Choosing the right Point of Sale (POS) system has become more critical than ever for restaurant success in 2025. With rising operational costs, increased competition from delivery platforms, and evolving customer expectations, restaurants need technology that can streamline operations while enhancing the dining experience. Two major players continue to dominate the restaurant POS market: Revel Systems and Toast, each offering distinct advantages for different types of food service operations. Toast currently commands a significant 21.50% market share with over 40,000 customers across 10 countries, while Revel Systems holds 1.15% with approximately 2,140 customers. This substantial difference reflects their different business strategies and target markets rather than necessarily indicating overall superiority. Understanding the nuances between these systems can help restaurant owners make informed decisions that align with their operational needs and growth objectives.
Modern restaurant POS systems have evolved far beyond simple payment processing to become comprehensive business management platforms. Today’s systems integrate inventory management, staff scheduling, customer relationship management, and real-time analytics into unified solutions designed specifically for food service operations. The competition has intensified significantly, with new players entering the market and established systems continuously upgrading their offerings to meet changing industry demands.
Restaurant operators now expect their POS systems to handle complex scenarios like tableside ordering, kitchen display integration, and seamless communication between front and back of house teams. The rise of online ordering, delivery platforms, and contactless payments has made integration capabilities more important than ever. Systems must also provide robust offline functionality to ensure continuous operation during internet outages, which can be devastating for restaurant operations during peak service periods.
Both Toast and Revel have adapted to these evolving needs but with different approaches and priorities. Toast maintains its exclusive focus on restaurants, developing features specifically for food service workflows, while Revel offers a broader solution serving both restaurants and retail establishments. This fundamental difference in market approach influences every aspect of their system design, from hardware compatibility to software features.
The hardware foundation of your POS system directly impacts daily operations, staff productivity, and long-term costs. Toast operates exclusively on Android devices, offering purpose-built restaurant-grade hardware designed to withstand demanding food service environments. Their hardware carries IP54 spill-proof ratings and engineering specifically for high-heat, high-impact restaurant settings. This specialized approach ensures seamless integration between hardware and software but limits flexibility in device selection.
Toast’s commitment to Android allows for customization of both hardware and software specifically for restaurant operations, resulting in optimized performance during busy service periods. The system’s Android foundation typically processes orders more quickly during high-volume periods compared to iOS-based alternatives. Additionally, Android’s open architecture provides more hardware options for inventory counting and other specialized restaurant functions.
Revel Systems builds exclusively on iOS, operating on iPads within Apple’s ecosystem. This approach offers advantages in user familiarity and interface consistency, potentially reducing training time for staff already comfortable with Apple products. However, many restaurant owners report that iPads reveal limitations in high-heat kitchen environments and during intense service periods. The iOS dependency means restaurants are restricted to Apple’s hardware offerings, which weren’t specifically designed for restaurant use, potentially leading to higher replacement costs and durability concerns in demanding environments.
The hardware choice also affects total cost of ownership significantly. Toast’s purpose-built hardware tends to have higher upfront costs but may prove more economical long-term due to better durability in restaurant environments. Revel’s iPad dependency can result in lower initial hardware costs if you already own compatible devices, but replacement costs may be higher due to the demanding nature of restaurant operations on consumer-grade devices not designed for commercial food service use.
Restaurant phone management has become increasingly challenging as operators struggle to handle calls while maintaining quality in-house service. Missing phone calls translates directly to lost revenue, with studies showing that unanswered calls cost restaurants thousands of dollars monthly in missed orders and reservations. Traditional POS systems like Toast and Revel handle in-store operations excellently but leave a significant gap in phone-based customer interactions that AI for restaurants solutions are uniquely positioned to fill.
Loman provides 24/7 AI phone agent capabilities specifically designed for restaurant operations, seamlessly integrating with existing POS systems including Square, Toast, and Clover. The system is trained on restaurant menus, policies, and customer preferences to ensure accuracy in order taking and customer service. Unlike traditional POS systems that require staff attention for phone orders, Loman handles unlimited simultaneous calls, reduces missed opportunities during peak hours, and shortens customer wait times while improving overall sales performance.
The integration capabilities set Loman apart from standard POS phone features. Orders taken through Loman sync directly with your existing Toast or Revel system, eliminating double entry and reducing errors. Built-in analytics provide real-time insights into call patterns, peak times, and revenue metrics that help restaurant managers make informed staffing and operational decisions. The system offers fast implementation with restaurants going live in under a day, making it scalable for single locations, multi-unit operations, and franchise systems looking to improve efficiency and customer experience beyond what traditional POS systems alone can provide.
Both Toast and Revel deliver comprehensive core POS functionality, but their implementation and user experience differ significantly. Toast’s interface is designed specifically for restaurant efficiency, featuring a clean, intuitive layout that enables quick order entry and modification. The system’s tableside service capabilities are particularly strong, with handheld devices allowing servers to take orders and process payments directly at tables, reducing wait times and improving table turnover rates.
Toast’s kitchen display system integrates seamlessly with the front-end POS, enhancing communication between front and back of house teams. User testing reveals that Toast’s platform features an intuitive search tool helping staff quickly locate specific functions, which proves especially valuable during busy service periods when speed is essential. The Android-based system generally processes transactions faster during high-volume periods compared to iOS alternatives.
Revel offers robust POS capabilities with emphasis on customization and detailed controls. Its table management system provides real-time status updates and allows for precise floor plan customization, with staff assignable to specific tables directly through the system. Managers can edit table size, shape, and color through the front end, providing greater visual customization than most competitors. However, some users report that Revel’s extensive feature set creates a steeper learning curve for new staff.
The choice often comes down to prioritizing speed versus customization. Toast’s streamlined approach favors operational efficiency during busy periods, while Revel’s detailed customization options provide more control but may sacrifice some speed. Restaurants with high-volume, fast-paced service might benefit more from Toast’s efficiency-focused design, while establishments prioritizing detailed customization and control might prefer Revel’s comprehensive options.
Payment processing represents one of the most significant differences between these systems, directly impacting your restaurant’s profitability. Toast operates as an all-in-one platform with proprietary payment processing, streamlining setup and support but limiting flexibility. Toast’s payment processing rates start at 2.49% + 15¢ for in-person transactions on higher-tier plans, while their free Starter Kit carries a higher 3.09% rate. These rates are fixed and non-negotiable, which can significantly impact high-volume restaurants.
Toast’s integrated approach offers advantages including seamless reconciliation, single-vendor support for payment issues, and unified reporting across all business aspects. The system handles split checks, tip adjustments, and various payment methods including contactless options efficiently. However, the lack of processor choice means restaurants cannot negotiate better rates based on volume or business history.
Revel Systems takes a more flexible approach to payment processing. While Revel offers its own payment solution, it also allows restaurants to choose third-party processors, potentially negotiating more favorable rates based on volume and business history. This flexibility can result in significant savings, particularly for established restaurants processing large transaction volumes. Revel’s transaction fees typically range from 2.3% + 10¢ to 3.5% + 10¢, depending on your plan and processor choice.
The payment processing decision essentially balances convenience against potential cost savings. Toast’s all-in-one approach results in faster setup and less complexity, ideal for new restaurants or those preferring simplicity. Revel’s flexibility might save money long-term but requires more initial configuration and ongoing management. High-volume operations often benefit more from Revel’s approach despite additional setup requirements, while smaller operations might prefer Toast’s simplicity.
Understanding the complete cost implications requires looking beyond advertised monthly fees to examine transaction costs, hardware requirements, and hidden charges. Toast has recently adjusted its pricing structure, now offering a free Starter Kit that includes both POS software and hardware bundles for single-location businesses. This zero-dollar entry point makes Toast particularly attractive for new restaurants with tight budgets, though the free plan carries higher transaction fees at 3.09%.
For multi-location operations or those needing flat-rate card processing, Toast’s Point of Sale plan starts at $69 per month. Toast also offers a “Build Your Own” option allowing restaurants to pay only for specific features they need. While the free Starter Kit eliminates upfront costs, Toast’s transaction fees are higher than many competitors, significantly impacting total cost for high-volume operations.
Revel Systems employs a different pricing approach with costs typically starting higher but potentially proving more economical for certain businesses. Revel doesn’t offer a free tier, with software costs beginning around $99 per month per terminal. However, Revel’s transaction fees are generally lower, potentially resulting in substantial savings for high-volume restaurants.
A major concern with Revel involves pricing transparency, with many users reporting unexpected fees and surcharges for features they assumed were included in monthly payments. Both systems require careful cost analysis based on specific business volume, with Toast generally offering lower entry costs but potentially higher ongoing expenses due to transaction fees, while Revel has higher initial costs but possibly lower long-term expenses for high-volume operations with appropriate payment processing arrangements.
Modern restaurants rely on multiple software solutions for various aspects of their operations, making integration capabilities crucial for creating cohesive technology ecosystems. Toast offers an impressive array of integration options, connecting with over 70 technology partners across categories including online ordering, delivery services, accounting, inventory management, and customer relationship management. All integrations are included in Toast’s original quote with no additional charges for connecting to services like GrubHub, Paytronix, or accounting software.
Toast’s open API allows for custom integrations, making it highly adaptable to specific business needs. The system features a reliable, cloud-based network operating quickly with Wi-Fi and includes robust offline mode allowing continued operation during internet outages, including card payment acceptance. This comprehensive integration approach helps restaurants maintain operational continuity across all technology touchpoints.
Revel Systems also offers numerous integrations but with notable limitations. While Revel connects with many third-party services, it lacks integration with several key partners that Toast supports, and some integrations incur additional costs. Revel’s integration with accounting platforms is particularly strong, but its online ordering and delivery service connections are more limited than Toast’s offerings.
Both systems offer API access for custom development, though Toast’s is generally considered more developer-friendly. The integration decision might depend on which specific third-party services are critical to your operation and whether you anticipate needing custom integrations. Restaurants heavily dependent on delivery services or specialized inventory management might find Toast’s broader integration ecosystem more valuable.
Effective inventory and menu management directly impact food costs and profitability, making these capabilities essential for restaurant success. Toast excels with its comprehensive inventory management system including stock alerts, detailed ingredient tracking, and real-time updates. Its menu management capabilities allow for easy creation and modification of menus with customizable categories and modifiers.
Toast’s cost-management software helps restaurants price products competitively while maintaining margins. The system facilitates menu engineering by identifying high-profit, high-popularity items, allowing optimization based on data rather than intuition. Toast’s inventory reporting provides insights into usage patterns, waste reduction opportunities, and vendor performance, helping managers make informed purchasing decisions.
Revel Systems offers robust inventory management with features for tracking inventory levels, setting reorder points, and managing vendors. Its menu management system allows detailed customization of menu items, including modifiers, pricing tiers, and seasonal variations. Revel’s system excels in recipe management, allowing restaurants to break down menu items into constituent ingredients for precise cost tracking and inventory deduction.
Both systems support inventory counting via mobile devices, but Toast’s Android platform generally offers more hardware options for this purpose. Revel’s iOS foundation provides a visually appealing interface for menu creation but may have limitations in complex modifier structures compared to Toast. Restaurants with extensive menus and complex ingredient tracking needs might find Toast’s comprehensive approach more beneficial.
Building customer loyalty and driving repeat business are essential for restaurant success, making CRM and marketing tools increasingly important POS system components. Toast offers robust built-in customer engagement features, including a comprehensive loyalty program allowing restaurants to reward repeat customers through points-based or visit-based systems. Its customer database tracks guest preferences, order history, and contact information, enabling personalized marketing.
Toast’s free email marketing tools allow restaurants to create targeted campaigns based on customer behavior, while in-house reservation features help manage the guest experience from initial booking through service. Toast’s feedback collection tools gather real-time customer insights, enabling rapid response to concerns and helping identify operational improvements.
Revel Systems provides strong customer loyalty capabilities, including birthday rewards and customizable perks tailored to specific customer segments. Its customer database functions similarly to Toast’s, though some users report that Revel’s customer data collection is less seamless at point of sale. Revel offers marketing tools but doesn’t include free email marketing like Toast.
Both systems support gift card programs, though Toast’s integration with its payment processing makes gift card reconciliation more straightforward. The marketing decision might depend on whether you prioritize Toast’s more comprehensive built-in marketing tools or prefer Revel’s highly customizable loyalty options. Restaurants heavily focused on building regular clientele through targeted marketing might benefit more from Toast’s integrated approach.
Both Toast and Revel Systems were built specifically for the restaurant industry, but they emphasize different aspects of food service operations. Toast is exclusively focused on restaurants, with every feature designed specifically for food service workflows. This singular focus results in restaurant-centric capabilities like course-firing, real-time table updates, and text alerts to guests when food is ready.
Toast offers industry-oriented templates and reporting aligned with restaurant-specific metrics and KPIs. Its kitchen display system is particularly strong, improving communication between front and back of house teams and reducing order errors. Toast’s handheld devices are designed specifically for restaurant environments, with durable construction withstanding spills and drops common during busy service periods.
Revel Systems serves both restaurants and retailers, offering a broader but potentially less specialized solution. This dual focus provides flexibility for businesses with both food service and retail components, such as restaurants selling merchandise or packaged foods. Revel’s table management system excels in customization, allowing precise floor plan design with adjustable table shapes, sizes, and colors.
The specialization decision depends on your business model. Pure restaurant operations might benefit more from Toast’s laser focus on restaurant operations, while hybrid business models might find Revel’s flexibility advantageous. Toast tends to excel in full-service environments, while Revel performs well across both quick-service and full-service scenarios.
The quality of support, training, and implementation significantly impacts success with any new POS system. Toast offers comprehensive implementation services with dedicated specialists helping configure systems, set up menus, and train staff. Their onboarding process typically includes in-person training sessions, though training depth varies based on service packages.
Toast provides 24/7/365 customer support via phone, email, and chat, with representatives specifically trained in restaurant operations. Many users praise Toast’s initial setup process but note that ongoing support quality can be inconsistent, with some reporting long wait times during peak hours. Toast’s online knowledge base is extensive, offering tutorials, troubleshooting guides, and best practices.
Revel Systems also provides implementation services and training, though user experiences vary more widely. Many reviewers cite Revel’s support team as knowledgeable once reached, but long wait times are common complaints. Revel offers 24/7 support like Toast, but some users report difficulties getting timely responses to complex technical issues.
Revel’s training is primarily remote, which can be less effective than Toast’s hybrid approach for some restaurant teams. Both systems offer regular software updates, but Toast’s Android platform allows more immediate deployment, while Revel’s iOS dependency means updates must go through Apple’s approval process. Restaurants with less technical staff might benefit from Toast’s more comprehensive implementation approach.
Selecting between Revel POS and Toast ultimately depends on your restaurant’s specific operational requirements, growth trajectory, and technology preferences. Toast emerges as the stronger choice for full-service restaurants with complex operations, particularly those seeking integrated payment processing and comprehensive restaurant-specific features. Its Android-based platform offers superior durability in demanding restaurant environments, while its exclusive restaurant focus ensures every feature is optimized for food service workflows.
Toast’s free starter option provides accessibility for new restaurants with limited capital, though higher transaction fees may impact profitability as volume increases. The system’s extensive integration ecosystem and robust support make it ideal for operations heavily dependent on delivery services, online ordering, and third-party applications. For restaurants prioritizing speed, efficiency, and comprehensive restaurant-specific functionality, Toast provides a compelling all-in-one solution.
Revel Systems presents a strong alternative for restaurants prioritizing payment processing flexibility and operating within Apple’s ecosystem. Its lower transaction fees may provide substantial long-term savings for high-volume businesses willing to navigate higher initial setup costs and potential feature surcharges. Revel’s dual focus on retail and restaurants makes it particularly suitable for hybrid operations, while its extensive customization options appeal to operators wanting detailed control over their POS environment. Before making your final decision, request comprehensive demonstrations of both systems, speak with current users operating similar restaurant concepts, and perform detailed total cost of ownership analysis based on your specific transaction volume and feature requirements.
For restaurants seeking to maximize efficiency beyond what traditional POS systems offer, integrating AI solutions like Loman can transform phone operations while working seamlessly with either Toast or Revel systems. Loman’s 24/7 AI phone capabilities, POS integration, and rapid implementation make it an ideal complement for single locations, chains, and franchises wanting to capture missed revenue and improve customer experience while keeping staff focused on in-house service excellence.
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