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.
UpMenu
UpMenu is an all-in-one online ordering system that helps restaurants build branded websites, manage mobile orders, and run automated marketing campaigns to increase direct sales and customer loyalty.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Toast | UpMenu |
|---|---|---|
| Website | toast.com | upmenu.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Free | $49/month |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 7 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2011 | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Boston, USA | Warsaw, Poland |
Overview
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.
UpMenu
UpMenu gives you the tools to take full control of your restaurant's digital presence and stop relying on expensive third-party delivery apps. You can build a professional, branded website with a built-in ordering system that works perfectly on desktops and mobile devices. This allows you to collect orders directly from your customers, keep 100% of your data, and avoid high commission fees that eat into your profit margins.
The platform also includes a suite of growth tools to keep your tables full and your kitchen busy. You can launch automated email and SMS marketing campaigns, manage a digital loyalty program, and even create your own branded mobile app for the App Store and Google Play. It is designed for single locations and large chains alike, providing a centralized dashboard to manage menus, promotions, and customer feedback in real-time.
Overview
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.
UpMenu Features
- Branded Website Builder. Create a professional restaurant website using high-conversion templates designed specifically to turn visitors into hungry customers.
- Mobile Ordering App. Launch your own branded iOS and Android apps so your customers can place orders with just a few taps.
- Automated Marketing. Send automated SMS, email, and push notifications to recover abandoned carts and encourage repeat orders from past guests.
- Loyalty & Rewards. Build a custom loyalty program with digital stamps and points to reward your regulars and increase lifetime value.
- Table Reservation System. Manage your floor plan and accept table bookings directly through your website to streamline your front-of-house operations.
- Digital Menu QR Codes. Provide contactless dine-in experiences by allowing guests to scan, view your menu, and pay directly from their phones.
Pricing Comparison
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
UpMenu Pricing
- 1 restaurant location
- Online ordering system
- Website builder
- Mobile responsive menu
- Real-time order notifications
- Basic marketing tools
- Everything in Basic, plus:
- Branded mobile app
- Automated marketing campaigns
- Loyalty program features
- Advanced reporting and analytics
- Coupons and promo codes
Pros & Cons
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
UpMenu
Pros
- Fixed monthly pricing eliminates expensive per-order commissions
- User-friendly interface makes menu updates quick and simple
- Highly responsive customer support helps with technical setup
- Professional website templates look great on mobile devices
Cons
- Initial setup of the mobile app takes time
- Limited advanced customization for very complex menus
- Marketing automation requires some time to learn properly