OpenTable
OpenTable is a comprehensive restaurant management software providing online reservation booking, table management, and guest engagement tools to help hospitality businesses streamline operations and increase their seated diner counts.
Toast
Toast is an all-in-one point of sale and restaurant management platform designed to help you streamline operations, increase sales, and create better guest experiences through integrated technology.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | OpenTable | Toast |
|---|---|---|
| Website | opentable.com | toast.com |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $39/month | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1998 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | Boston, USA |
Overview
OpenTable
OpenTable is a versatile restaurant management platform that helps you fill more seats and provide personalized service to every guest. Instead of juggling paper logs, you get a digital book to manage reservations, waitlists, and floor plans in real-time. You can track guest preferences, dietary needs, and visit history to create memorable dining experiences that keep people coming back.
The platform connects you to a massive global network of diners searching for their next meal, effectively acting as a powerful marketing engine. You can also manage takeout orders, process payments, and analyze detailed performance reports to optimize your shifts. Whether you run a small bistro or a high-volume enterprise group, the software scales to handle your specific operational demands.
Toast
Toast is a comprehensive restaurant management platform that unifies your front-of-house, back-of-house, and guest engagement tools. Instead of juggling multiple disconnected systems, you can manage your entire operation—from tableside ordering and integrated payments to kitchen displays and inventory—through a single, purpose-built interface. It helps you speed up service, reduce manual errors, and gain deeper insights into your restaurant's performance.
You can adapt the platform to fit your specific service model, whether you run a fine-dining establishment, a quick-service cafe, or a multi-location franchise. Beyond the point of sale, you can handle complex tasks like automated payroll, team scheduling, and loyalty programs. The software is designed to keep your business running even if your internet goes down, ensuring you never miss a sale during peak hours.
Overview
OpenTable Features
- Reservation Management Accept bookings 24/7 through your website and the OpenTable app to keep your floor busy without answering phones.
- Custom Floor Plans Design and modify your dining room layout digitally to maximize seating capacity and improve server rotation efficiency.
- Guest Recognition Store detailed guest profiles including birthdays and allergies so you can offer personalized touches during every visit.
- Automated Marketing Send automated email campaigns and re-engagement messages to your past diners to drive repeat business effortlessly.
- Waitlist Management Give your walk-in guests accurate wait times and notify them via SMS when their table is ready.
- Advanced Analytics Review detailed reports on cover trends and server performance to make data-driven decisions for your business.
Toast Features
- Tableside Ordering. Take orders and accept payments directly at the table with handheld devices to increase table turnover and improve accuracy.
- Kitchen Display System. Connect your front-of-house directly to the kitchen with digital screens that track prep times and notify servers when food is ready.
- Online Ordering. Take control of your takeout and delivery business with a branded online ordering site that integrates directly with your POS.
- Menu Management. Update your menu across all devices and online platforms instantly from any location to keep your offerings and pricing current.
- Automated Payroll. Sync your employee hours directly from the POS to payroll to ensure accurate paychecks and simplify your tax filings.
- Inventory Tracking. Monitor your stock levels in real-time and track food costs to identify waste and improve your overall profitability.
- Guest Loyalty Programs. Create custom rewards and marketing campaigns to turn first-time visitors into regulars and grow your customer database.
- Real-time Reporting. Access detailed sales and labor reports from your phone or computer to make data-driven decisions for your business.
Pricing Comparison
OpenTable Pricing
- Online reservations
- Reservation confirmation emails
- Guest database
- Direct messaging
- Takeout management
- Cover fees apply
- Everything in Basic, plus:
- Table management
- Waitlist management
- Inventory controls
- Real-time floor monitoring
- POS integration
Toast Pricing
- Cloud-based POS software
- Payment processing integration
- Standard reporting
- Menu management
- Real-time fraud monitoring
- Everything in Quick Start, plus:
- Advanced reporting and analytics
- 24/7 customer support
- Gift card management
- Access to 100+ integrations
- Employee management tools
Pros & Cons
OpenTable
Pros
- Access to a massive global network of diners
- Intuitive interface for front-of-house staff
- Reliable guest data and history tracking
- Excellent mobile app for managing shifts remotely
Cons
- Per-cover fees can become expensive monthly
- Limited customization for automated guest emails
- Steep price jump between pricing tiers
Toast
Pros
- Reliable offline mode keeps you running during outages
- Intuitive interface makes training new staff quick
- Seamless integration between front and back of house
- Hardware is specifically built for harsh kitchen environments
- Regular software updates add useful new features
Cons
- Requires use of Toast for payment processing
- Hardware costs can be high for multiple terminals
- Add-on features can significantly increase monthly costs