If you're a restaurant owner exploring POS systems, you've likely considered Square. While Square has revolutionized payment processing, many restaurant owners find themselves searching for alternatives that better suit their specific needs. Whether you're looking for more robust kitchen management features, better integration with delivery platforms, or enhanced reporting capabilities, there are several excellent options available. In this guide, we'll explore seven apps like Square that can help elevate both your dine-in and delivery services.

Why Look for a Square Alternative?

Imagine you're building a sandcastle, and all you have is a small plastic shovel. It works, but it takes a long time, and you can't make the castle as big or as fancy as you want. That's kind of like using Square for your restaurant. While it's a good tool, it might not have all the features you need to make your business really shine. For example, Square is great for taking payments, but it might not help you with things like managing your kitchen, keeping track of your supplies, or rewarding loyal customers. That's why many restaurant owners are looking for alternatives that can do more.

Did you know that 70% of restaurant owners say they need more than just payment processing to run their business smoothly? That's where Square alternatives come in. These apps are like bigger, better shovels that can help you build a stronger, more successful restaurant.

Top 7 Square Alternatives for Restaurants in 2025

When selecting a POS system, it's crucial to find one that aligns with your restaurant's specific operational needs and growth goals. Here are seven outstanding options that serve as excellent alternatives to Square:

Peblla: The All-in-One Restaurant Management Solution

Imagine you have a magic toolbox that can do almost everything you need to run your restaurant. That's what Peblla is like! It's a super-helpful tool that makes managing your restaurant easy and fun. Whether you have a big restaurant with lots of tables, a fast-food place where people grab food on the go, or even multiple locations, Peblla is there to help you out.

Why Peblla is a Great Square Alternative

Many restaurant owners use Square because it's easy to set up and good for taking payments. But sometimes, Square isn't enough. It's like having a toy car that can only go forward and backward, but you need one that can turn and speed up too. That's where Peblla comes in. It's like a supercharged race car with lots of cool features built right in!

Integrated Loyalty Programs

One of the best things about Peblla is its loyalty program. Think of it like a special club for your customers. When they visit your restaurant, they earn points, and those points can be used to get free food or discounts. This makes your customers super happy and keeps them coming back. In fact, restaurants that use loyalty programs like Peblla see their customers visit 20% more often than those that don't!

AI-Powered Phone Ordering

Ever wished you could have a robot assistant to take orders over the phone? Well, Peblla has something even better! Its AI-powered phone ordering system is like a smart robot that can understand what people want and place orders quickly. This means your customers don't have to wait on hold, and your staff can focus on cooking and serving food.

Comprehensive Reporting and Analytics

Peblla is also great at helping you understand your restaurant's performance. Imagine having a magic crystal ball that shows you exactly what's happening in your business. Peblla's reporting and analytics are like that crystal ball. You can see how much money you're making, which dishes are the most popular, and even how much time it takes to serve each table. This helps you make smart decisions to grow your business.

User-Friendly Interface

Using Peblla is as easy as playing a video game. Its interface is super simple and fun for both you and your staff. Whether you're taking orders, managing inventory, or checking reports, everything is easy to find and use. This means less time spent training your staff and more time spent making your customers happy.

Seamless Integration with Delivery Platforms

In today's world, lots of people order food to be delivered to their homes. Peblla works perfectly with popular delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash. This means you can accept orders from anywhere without any hassle. It's like having a secret tunnel that connects your restaurant to your customers' homes!

Why Peblla Stands Out

Peblla is different from Square because it's made just for restaurants. While Square is great for many businesses, it doesn't have all the features you need to run a restaurant smoothly. For example, Square might require you to add extra tools for things like inventory management or staff scheduling. But with Peblla, everything you need is already included. It's like having a complete toolbox instead of just a hammer.

Real-Life Example

Let's say you own a pizza place called "Pizza Paradise." Before using Peblla, you had to use different apps for taking orders, managing inventory, and rewarding loyal customers. It was confusing and time-consuming. But after switching to Peblla, everything became much easier. You could see all your orders in one place, manage your ingredients, and even reward your loyal customers with points. Your staff loved the easy-to-use interface, and your customers were happier because their orders were processed faster. In just a few months, you saw your sales go up by 15%!

Toast: Specialized for Restaurants

Toast is a specialized system designed to help restaurants run smoothly, especially quick-service and casual dining spots. Think of it as a super-smart assistant that handles everything from managing the kitchen to keeping track of ingredients and even integrating with popular food delivery apps like Uber Eats or DoorDash. It’s like having a Swiss Army knife for your restaurant!

If you’re looking for a Square alternative or apps like Square, Toast is one of the top companies similar to Square but with a laser focus on restaurants. While Square is great for general small businesses, Toast is tailored specifically for the food industry. For example, it has a robust kitchen management system that ensures orders are prepared quickly and accurately, and its inventory tracking helps restaurants avoid running out of key ingredients—like a pizza place running out of cheese (disaster avoided!).

Here’s why Toast stands out among Square competitors or Squareup alternatives:

• Menu Management: Easily update your menu, add daily specials, or adjust prices with just a few clicks. It’s as simple as editing a document on your computer.

• Inventory Tracking: Imagine knowing exactly how much ketchup or coffee beans you have left without having to dig through the pantry. Toast does that for you!

• Restaurant-Focused Support: Unlike other apps like Square, Toast’s support team knows the restaurant biz inside and out. They’re like having a coach who speaks your language.

For small businesses, Toast is one of the best Square alternatives for small business owners in the food industry. While Squareup competitors like Clover or Shopify might work for retail, Toast is built to handle the unique challenges of running a restaurant. For example, if you’re a burger joint, Toast can help you track how many patties you’ve sold in a day and alert you when it’s time to reorder buns.

Lightspeed: Versatile Restaurant POS

Lightspeed is a powerful and versatile Point of Sale (POS) system designed specifically for restaurants, especially mid-sized to large ones or those with multiple locations. Think of it as a high-tech control center that helps restaurants manage everything from taking orders to tracking inventory and analyzing sales. If you’re looking for a Square alternative or apps like Square, Lightspeed is one of the top companies similar to Square but with a stronger focus on restaurants and scalability.

Here’s why Lightspeed stands out among Square competitors or Squareup alternatives:

• Scalable Solution: Whether you run a single restaurant or a chain of five, Lightspeed grows with you. It’s like upgrading from a bicycle to a motorcycle as your business expands.

• Advanced Reporting and Analytics: Lightspeed gives you detailed insights into your sales, customer preferences, and even peak hours. For example, you can see that 70% of your customers order dessert on Fridays—so, so you know how to stock up on extra chocolate cake!

• Comprehensive Inventory Management: Imagine knowing exactly how many tomatoes or coffee beans you have left without manually counting. Lightspeed tracks it all, so you never run out of what you need.

• Third-Party Integrations: Lightspeed works seamlessly with other tools like accounting software, delivery apps, and loyalty programs. It’s like having a team of assistants who all speak the same language.

For businesses searching for Square alternatives for small business or Squareup competitors, Lightspeed offers a more restaurant-focused solution. While Square is great for general small businesses, Lightspeed is designed to handle the unique challenges of running a restaurant. For instance, if you’re a pizza chain, Lightspeed can help you manage inventory across all locations and even suggest which toppings are most popular in each area.

Clover: Flexible Payment Solutions

Clover is a flexible and user-friendly payment solution that’s perfect for small to medium-sized restaurants. If you’re looking for a Square alternative or apps like Square, Clover is one of the top companies similar to Square that offers customizable hardware and simple tools to help your business run smoothly. It’s like having a cash register that can also help you track sales and manage basic inventory—all in one place.

• Customizable Hardware: Clover offers different devices, from compact handheld terminals to full-sized POS systems. It’s like choosing between a smartphone, tablet, or laptop—whatever fits your restaurant’s needs.

• Basic Inventory Management: Clover helps you keep track of what’s in stock, so you don’t run out of popular items. For example, if you’re a coffee shop, Clover can alert you when you’re low on oat milk or espresso beans.

• Simple Reporting Features: Clover provides easy-to-understand reports on your sales and customer trends. Imagine knowing that your best-selling item is avocado toast and that most customers visit between 8-10 AM. This helps you plan better!

• Affordable Pricing: Clover is budget-friendly, making it a great Square alternative for small business owners who want a reliable system without breaking the bank.

While Clover is a strong alternative to Square, it’s important to note that it may require additional integrations for more advanced features. For example, if you need detailed analytics or advanced inventory tracking, you might need to connect Clover with other tools. This makes it a bit like building your own tech toolkit—you start with the basics and add more tools as you grow.

For restaurants exploring companies like Square Up or apps similar to Square, Clover is a solid choice, especially if you’re focused on payment processing and basic management. It’s also a great alternative to Square and Stripe for businesses that want a straightforward, affordable system. Plus, Clover integrates with popular accounting software like QuickBooks, making it easier to manage your finances.

In short, if you’re searching for Squareup alternatives or other apps like Square, Clover is a versatile and cost-effective option. It’s perfect for small to medium-sized restaurants that need a reliable payment system with some extra features to help manage day-to-day operations. Whether you’re running a cozy café or a bustling food truck, Clover helps you keep things simple and efficient.

Ordyx: Cloud-Based Restaurant Management

Ordyx is a cloud-based restaurant management system that’s perfect for restaurant owners who want the freedom to run their business from anywhere. If you’re looking for a Square alternative or apps like Square, Ordyx is one of the top companies similar to Square but with a stronger focus on cloud flexibility and advanced restaurant tools. Imagine having a magic notebook that lets you control your restaurant’s menu, staff schedules, and finances—all from your phone, tablet, or computer!

• Cloud-Based Architecture: Ordyx lets you access your restaurant’s data from anywhere with an internet connection. It’s like having your entire restaurant in your pocket! This is especially helpful if you manage multiple locations or want to check on things while you’re away.

• Advanced Menu Engineering Tools: Ordyx helps you design your menu to maximize profits. For example, it can show you which dishes are the most profitable (like a 15pastadishthatcostsonly15pastadishthatcostsonly3 to make) and which ones you might want to tweak or replace.

• Detailed Labor Cost Tracking: Ordyx helps you keep an eye on labor costs, so you can schedule your staff efficiently. Think of it as a smart assistant that tells you when you might be overstaffed or when you need extra hands during busy hours.

• User-Friendly Interface: Ordyx is designed to be easy to use, even if you’re not a tech expert. It’s like having a GPS for your restaurant—it guides you step by step.

For small businesses searching for Square alternatives for small business, Ordyx is a great choice because it’s scalable and packed with features. While Square is more general, Ordyx is tailored for restaurants, making it a strong alternative to Square and Stripe for food service businesses. It also integrates with popular accounting platforms like QuickBooks, so you can keep your finances in order without switching between apps.

If you’re exploring companies like Square Up or apps similar to Square, Ordyx is a standout option for its cloud-based flexibility. It’s perfect for restaurant owners who want to manage their operations remotely, whether they’re at home, on vacation, or between locations. For example, if you own a small chain of pizzerias, Ordyx lets you check sales, update menus, and track inventory across all stores from one dashboard.

Upserve: Comprehensive Restaurant POS

Upserve is a comprehensive Point of Sale (POS) system designed specifically for full-service restaurants and bars. If you’re looking for a Square alternative or apps like Square, Upserve is one of the top companies similar to Square but with a laser focus on the unique needs of restaurants. Think of it as a super-smart assistant that helps you manage everything from seating guests to tracking inventory and understanding your customers’ preferences—all in one place.

• Advanced Table Management: Upserve makes it easy to seat guests, track table turnover, and manage reservations. It’s like having a virtual host who knows exactly where to seat each party for the best experience.

• Comprehensive Inventory Control: Upserve helps you keep track of every ingredient and supply in your restaurant. For example, if you run a bar, it can alert you when you’re running low on vodka or lemons, so you never have to tell a customer, “Sorry, we’re out of that.”

• Detailed Customer Profiling: Upserve remembers your customers’ favorite dishes, allergies, and even how often they visit. Imagine being able to greet a regular by name and suggest their usual order—it’s like having a personal concierge for your guests!

• Strong Reporting Capabilities: Upserve provides detailed reports on sales, customer behavior, and menu performance. For instance, you can see that your $25 steak dish is your top seller on weekends, helping you plan your inventory and promotions better.

For small businesses searching for Square alternatives for small business, Upserve is a fantastic choice because it’s tailored for restaurants and packed with features. While Square is great for general small businesses, Upserve is designed to handle the specific challenges of running a full-service restaurant or bar. It’s a strong alternative to Square and Stripe for food service businesses, especially if you want advanced tools like customer profiling and inventory tracking.

If you’re exploring companies like Square Up or apps similar to Square, Upserve is a standout option for its all-in-one approach. It’s perfect for restaurants that want to streamline their operations with a single, integrated system. For example, if you own a busy Italian restaurant, Upserve can help you manage reservations, track which dishes are most popular, and even integrate with delivery services like DoorDash for takeout orders.

BIM POS: Budget-Friendly Option

BIM POS is a budget-friendly Point of Sale (POS) system that’s perfect for small restaurants, food trucks, or businesses just starting out. If you’re looking for a Square alternative or apps like Square, BIM POS is one of the top companies similar to Square that offers essential features at an affordable price. Think of it as a reliable, no-frills tool that helps you take orders, track inventory, and manage your business without costing a fortune.

• Affordable Pricing: BIM POS is designed for small businesses on a budget. It’s like getting a dependable used car instead of a luxury SUV—it gets the job done without draining your wallet.

• Basic Inventory Management: BIM POS helps you keep track of your ingredients and supplies. For example, if you run a taco truck, it can alert you when you’re running low on tortillas or salsa, so you’re always ready for the lunch rush.

• Simple Reporting Features: BIM POS provides easy-to-understand reports on your sales and customer trends. Imagine knowing that your most popular item is the BBQ pulled pork sandwich and that sales peak between 12-2 PM. This helps you plan better and avoid running out of key items.

• Easy-to-Use Interface: BIM POS is designed to be simple and intuitive, even if you’re not tech-savvy. It’s like using a smartphone for the first time—you can figure it out quickly and start using it right away.

For small businesses searching for Square alternatives for small business, BIM POS is a great choice because it’s affordable and easy to use. While Square is a popular option, BIM POS is a strong alternative to Square and Stripe for businesses that need basic functionality without the extra bells and whistles. It’s perfect for food trucks, small cafes, or pop-up shops that don’t need advanced features but still want a reliable system to manage their operations.

In short, BIM POS is a top Squareup alternative for small restaurants and food trucks. It’s like having a trusty sidekick that helps you keep your business running smoothly without breaking the bank. Whether you’re serving tacos from a truck or lattes from a tiny café, BIM POS gives you the tools you need to succeed without overwhelming you with features or costs.

How These Alternatives Compare to Square

When comparing these alternatives to Square, several key differences emerge. While Square excels at simplicity and affordability for basic payment processing, these alternatives offer more specialized features for restaurant operations:

• Integrated Solutions: Peblla, Toast, and Upserve provide built-in features for restaurant-specific needs like kitchen display systems and customer loyalty programs, reducing the need for additional integrations.

• Scalability: Lightspeed and Ordyx offer better scalability for growing businesses, with features that can grow alongside your restaurant.

• Reporting Depth: Peblla and Toast provide more detailed analytics tailored to restaurant metrics, helping owners make data-driven decisions.

• Hardware Options: Clover and BIM POS offer more flexible hardware configurations, allowing restaurants to customize their setup based on space and operational needs.

Real-World Success Stories

Many restaurant owners have found significant improvements after switching from Square to these alternatives:

• "After switching to Peblla, our customer retention increased by 30% thanks to their integrated loyalty program," says Maria Rodriguez, owner of Taco Paradise in Austin, Texas.

• "Toast's kitchen management system reduced our order errors by nearly 50%, which dramatically improved our customer satisfaction ratings," reports John Chen, owner of QuickBite Burgers.

• "Lightspeed's inventory tracking helped us identify $12,000 in annual savings by reducing waste," shares David Thompson, general manager of The Grill House chain.

How to Choose the Right POS System for Your Restaurant

• Assess Your Current Operations

• Consider Future Growth

• Evaluate Integration Needs

• Test User-Friendliness

• Compare Costs

Finding the right POS system for your restaurant is a critical decision that can significantly impact your operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. While Square remains a viable option for some, the alternatives we've explored offer specialized features that can address the unique challenges of restaurant management more effectively. Whether you're looking to enhance customer loyalty, improve kitchen efficiency, or gain deeper insights into your business performance, there's a solution that can help you elevate your dine-in and delivery services.

If you're ready to take your restaurant to the next level, consider scheduling a demonstration with Peblla. Their comprehensive suite of tools designed specifically for restaurants could be the key to unlocking new levels of efficiency and customer satisfaction for your business. Visit www.Peblla.com to learn more about how their integrated solutions can transform your restaurant operations.