1. FoodTec Solutions
Best For: Pizza delivery & carryout
Pros:
- Extremely strong delivery dispatching
- Caller ID integration
- Driver tracking
- Built for independent pizza operators
- Lower long-term cost than Toast
Cons:
- Dated user interface
- Longer setup process
2. POSitouch
Best For: Full-service restaurants
Pros:
- Very customizable
- Strong table management
- Excellent reporting
- Reliable for high-volume operations
Cons:
- Old-school interface
- Requires training
3. Aldelo
Best For: Asian restaurants, takeout, family restaurants
Pros:
- Affordable
- Built-in online ordering
- Good loyalty tools
- Multi-language support
Cons:
- Not as polished as Square
4. Squirrel Systems
Best For: High-volume restaurants & casinos
Pros:
- Enterprise-grade stability
- Excellent kitchen routing
- Very durable
Cons:
- Expensive
- Overkill for small restaurants
5. BPOS
Best For: Small independent restaurants
Pros:
- Low cost
- Local dealer support available
- Simple operation
Cons:
- Limited integrations
6. SAM4s SPS
Best For: Budget-conscious operators
Pros:
- One-time purchase options
- Reliable hardware
- Low monthly costs
Cons:
- Limited cloud features
7. Focus POS
Best For: Pizza chains and multi-unit operators
Pros:
- Great delivery management
- Franchise features
- Strong loyalty program
Cons:
- More expensive than Square
8. Digital Dining
Best For: Bars & full-service restaurants
Pros:
- Fast order entry
- Strong bar tab management
- Good inventory tracking
Cons:
- Older interface
9. Maitre’D
Best For: Fine dining
Pros:
- Sophisticated table service
- Strong reservations support
- Stable platform
Cons:
- Requires professional setup
10. Level POS
Best For: Independent restaurants wanting local support
Pros:
- Online ordering included
- Dual pricing/cash discount options
- KDS support
- Caller ID
- Delivery dispatching
- Local installation and training
- No long-term contracts
Cons:
- Smaller ecosystem than Toast or Square
My Picks by Restaurant Type
| Restaurant Type | Recommended POS |
|---|---|
| Pizza Delivery | FoodTec, Focus POS, Level POS |
| Fast Casual | Square, Level POS |
| Full Service | POSitouch, Digital Dining |
| Bar/Tavern | Digital Dining, POSitouch |
| Food Truck | Square |
| Small Family Restaurant | Level POS, Aldelo |
| Multi-Unit Chain | Focus POS, Squirrel |
| Fine Dining | Maitre’D |
For Chicago-area independent restaurants specifically, I often see the best combination of cost, support, and functionality from Square, Level POS, FoodTec, and Aldelo. They typically deliver most of the features operators need without the high monthly fees and long contracts often associated with Toast.
Not Sure Which Restaurant POS Is Right for You?
Toast, Square, Clover, SpotOn, FoodTec, Aldelo, Focus POS, Level POS and other systems all have pros and cons. Let a local POS expert help you compare your options and choose the best fit for your restaurant.
