The Complete Guide to Choosing the Best POS System for Your Restaurant
Choosing a point of sale (POS) system for your restaurant is one of the most important decisions you'll make. A great POS does more than just process payments. It helps manage your menu, speed up service, track employee performance, reduce mistakes, and provide the data you need to grow. If you're still using an outdated system or evaluating options for a new restaurant, this guide will walk you through exactly what to look for and why SkyTab is built to meet those needs.
What Makes a Good Restaurant POS System?
Before comparing systems, it’s important to understand what features actually matter. Not all POS systems are built the same, and what works for a retail store might not make sense in a full-service restaurant or quick-service kitchen. Here’s what every restaurant owner should prioritize:
- Fast, reliable order entry
- Real-time syncing to the kitchen
- Tableside and contactless payment options
- Mobile and handheld devices
- Online ordering integration
- Inventory and menu management
- Employee tracking and scheduling
- 24/7 support
- Clear, accurate reporting
If your system lacks any of those, you're likely dealing with inefficiencies, staff frustration, and lost revenue.
Feature Breakdown: What to Look for and Why It Matters
1. Tableside Ordering and Payments
Your POS should allow servers to take orders at the table and send them directly to the kitchen. This saves time, reduces mistakes, and allows for faster table turns. When guests can also pay at the table, you improve the overall experience and increase tipping percentages.
2. Online and Mobile Ordering Integration
Third-party apps can be expensive and disconnected. Choose a POS that includes its own commission-free online ordering tool that ties into your main system. That way, tickets go straight to the kitchen without double entry.
3. Custom Menu Management
Restaurants change menus often. Look for a system that lets you easily update items, prices, and modifiers from a single dashboard. You should also be able to apply changes instantly to all terminals without rebooting anything.
4. Inventory Tracking
A modern POS tracks ingredient-level inventory automatically as items are sold. This helps prevent running out of key items and makes reordering more accurate.
5. Employee Performance and Scheduling Tools
Labor is one of your biggest expenses. Your POS should show you who’s selling the most, who’s clocking in late, and where you’re over- or under-scheduled. Bonus if it also syncs with your payroll system.
6. Reporting and Analytics
Data is only helpful if you can understand it. Look for clean, accessible reporting on sales by item, server, time period, and more. Cloud-based access lets you run your business even when you're off-site.
7. Loyalty and Gift Card Programs
Rewarding return customers and offering gift cards can drive revenue. A POS with built-in loyalty and gift card capabilities keeps it all under one roof.
8. Secure Payments and EMV Compliance
Make sure your POS accepts chip cards, contactless payments, and is fully PCI compliant. This protects your business and gives your guests peace of mind.
9. Customer Support You Can Count On
When your POS goes down, you need help immediately. Make sure the provider offers 24/7 in-house support with no long hold times or outsourced teams.
POS Buying Traps to Avoid
Don’t pick based on price alone.
A cheaper system that can’t scale or support your workflow will cost more in the long run.
Don’t settle for hardware that’s outdated.
Many providers bundle refurbished equipment or require expensive upgrades down the road.
Avoid systems that don’t include support or software updates.
If the company charges extra for basic tools, you're not getting a good deal.
Be wary of long-term contracts with no trial period.
A reputable provider should offer you a risk-free trial and transparent terms.
Why SkyTab Is One of the Best POS Systems for Restaurants
SkyTab is a complete POS solution designed for restaurants, bars, and quick-service operations. It includes:
- Free hardware with no upfront cost
- Cloud-based management dashboard
- Mobile and handheld devices
- Tableside ordering and payment tools
- QR code ordering and contactless pay
- Free online ordering (no commissions)
- Integrated gift cards and loyalty programs
- Real-time reporting and labor tools
- 24/7 in-house support
- Free installation and training
With SkyTab, you get everything you need to run your restaurant efficiently without needing to piece together multiple systems or pay high upfront fees.
Final Checklist Before Choosing a POS
Here’s a simple way to evaluate your options:
- Does it include all the hardware I need?
- Can my staff use it easily?
- Does it support both in-person and online orders?
- Can I track my sales and labor data in one place?
- What happens if I need help after hours?
- Will I need to pay for updates or features later?
- How fast can I get up and running?
If the answer is no to any of those, it’s worth exploring other options.
Get Started With a Better POS
Whether you're opening a new restaurant or replacing an outdated system, you need a POS that works as hard as you do. SkyTab is built from the ground up to support restaurants of all sizes with the tools they need to grow.
To learn more, schedule a demo. There's no risk to try it, and installation is included. The right POS system can improve everything from tip size to table turns to staff performance. Let’s get yours set up the right way.









