TouchBistro POS Review: Is it Right For Your Restaurant?
Are you considering TouchBistro for your restaurant’s POS system? Let’s get straight to the point: our TouchBistro POS review evaluates key features, functionality, and the overall value proposition.
With our thorough examination, you’ll uncover whether TouchBistro really delivers on its promise to streamline restaurant operations and improve customer experience without any fluff or filler.
Key Takeaways
TouchBistro is a feature-rich POS system designed for restaurants, boasting capabilities like tableside ordering, robust sales reports, and integration with payment and management services.
The system requires an Apple ecosystem for setup, with compatibility for iPads (except the first four generations) and a need for Apple Mac hardware for multiple devices, which might be a limitation for some users.
Despite offering over 50 types of reports, TouchBistro’s analytics might not be as comprehensive as some of its competitors, and users have raised concerns about pricing transparency and high-pressure sales tactics.
Get a free demo of TouchBistro to see if it's right for your business.
The TouchBistro Landscape
Born in 2010, TouchBistro has grown to be a significant player in the restaurant POS space, earning the title of the best app of the year by Stevie Awards in 2019.
This iPad-based system, specifically designed for various restaurant settings, such as full-service restaurants and bars, offers features such as tableside ordering, bill splitting, and robust sales reports.
While these features aim to meet the dynamic needs of a busy restaurant, their effectiveness has yet to be fully evaluated.
TouchBistro presents itself as an all-in-one solution, integrating payment processing, online ordering, and reservation management, all aimed at increasing sales and improving guest satisfaction.
Its intuitive and aesthetically pleasing interface simplifies staff navigation in both the front and admin sections. However, the comprehensiveness and user-friendliness of the system, as well as TouchBistro customer service, still need confirmation.
The system is designed with a focus on operational efficiency and staff communication within restaurant settings. It appeals mainly to small to mid-range restaurants, addressing the specific needs of this segment.
However, the reach of TouchBistro is not confined to a specific region. With a global presence, it has an extensive user base, indicating a strong market penetration.
The user experience with TouchBistro has been reported as positive overall, pertaining to its ease of use, the comprehensiveness of its tools, and high-quality customer service. But is this enough to make it stand out in the crowded restaurant POS market? Let’s delve deeper.
Unboxing and Setting Up TouchBistro
Getting started with TouchBistro involves setting up both the hardware and software components. The POS software is cloud-based and compatible with all iPad models except the first four generations.
However, it does require an Apple Mac Mini Computer or an iMac to operate with multiple iPads. The need for Apple hardware might be a limitation for some, but it also ensures high performance and reliability.
The system accommodates hardware bundles purchased through TouchBistro or compatible equipment sourced by the restaurant owner. This includes:
Cash drawers
Printers
Card readers
iPad stands
This flexibility allows restaurants to customize their point-of-sale environment based on their specific needs.
However, one critical step during the setup process is the initial wireless setup. This is essential for the TouchBistro system to function correctly and should be addressed during installation. This indicates that while the system is customizable, it does require some technical know-how for a smooth setup.
Considering these factors, TouchBistro’s flexible and customizable setup may pose challenges for those lacking technical expertise. Yet, the main question is whether it fulfills its promise of streamlining restaurant operations once the setup is correctly done.
Crafting the User Experience
When it comes to user experience, TouchBistro makes a strong case for itself. It utilizes Apple iPads, known for their build quality and reliability, as a fundamental part of its restaurant management systems. This implies that the system provides a consistent and reliable interface, an important aspect in a fast-paced restaurant environment.
TouchBistro's hardware is specifically designed to seamlessly integrate with its software. This integration is vital as it promotes a consistent and trustworthy user experience. Nonetheless, the software itself is the ultimate judge of the user experience.
Navigating the Software Maze
TouchBistro’s software offers customization options to cater to the diverse needs of various restaurant sizes and types. This flexibility is indeed a plus point, considering the unique challenges faced by different restaurant formats.
The software’s floor plan and table management capabilities are quite comprehensive. They include:
Creating and editing floor plans
Color-coding sections
Seat assignments
Split checks
Transfer of checks
All are designed to streamline workflow in a restaurant setting. While these features appear impressive on paper, their performance upon integration with other software remains to be seen.
Integration and Expansion
The ability to integrate with third-party software is a vital aspect of any POS system. TouchBistro has been rated ‘Very Good’ for its integration capabilities, offering connections with third-party software for:
accounting
business insights & analytics
insurance
inventory management
This connectivity is a boon for restaurant owners seeking a comprehensive solution for their operations.
In addition to its built-in features, TouchBistro supports the expansion of its functionality through extra-cost features. These include:
Online ordering
Gift cards
Loyalty programs
Reservations
Marketing is accessible through an App Marketplace
While these new features come at an additional cost, they offer an added layer of flexibility and functionality to the system.
Inventory management is also available in the TouchBistro POS system, enhancing operational control for businesses. This theoretically available feature, along with other functionalities like split billing and a CRM system, positions TouchBistro as a comprehensive solution for restaurant management. However, the performance of these features in real-world settings is yet to be evaluated.
Real-World Application
At peak times, servers can use TouchBistro for table-side ordering with iPads, ensuring efficient handling of customer orders. This feature minimizes the time servers spend running back and forth to the kitchen, allowing them to focus more on customer service.
A kitchen display system integrated with TouchBistro is crucial for maintaining speed, efficiency, and accuracy in a bustling restaurant environment. By displaying the orders directly in the kitchen, kitchen display systems reduce the chances of miscommunication or lost orders, leading to a smoother operation.
TouchBistro’s integrations for staff scheduling and payroll offer the following benefits:
Streamline labor management, supporting the system’s reliability during peak restaurant hours
Simplify the task of managing staff schedules
Ensure accurate payroll calculations
Feature Functionality Under Scrutiny
TouchBistro’s order tracking system has been reported to be effective in reducing the time between order placement and fulfillment. Real-time updates on order status facilitate smoother operations by enhancing coordination between kitchen and service staff, particularly during busy periods.
The system includes:
Integrated payment processing that supports a variety of payment types, enhancing the payment transaction experience in restaurants
Menu management
Inventory tracking
Profit margin analysis for each menu item
These user-friendly features are designed to streamline the order-taking process on the online ordering platform, improve service speed, and enhance customer support.
However, what about TouchBistro’s analytics capabilities?
Analyzing the Analytics
TouchBistro provides over 50 types of reports for comprehensive analytics, encompassing areas such as:
sales
staff performance
inventory tracking
payroll reporting
accounting
These reports offer valuable insights into various aspects of the restaurant industry operations, helping owners make informed decisions.
The available reports on the TouchBistro dashboard include:
Sales history over certain time periods
Sales breakdown by categories and sections
Top menu items and categories
Basic staff performance metrics
Labor insights
These analytics are beneficial for tracking performance and identifying areas for improvement, as well as providing an overall rating.
Yet, it’s important to note that TouchBistro’s analytics are not as comprehensive as those provided by competitors such as Lightspeed or Rezku. While TouchBistro offers a wide range of reports, it may not provide as in-depth data as some other POS systems in the market.
TouchBistro POS Pricing
Although this review gives an overview of TouchBistro’s features and performance, the specific prices can vary based on your restaurant’s unique needs and the additional features you choose.
For the latest pricing and a more in-depth analysis, please visit the TouchBistro review at POSUSA.com.
Feedback on TouchBistro
TouchBistro shines with its comprehensive suite of features and functionalities, designed to cater to the restaurant industry's diverse needs. While there have been discussions around its pricing structure, detailed information on its plans and pricing is readily accessible on its website, showcasing its effort to be transparent with potential users.
Some feedback has highlighted concerns regarding TouchBistro's billing practices and sales approach. Businesses should conduct their due diligence and engage in open dialogue with TouchBistro to ensure their services align with their expectations and ethical standards.
Additionally, while challenges with printer compatibility have been mentioned, this feedback underscores the importance of verifying system requirements and compatibility before implementation. Ensuring the POS system works seamlessly with any existing hardware is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and delivering exceptional customer service.
Despite these feedback points, TouchBistro remains a formidable option in the restaurant POS market, thanks to its user-friendly interface and robust set of tools designed to enhance restaurant operations. Businesses considering TouchBistro are encouraged to weigh these factors carefully to determine if it meets their unique needs and budgetary considerations.
Summary
In conclusion, TouchBistro presents a strong offering in the restaurant POS market with its comprehensive features, user-friendly interface, and flexible customization options. Its integration capabilities and additional cost features provide a level of flexibility that can cater to various restaurant sizes and types.
However, potential users should be mindful of the criticisms regarding its pricing, billing practices, and printer compatibility. While these concerns may not be deal-breakers for all, they are worth considering when choosing a POS system for your restaurant.
TouchBistro has made a significant mark in the restaurant POS landscape with its iPad-based solution. It offers a comprehensive platform to streamline restaurant operations and improve guest satisfaction. However, as with any investment, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons and evaluate if it aligns with your specific needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TouchBistro a good POS?
Yes, TouchBistro is a good POS system, as it is easy to set up, provides detailed reports, and powers over 29,000 restaurants worldwide. It offers features like table management to help improve restaurant operations.
Can I cancel TouchBistro?
Unfortunately, TouchBistro does not offer a month-to-month option or a free trial, and canceling may result in a fee to cancel the contract.
What value does TouchBistro provide?
TouchBistro provides essential solutions to streamline restaurant operations, from the front of the house to the back of the house, allowing more time to connect with guests and grow the business. It also improves communication between staff and decreases errors through features like the Kitchen Display System.
What are TouchBistro's capabilities?
TouchBistro is powerful Point-of-Sale software designed for restaurants. It offers capabilities such as table management, menu control, inventory tracking, and staff management. At an extra cost, it also provides options for online ordering, gift cards, and customer loyalty programs.
What are the hardware requirements for TouchBistro?
To operate multiple iPads with TouchBistro, you'll need an Apple Mac Mini Computer or iMac, and any iPad model except for the first four generations.
Can I get a demo of TouchBistro so I can evaluate it before purchasing?
Yes, you can. You should do this with any system you are considering purchasing.