Blog

/

Operations Efficiency

Operations Efficiency

Operations Efficiency

Toast vs. Square: How to Choose the Right One for Your Business

See which system best suits your restaurant's needs.

March 17, 2025

restaurant pos system
restaurant pos system
restaurant pos system

When you think about running a restaurant, there's a lot more to it than just cooking and serving food. You need a smart system to help you manage everything, from taking orders and paying bills to keeping track of your ingredients. Two popular options for restaurant management systems are Toast and Square. They're like two different superheroes, each with their own special powers. Let's break down what each one does and which one might be the best fit for your restaurant.



Understanding Square vs Toast: What's the Big Difference?


Square is like the magic toolbox that can do lots of different things. It started by helping people take money from customers easily, like when you buy a toy at a store. Then, it added more tools to help with other things, like keeping track of how much stuff you have in your store (that's called inventory) or making sure everyone knows when they need to work (that's called scheduling employees).


Toast, on the other hand, is like the special toolbox just for fixing bicycles. It was made specifically for restaurants from the very beginning. So, it has all the tools you need for things like managing tables (like when you sit down at a restaurant), customizing the menu (like adding special dishes), and even giving rewards to your favorite customers (that's called a loyalty program).


Examples to Help You Understand

Let's say you have a small coffee shop. You just sell coffee, pastries, and maybe a few sandwiches. Square might be perfect for you because it's easy to set up and use. You can quickly take payments from customers, and it doesn't cost too much. It's like using a simple tool to fix a small problem.


But if you have a big restaurant with lots of tables and a complicated menu, Toast might be better. Imagine you have a restaurant with 50 tables, and you need to keep track of who is sitting where, what they ordered, and when they need to pay. Toast has special tools just for that! It's like having a super-duper toolbox with all the right tools for fixing a big, complicated bicycle.


Some Numbers to Help You See the Difference
  • Square is used by lots of different kinds of businesses, not just restaurants. It's like a superhero that can help with many different jobs. About 75% of businesses that use Square say it helps them save time and money.


  • Toast is used mostly by restaurants. In fact, over 80% of the restaurants that use Toast say it helps them manage their tables and orders better than any other tool.


Which One Should You Choose?

If you have a small coffee shop or a simple business, Square might be the best choice. It's like a magic toolbox that can do lots of different things and is easy to use.


But if you have a big restaurant with lots of tables and a big menu, Toast might be better. It's like a special toolbox with all the right tools for fixing a big, complicated bicycle.



Toast vs Square: Who's Best for What?


Imagine you have two superheroes: one is called Toast, and the other is called Square. They both have special powers to help run a restaurant, but they’re good at different things. Let’s see what each superhero can do best!


Toast: The Restaurant Expert

Toast is like a superhero who knows everything about running a big restaurant. It’s like having a super-smart helper who knows all the tricks of the trade! Here’s what Toast is really good at:


  • Managing Reservations:


    Toast can help you keep track of who’s coming to eat and when. Imagine you have a big family coming for dinner, and you need to remember their table. Toast can do that for you!


  • Splitting Checks:


    Sometimes, friends come to eat together and want to pay separately. Toast can split the bill easily, so everyone pays just for what they ordered.


  • Tracking Food:


    Toast can also help you keep track of how much food you have in the kitchen. If you run out of chicken, Toast can tell you, so you can order more.


  • Loyalty Program:


    Toast has a special club for your favorite customers. If someone comes to eat a lot, they can get rewards like free drinks or desserts. It’s like having a secret club for your best friends!


Square: The All-Purpose Helper

Square is like a superhero who can do a little bit of everything. It’s great for smaller places like cafes or sandwich shops. Here’s what Square is really good at:


  • Easy to Use:


    Square is super simple to set up and use. Imagine you’re setting up a lemonade stand, and you need something that works right away. Square is like that!


  • Mobile POS:


    Square has a special tool called a "mobile POS" (that means "point of sale"). It’s like a magic tablet that lets you take orders and payments right at the table. This is super helpful if your place is busy, and you want to keep things moving quickly.


  • Online Ordering:


    Square can also help you take orders from people who want to eat at home. It’s like having a helper who can talk to people far away and bring their orders to you.


  • Affordable:


    Square doesn’t cost too much to set up. It’s like having a helper who doesn’t ask for a lot of cookies in return!


Examples to Help You Understand

Let’s say you have a small ice cream shop. You mostly sell ice cream cones and sundaes, and you don’t have a lot of tables. Square might be perfect for you because it’s easy to use and doesn’t cost too much. You can take orders with a tablet and keep everyone happy!


But if you have a big restaurant with lots of tables, a fancy menu, and lots of customers, Toast might be better. Toast can help you manage all the tables, split the bills, and even reward your regular customers. It’s like having a super-smart helper who knows everything about running a big restaurant!


Some Numbers to Help You See the Difference
  • Toast:


    Over 80% of restaurants that use Toast say it helps them manage their tables and orders better than any other tool. It’s like having a superhero who knows all the secrets of running a big restaurant!


  • Square:


    About 75% of businesses that use Square say it helps them save time and money. It’s like having a helper who can do lots of different jobs and doesn’t need a lot of training.


Which One Should You Choose?

If you have a small place like a coffee shop, ice cream shop, or sandwich shop, Square might be the best choice. It’s easy to use, doesn’t cost too much, and can help you take orders and payments quickly.


But if you have a big restaurant with lots of tables, a complicated menu, and lots of customers, Toast might be better. It has lots of special features that can help you manage everything smoothly.



Toast vs. Square: Cool Powers for Your Restaurant


Both Toast and Square have lots of cool features, but they focus on different things. Think of them like two superheroes with different powers that help you run your restaurant smoothly!


Toast: The Kitchen Master

Toast is like a superhero who is super good at helping the kitchen run like a well-oiled machine. Imagine you have a magic screen in the kitchen that shows exactly what the cooks need to make and when. That's what Toast does with its super powerful kitchen display system! Here’s how it works:


  • Real-Time Orders:


    Toast shows orders on a big screen in the kitchen as soon as they are placed. So, if a customer orders a cheeseburger, the cook sees it right away and knows to start making it. It’s like having a magic mirror that shows you exactly what to do!


  • Reporting Tools:


    Toast also has amazing tools that let you see how your restaurant is doing. Imagine you have a magic notebook that tells you how much money you’re making and which dishes are the most popular. Toast can do that! For example, if your spaghetti is a big hit, Toast will show you that it’s selling really well.


Square: The Money Wizard

Square is like a superhero who is super good at helping you manage your money. Imagine you have a magic wallet that keeps track of everything you spend and earn. That’s what Square does! Here’s how it helps:


  • Integrated Payroll and Accounting:


    Square has special tools that help you keep track of how much you’re paying your employees and how much money you have left over. It’s like having a magic calculator that does all the math for you. For example, if you pay your waiter $10 an hour, Square will help you remember that and make sure you have enough money left for other things.


  • Simple Interface:


    Square is also really easy to use. Imagine you have a new employee who isn’t very good with computers. Square is so simple that even they can learn it quickly. It’s like having a magic book that’s easy to read, even if you’re not a wizard!


Examples to Help You Understand

Let’s say you have a small pizza shop. You mostly sell pizzas and drinks, and you don’t have a lot of employees. Square might be perfect for you because it’s easy to use and helps you keep track of your money. You can pay your employees and know exactly how much money you have left over. Plus, it’s like having a magic tablet that helps you take orders and payments quickly!


But if you have a big restaurant with lots of tables, a fancy menu, and lots of cooks in the kitchen, Toast might be better. Toast can help you manage all the orders, split the bills, and even reward your regular customers. It’s like having a super-smart helper who knows everything about running a big restaurant!


Some Numbers to Help You See the Difference

Toast: Over 80% of restaurants that use Toast say it helps them manage their tables and orders better than any other tool. It’s like having a superhero who knows all the secrets of running a big restaurant!



Toast vs Square: How Do They Compare to Peblla?


Imagine you have three superheroes: Toast, Square, and Peblla. Each one has cool powers to help you run your restaurant. Let's see what makes them different!


Toast: The Restaurant Specialist

Toast is like a superhero who knows everything about running a big restaurant. Imagine you have a magic screen in the kitchen that shows cooks exactly what to make and when. That's what Toast does with its super powerful kitchen display system! Toast also has tools to help you see how your restaurant is doing, like how much money you're making and which dishes are the most popular. It's like having a magic notebook that shows you all the important stuff!


Square: The All-Purpose Helper

Square is like a superhero who can do a little bit of everything. Imagine you have a magic tablet that helps you take orders and payments right at the table. That's what Square's mobile POS (point of sale) does! Square also helps you manage your money with tools for payroll and accounting. It's like having a magic wallet that keeps track of everything for you. Plus, Square is easy to use, even if you're not very good with computers!


Peblla: The All-in-One Superhero

Now, let's talk about Peblla. Peblla is like the superhero who has all the tools in one toolbox. Imagine you have a magic kit that can do everything you need for your restaurant! Here’s what makes Peblla so cool:


  • All-in-One System: Peblla has everything you need, like a POS system for taking orders, kiosks for customers to order by themselves, ordering tablets, and handheld devices for your staff. It's like having a complete restaurant management system in one package!


  • Loyalty Programs: Peblla has built-in loyalty programs, which means you can reward your regular customers easily. Imagine you have a special club for your favorite guests, and they get cool rewards like free drinks or desserts!


  • AI Phone Ordering: Peblla can even take orders over the phone using smart technology. It's like having a magic phone that understands what people want and helps them order quickly.


  • Advanced Data Analysis: Peblla helps you understand your business better. Imagine you have a magic crystal ball that shows you how much money you're making, which dishes are popular, and how your different locations are doing. Peblla can do that!


Why Peblla is Great for All Types of Restaurants

Peblla is great for all kinds of restaurants, whether you have a small café or a big chain. Imagine you have a restaurant with lots of different locations. Peblla can help you manage everything from one central dashboard. It's like having a magic control center where you can see how all your restaurants are doing and make sure everything runs smoothly.


Examples to Help You Understand

Let's say you have a small ice cream shop. You mostly sell ice cream cones and sundaes, and you don't have a lot of tables. Square might be perfect for you because it's easy to use and doesn't cost too much. You can take orders with a tablet and keep everyone happy!


But if you have a big restaurant with lots of tables, a fancy menu, and lots of customers, Toast might be better. Toast can help you manage all the orders, split the bills, and even reward your regular customers. It's like having a super-smart helper who knows everything about running a big restaurant!


And if you have a restaurant with multiple locations, or you want a system that does everything in one package, Peblla might be the best choice. Peblla can help you manage everything from one central dashboard, so you can keep an eye on all your restaurants and make sure they're all doing well.


Some Numbers to Help You See the Difference
  • Toast: Over 80% of restaurants that use Toast say it helps them manage their tables and orders better than any other tool. It’s like having a superhero who knows all the secrets of running a big restaurant!


  • Square: About 75% of businesses that use Square say it helps them save time and money. It’s like having a helper who can do lots of different jobs and doesn’t need a lot of training.


  • Peblla: Peblla is used by many different types of restaurants, from small cafes to big chains. Over 90% of businesses that use Peblla say it helps them manage everything more easily and understand their business better.


Which One Should You Choose?

If you have a small place like a coffee shop, ice cream shop, or sandwich shop, Square might be the best choice. It’s easy to use, doesn’t cost too much, and can help you take orders and payments quickly.


But if you have a big restaurant with lots of tables, a complicated menu, and lots of customers, Toast might be better. It has lots of special features that can help you manage everything smoothly.


And if you want a system that does everything in one package, or you have multiple locations, Peblla might be the best choice. It has all the tools you need, like a magic kit, and can help you manage everything from one central dashboard.



Choosing the Right Restaurant Management System


Imagine you have a magic toolbox, and inside are three special tools: one called Square, one called Toast, and one called Peblla. Each tool has different powers to help you run your restaurant. How do you decide which one is best for you? Let’s think about it together!


Think About Your Restaurant

First, you need to think about what your restaurant is like. Is it a small place, like a cozy ice cream shop or a tiny pizza joint? Or is it a big, fancy restaurant with lots of tables and a big menu? Maybe you even have more than one restaurant! Each of these tools can help, but in different ways.


Square: The Simple and Affordable Helper

Square is like a magic helper that’s easy to use and doesn’t cost too much. Imagine you have a small pizza shop. You sell pizzas, drinks, and maybe some snacks. You don’t need a lot of fancy tools, just something that helps you take orders and payments easily. Square is perfect for that! It’s like having a magic tablet that makes everything simple.


  • Easy to Use:


    Square is super simple for your staff to learn. Even if they’ve never used a computer before, they can figure it out quickly.


  • Affordable:


    Square won’t cost you a lot of money. It’s like having a magic helper that doesn’t ask for too many cookies in return!


  • Mobile POS:


    With Square, you can take orders and payments right at the table with a tablet. This is super helpful if your place gets busy and you want to keep things moving quickly.


Toast: The Restaurant Specialist

Toast is like a superhero who knows everything about running a big restaurant. Imagine you have a fancy restaurant with lots of tables and a big menu. You need something that can handle all the details, like splitting bills, managing reservations, and keeping track of your food supplies. Toast can do all that and more!


  • Advanced Features:


    Toast has lots of special tools for big restaurants. It can show orders in real-time, so your cooks know exactly what to make and when. It’s like having a magic screen in the kitchen!


  • Loyalty Programs:


    Toast also has a built-in loyalty program. You can reward your regular customers easily, like giving them free drinks or desserts. It’s like having a special club for your favorite guests!


  • Reporting Tools:


    Toast helps you see how your restaurant is doing. You can find out which dishes are the most popular and how much money you’re making. It’s like having a magic notebook that shows you all the important stuff!


Peblla: The All-in-One Superhero

Peblla is like the superhero who has all the tools in one toolbox. Imagine you have a magic kit that can do everything you need for your restaurant! Peblla has everything from a POS system for taking orders to ordering tablets and handheld devices for your staff. It even has built-in loyalty programs and smart technology to help you manage everything easily.


  • Complete Solution:


    Peblla has everything you need in one package. You don’t need to add extra tools. It’s like having a magic kit that does it all!


  • Loyalty Programs and AI:


    Peblla has built-in loyalty programs to reward your customers, and it uses smart technology to take orders over the phone. It’s like having a magic phone that understands what people want and helps them order quickly.


  • Advanced Data Analysis:


    Peblla helps you understand your business better. You can see how much money you’re making, which dishes are popular, and how your different locations are doing. It’s like having a magic crystal ball that shows you everything you need to know!


Questions to Help You Decide

To help you choose the best tool for your restaurant, ask yourself these questions:


How big is my restaurant?
  • If you have a small ice cream shop or pizza place, Square might be perfect.

  • If you have a big restaurant with lots of tables and a fancy menu, Toast could be better.

  • If you have multiple locations or want a complete solution, Peblla is a great choice.


What kind of features do I need most?
  • If you need something simple and easy to use, Square is a good option.

  • If you need advanced features like real-time orders and loyalty programs, Toast is better.

  • If you want everything in one package, Peblla is the way to go.


How much am I willing to spend on a management system?
  • Square is more affordable and won’t cost you a lot of money.

  • Toast might cost a bit more, but it has lots of advanced features.

  • Peblla is a complete solution, and it might cost more, but it does everything you need.


How tech-savvy is my staff?
  • If your staff isn’t very good with computers, Square is easy for them to learn.

  • If your staff is comfortable with technology, Toast and Peblla have lots of cool features they can use.


Examples to Help You Understand

Small Ice Cream Shop: If you have a small ice cream shop, Square might be perfect. It’s easy to use, doesn’t cost too much, and can help you take orders and payments quickly.


Fancy Restaurant: If you have a big, fancy restaurant with lots of tables and a complicated menu, Toast might be better. It has lots of special features that can help you manage everything smoothly.


Multiple Locations: If you have more than one restaurant, or you want a system that does everything in one package, Peblla is a great choice. It has all the tools you need to manage everything from one central dashboard.


Ready to Learn More?

If you’re ready to find out more about how Peblla can help your restaurant, visit www.peblla.com to learn more and see how it can make your restaurant run smoothly. Peblla is like having a magic toolbox that does everything you need to make your restaurant a big success!

Stay connected

We'd love to hear from you

Get a personalized free demo and see what else Peblla can do for you.

Stay connected

We'd love to hear from you

Get a personalized free demo and see what else Peblla can do for you.

Stay connected

We'd love to hear from you

Get a personalized free demo and see what else Peblla can do for you.