an excellent choice for restaurants looking to upgrade their current software infrastructure and streamline operations.
Features:
- Tableside ordering
- Floor plan and table management
- Employee management and scheduling
- Digital menus
- Loyalty program integration
Pricing:
- POS Software Costs: $99/month
- Implementation: $674.00
Comparison Of Top 10 Restaurant Franchise Management Software
| Name | Year Founded | Free Trial | Pricing | Capterra Rating | Headquarters |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toast | 2011 | Demo available | $69/month | 4.2 | Boston, Massachusetts, USA |
| MarketMan | 2013 | Demo available | $179/month | 4.7 | New York, USA |
| TouchBistro | 2010 | Not available | $69/month | 4.0 | Toronto, Canada |
| When I Work | 2010 | Available | $2.50/month | 4.5 | Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA |
| Lightspeed | 2005 | Available | $69/month | 4.2 | Montreal, Canada |
| 7Shifts | 2014 | Available | $29.99/month | 4.7 | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Oracle MICROS | 1997 | Demo available | Custom | 4.6 | Austin, Texas, USA |
| Sapaad | 2013 | Available | $39.99/month | 4.3 | Singapore |
| Clover | 2010 | Demo available | $160/month | 3.9 | Sunnyvale, California, USA |
| Revel | 2010 | Demo available | $99/month | 3.7 | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
Wrapping Up
Restaurant franchise management software is a valuable tool for your business as it helps streamline operations and make them more efficient.
The above-mentioned software solutions are all excellent options that can help you improve the way you run your restaurant, no matter what size or type of franchise you operate.
When choosing one, consider features such as contactless payments, table mapping and reporting tools, and employee scheduling features, among others.
By taking all these aspects into consideration, you can find the perfect restaurant franchise management software for your business.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do I Need a Management Software for My Restaurant Franchise?
A restaurant franchise management software can help streamline operations, improve customer loyalty and retention, and optimize staff scheduling.
It also offers powerful analytics tools that can give you insights into the performance of your business so you can make better decisions.
What Are The Main Features of Restaurant Franchise Management Software?
Some of the main features of restaurant franchise management software are inventory management, customer loyalty programs, store performance tracking and analytics, staff scheduling and payroll functions, point-of-sale integration, and marketing capabilities.
What Are The Benefits of Having a Restaurant Franchise Management Software?
Having restaurant franchise management software can help you save time and money.
It allows you to track store performance so you can make better decisions and optimize operations.
You’ll also be able to better manage staff, inventory, and customer loyalty programs.
Amit Gupta is an experienced expert in digital marketing and co-founder of DrFranchises. With more than 11 years of knowledge in franchise digital marketing, SEO, email marketing, and social media marketing, Amit has helped many brands achieve incredible success online. As a passionate entrepreneur and owner of 7 franchises, he continues to study franchise models, looking at costs, revenue, and profitability to guide brands toward profitable growth. When he’s not working on digital marketing, Amit enjoys spending time playing with his beloved dog.