11 Best Restaurant App(s) For End To End Operational Efficiency

Best Restaurant App(s) For End-to-End Operational Efficiency

Running a food business isn't easy. 

Staying updated with restaurant stakeholders, being good at managing tasks, and keeping up with trends in the industry are all important. You need an app that consolidates all your to-do lists into one. 

All of this and more can be handled by free restaurant apps for managers that are designed for restaurant end-to-end operational efficiency.

1. Xenia - #1 Restaurant App for End-to-End Operational Efficiency

Hey, that's us!

If you ever wondered what it means to gain unprecedented operational efficiency, Xenia's comprehensive restaurant app can make your F&B business efficiency dreams come true. 

By offering a holistic solution for end-to-end operational efficiency, empowering businesses to streamline restaurant management and optimize multi-unit operations. 

Users can centrally manage maintenance tasks across all restaurant locations to ensure optimal performance of facilities, upholding the highest standards of hygiene and functionality. 

With our AI-powered SOP generator and checklists feature, users can standardize restaurant operations across all locations to provide consistent service and a positive client experience. 

Combine that with smart logic processes developed specifically for the food service business, digital inspections to identify problem areas, and corrective measures to guarantee compliance with health and safety laws. 

Moreover, this restaurant app also offers customizable operations templates, robust inspections and audits, and efficient task and work order management to streamline processes and ensure adherence to industry standards. 

With Xenia, restaurant owners and operators can achieve unparalleled operational efficiency, delivering exceptional dining experiences and driving business success.

Key Features

• Temperature Monitoring: Allows real-time temperature monitoring of refrigerators, freezers, and other storage units through already installed Bluetooth temperature probes. Managers are notified in real time whenever temperatures go outside of safe limits, assisting in the prevention of food spoiling and the preservation of quality.
• Operations Templates: Access an ever-growing library of templates, customizable form builders for inspections, assessments of restaurant, staff and FOH and BOH operational activities and much more. The possibilities are endless!‍
• Dedicated Tasks & Work Orders: Engine for enhanced health inspection scheduling and duty assignment! Xenia allows you to access operations and processes at any time and from any location, allowing for constant monitoring and maintenance.‍
• Dedicated Chats: Using DMs, group communications, and discussion threads, identify issues promptly and ensure transparency and responsibility.‍
• Reporting & Analytics: Stay deeply connected to your ongoing restaurant operations through a dedicated analytics and report system. Identify lacking areas and create plans for further improvements accordingly.‍
• Corrective Actions & More!: Implement a system for prompt identification and resolution of food safety violations or deficiencies, ensuring swift and effective measures are taken to address issues such as hygiene lapses, temperature control discrepancies, or storage inadequacies.

Pricing

• Free Forever: Free for up to 5 users with access to task & work orders, parent assets, internal chats, template builder, etc‍
• Starter: $99 / month for 15 users and comes with a work calendar view, work and template reports, sub-assessments, and sub-locations‍
• Premium: $199 / month for 15 users and offers unbound access to all the core features
• Multi-Location Pricing: Got a thriving restaurant business with multiple locations? Get in touch with our sales team for special pricing.‍
• Custom: Need something tailored to your organization?

Book a Demo Today

2. 7Shifts

Number 2 on our list of the best restaurant apps is 7shifts which handles and manages staff shifts based on availability and needs.

By employing clever AI technology to create the optimal timetable for all workers, 7Shifts ensures that users can keep up compliance with labor standards. 

You can view all of your staff members' communications in one central location. You won't need to stress about things like forgetting to ask for time off or exchange shifts. 

The software has additional smart management capabilities besides the scheduling function, which increases staff engagement. You can use tools like the labor cost savings calculator to ensure that your scheduling selections are in line with a healthy profit margin. With this software, you can connect your point-of-sale system as well.

Businesses can achieve their objectives by providing enough assistance to both front- and back-of-house employees, in addition to using the system's many other management features.

Key Features

• Scheduling & Task Management: Generate employee schedules, delegate tasks, and monitor their completion status.‍
• Communication: Enable seamless communication between managers and staff members via a dedicated messaging platform.‍
• Compliance & Training: Oversee employee training resources, and certifications, and maintain regulatory compliance standards.

Pricing

• Comp: Free‍
• Entrée: $29.99 Per Month/Location‍
• The Works: $69.99 Per Month/Location‍
• Gourmet: $135.00 Per Month/Location

3. Orderly

Moving on our restaurant app list, we have Orderly. 

If you’re struggling to keep your restaurant's food expenses and inventory organized, consider trying out Orderly, a comprehensive solution designed to streamline your operations, especially beneficial if you're launching a new restaurant. 

With Orderly, bid farewell to the hassle of manually tracking vendors and ensuring you have the correct ingredients for your menu offerings.

This intuitive software simplifies bookkeeping, inventory management, and invoicing processes. Stay on top of price fluctuations and supplier costs effortlessly, allowing you to make informed decisions to maintain your restaurant's profitability.

Moreover, Orderly offers seamless integration, enabling you to export expenditure data directly to your accounting software and other programs, saving you time and ensuring accuracy across all financial records. Take the stress out of managing your restaurant's finances and focus on delivering exceptional dining experiences to your customers with Orderly.

Key Features

• Sync Invoices: Link your vendors to Simplify and streamline the process of importing line item data from your invoices..‍
• Supplier Support: Just link your provider or take a photo of your meal or drink bills, and we'll do the rest.‍
• POS Connection: For a more powerful option for managing food costs, you can connect your point-of-sale system or input your daily sales.

Pricing

• Orderly Base Price: $195 /Month

4. FoodDocs

No matter how long you've been in the business, as a restaurant owner you're well aware of how critical it is to ensure the safety of your customers' food.

FoodDocs makes it easy for restaurants to set up a critical food safety system in a few easy steps.

To ensure the safety of both you and your customers, the app notifies owners of important concerns and assesses potential dangers. If you run a restaurant, this software is essential for keeping your customers and staff healthy.

The tool streamlines these tasks, allowing you to centralize team training, track course completions, and manage food safety training seminars efficiently. Additionally, FoodDocs integration can enhance awareness about food safety and hygiene requirements.

Key Features

• Traceability System: Rapidly access specific product-related information through their Advanced Search features, facilitating swift document retrieval.‍
• Integrations: Seamlessly connect with smart devices and IoT temperature sensors using their technology, enabling faster monitoring and enhancing overall food safety measures.‍
• Knowledge Base: Access comprehensive resources for implementing and utilizing FoodDocs effectively.

Pricing

• Free Trial
• Basic: €84/mo/ Billed at €999/yr‍
• Standard: €167/mo/ Billed at €2388 €1999/yr ‍
• Professional: €250/mo/ Billed at €3588 €2999/yr‍
• Enterprise: Get a Custom Quote

5. Crunchtime

Restaurants with more than one location utilize Crunchtime, an operations management tool, to keep track of their profits and provide excellent service to their customers.

Multinational chains, such as those in the cruise line, retail, golf, and fast food industries, use its inventory management features and operational data management components.

If you own a hospitality business, Crunchtime is a must-have for inventory management, labor scheduling, employee onboarding and training, auditing and compliance, and more.

Key Features

• Inventory Management: Utilize a comprehensive inventory system encompassing automated sales forecasting and vendor purchasing, streamlined inventory counts, recipe management, reconciliation, and additional functionalities.‍
• Labor & Scheduling: Employ innovative forecasting algorithms to automatically generate schedules, ensuring optimal staffing and skill levels aligned with projected daily sales.‍
• Operations Execution: Assign both routine and ad-hoc tasks such as daily opening checklists, monthly quality assessments, or one-time product releases, facilitating efficient completion of operational activities.

Pricing

• Request vendor for a quote

6. Restaurant365

Restaurant365 revolutionizes restaurant management by seamlessly integrating accounting and operational processes through centralized data management.

With a primary focus on accounting, it offers tailored software to meet the specific needs of restaurants, including comprehensive tools for labor and inventory management. Additionally, its advanced business analytics provide valuable insights into back-end operations.

This platform not only enhances back-office processes but also transforms front-of-house, dining, and kitchen operations, making it a versatile solution for food and beverage companies. Whether you opt for standalone modules or all-inclusive plans, Restaurant365 caters to your requirements with flexibility and efficiency.

Renowned global brands like Blaze Pizza, Taco Bell, and Dave's Hot Chicken trust Restaurant365 for its effectiveness in optimizing restaurant management processes, solidifying its reputation as a top choice in the industry.

Key Features

• R365 Accounting: Utilize your point-of-sale system to gather comprehensive labor and sales data, automatically generating daily journal entries for your general ledger. Enhance efficiency and precision, accomplishing more tasks in less time.‍
• R365 Store Operations: Employ powerful monitoring tools to oversee your restaurant's inventory, staff, and scheduling effectively. Operators can track performance in real-time through features like intraday polling.‍
• R365 Workforce: Simplify employee management with solutions encompassing onboarding, scheduling, payroll, and benefits administration.

Pricing

• Essential: $435 Per Month Per Location ‍
• Professional: $635 Per Month Per Location

7. SafetyCulture

With its many features that automate inspections and compliance checks to guarantee quality and safety in food handling, SafetyCulture's food service management software is a treat to businesses of all sizes in the food and beverage industry. 

With the use of sensors, analytics, and centralized dashboards for communication, this platform can monitor inventory, staff operations, and client orders in real time, which is what makes it one of the finest in the market.

Key Features

• Work Orders: Maintain order in the kitchen and dining area by keeping an eye on customers and employees via the use of surveillance cameras; in the warehouse or factory, use automated sensors to keep an eye on goods and machinery.‍
• Checklists: Use one of the food quality inspection checklists, customer feedback questionnaires, or staff performance scorecards that you make yourself, or borrow one from the library.‍
• Detailed Reports: Quickly address workplace problems using Issues and Actions and create automatic reports for further assessment.

Pricing

• Free: $0/User (Up To 10 Users)‍
• Premium: $24/Seat/Month (When Billed Annually)‍
• Enterprise: Custom Pricing

8. BevSpot

BevSpot offers a comprehensive food and beverage management solution encompassing inventory management, ordering, invoicing, and sales data analysis.

Its standout feature is the flexibility it provides, allowing restaurants to conduct inventory checks anytime and anywhere.

For multi-location businesses, BevSpot streamlines inventory management by centralizing data, enabling staff at each restaurant to contribute to the same database. This ensures consistency and efficiency across all locations.

Through dedicated streamlining of inventory processes, BevSpot helps restaurants minimize the time spent on inventory tasks and reduce excess inventory levels. Additionally, its recipe editor feature empowers users to understand and track cost percentages, aiding in cost control and profitability analysis.

With BevSpot, restaurants can optimize their operations, enhance inventory management practices, and make informed decisions to drive business success.

Key Features

• Detailed Analytics: Access detailed insights into various aspects of your restaurant's performance, including sales trends, operational efficiencies, and customer behaviors.‍
• Streamlined Ordering Process: BevSpot simplifies and accelerates the ordering workflow, aligning with the fast-paced dynamics of the food and beverage industry.‍
• Recipe Organization: Keep your recipes well-organized and easily accessible with BevSpot, ensuring consistency and quality across all dishes.

Pricing

• Free Trial: $0 Per Month

• Standard: $249 Per Month (Billed Annually)

• Pro: $299 Per Month (Billed Annually)

9. Zenput

Zenput is a top restaurant operations platform, which makes it easy to roll out, track, and enforce your brand standards.

Many of America’s top restaurants, convenience stores, and grocers use Zenput to see inside their stores and uncover any problems before they become your customer’s problem.

The platform is simple to use on all mobile and web devices and allows frontline team members to know what needs to be done while centralizing data collection and reporting. 

What’s the productivity gain?

Team leaders can easily make sure the work that needs to get done, actually does get done.

Business leaders can assign tasks to relevant people, check they’ve been completed, and use a review process to sign off on them.

Moving on, the app ensures a consistent operations process to enable all scheduled tasks to be completed daily, including task assignment and ad hoc task steps, and the capability for real-time status updates.

Managers in the field can also use the robust capabilities of Zenput to help enable instant corrective actions and more by digitally capturing important data such as product quality images, temperature readings, waiting times, etc.

In addition, the Incident Management module of Zenput provides a structure for handling any unexpected occurrences. Employees can fill out detailed Incident Reports using Zenput’s pre-designed forms, including information about the victim(s), descriptions of the injury, and any relevant images, all of which can be secured with digital signatures.

 Managers can benefit from valuable reporting which allows them to see rates of task completion, key performance indicators (KPIs), and reoccurrences, all of which allow for data-driven decision-making and the continued honing of any flaws that you have in your business.

Key Features 

• Dashboard Customization: Effortlessly create and customize user dashboards, empowering each user to customize a dashboard via a massive amount of available data and reports with drag-and-drop simplicity.
• Task Management: Keep daily operations efficient by creating checklists, assigning tasks, and tracking their statuses in real time.
• Incident Management: Promptly respond to unexpected events with structured incident reporting forms, simplifying solutions and documentation.
• Auditing and Corrective Actions: Conduct thorough audits, implement corrective actions, and monitor compliance easily, ensuring operational excellence in the company.

Pricing 

• Contact Vendor 

10. FMX

FMX’s customizable software accommodates all aspects of restaurant maintenance and facility management needs.

How?

The platform helps restaurants become more efficient, reduce costs, fast-track issue resolutions, and simplify the entire equipment/asset management process.

What truly sets FMX apart is its dedication to customer satisfaction. Providing an easy-to-use platform for restaurant owners and their facilities team to tackle any challenge with ease, and be confident that FMX can handle maintenance management. 

FMX's easy-to-use platform is equipped with simple navigation and non-technical features ensuring FMX is a tool for everyone.

The app is also extremely accessible; the system is web-based and can be accessed from any web browser on any device. Whether you are managing preventative maintenance tasks from a desktop in the office or looking to resolve an urgent issue from a mobile device on the hop, FMX can provide the performance required to excel in your day-to-day tasks.

Key Features 

• Work Order Management: Streamline the process of managing and tracking work orders, assuring timely completion and efficient task allocation.
• Equipment Maintenance: Optimize equipment performance and lifespan with preventive maintenance scheduling and on-time tracking.
• Preventive Maintenance: Implement a strategy that lowers downtime and several unexpected equipment failures, through a preventive maintenance scheduling regimen.
• Facility Scheduling: Efficiently allocate the use of facilities, scheduling them and the resources they include.
• Analytics: Obtain useful facts and information about how well we are doing what we’re doing and if we’re still on track at any given point.

Pricing 

• Contact Vendor 

11. UpKeep

UpKeep led the operational efficiency revolution with its maintenance management solution and is designed specifically for Maintenance and Reliability teams. 

With the cloud-based Computer Maintenance Management System or CMMS, managers can create work orders on a desktop, phone, or tablet.

Also, they can keep track of the entire operation with simple dashboards and endless reporting capabilities. All of this is with instant notification across every device when an asset goes down.

UpKeep is built around its core maintenance features, which include asset, inventory, and work order management, as well as preventive maintenance scheduling.

You’ll get an at-a-glance view of your tasks, the due dates and criticality assessments for each, and any associated (or even attached) assets or workers, making short work of prioritizing and allocating tasks.

Not only that.

 This task grouping and categorization can also be customized to your specifications using notes, priority ratings, images, or anything else you’d like to throw into any number of tags for your assets.

The mobile app allows users to create projects, assign work orders, manage assets, and more right from their handheld devices. While UpKeep is targeted primarily at small to midsize companies, its applicability to a variety of industry verticals underscores its adaptability to different operational environments.

Key Features 

• Preventative Maintenance: Set up regular maintenance tasks to try to stop downtime of assets and lengthen their working life.
• Checklists: Organize your inspection & maintenance tasks using customized checklists.
• Asset Management: Track and manage the asset you are focusing on from beginning to end whether you are buying, selling, or disposing.
• Inventory Management: Utilize barcoding and scanning capabilities to optimize your inventory tracking and reordering.
• Reports: Generate customizable reports for in-depth analysis of maintenance performance and asset health.
• Equipment Downtime: Get real-time alerts & notifications for asset downtime so that you can act on them quickly to minimize the downtime.
• Dashboards: Create multiple dashboards with the help of drag & drop builder for better insights and decision-making.

Pricing 

• Lite: $20
• Starter: $45
• Professional: $75
• Bussiness+: Custom

Why is Operational Efficiency So Important?

For businesses to lower expenses, increase revenue, and enhance customer happiness, operational efficiency is non-negotiable. 

The fewer bottlenecks you have, the better service you can provide to your customers. 

Approximately 29% of restaurants expressed a strong likelihood of expanding their locations in the next 12 months, up from just 17% in 2023.

Restaurants can thrive in a competitive industry by streamlining and improving operations including ordering food, menu creation, kitchen workflow, employee scheduling, eliminating waste, and service protocols. 

Increasing productivity in areas that you have control over can better prepare you to deal with unforeseen obstacles and outside influences. 

To help you achieve operational excellence in your restaurant, we have created a list of the best restaurant apps that will boost your restaurant's efficiency and improve the customer experience

Take The Next Step To Boost Your Operational Efficiency!

Navigating the maze of restaurant app software options might seem overwhelming at first, but believe us the rewards are significant.

By investing the time to find the right fit, you can transform your business from the ground up, boost productivity, cut costs, and set the stage for long-term success.

It is important to empower your employees with the right kind of tools to achieve end-to-end operational efficiency.

Prioritize key features tailored to your business needs: opt for user-friendly interfaces, reliable support services, seamless integration capabilities, and scalability.

With a strategic focus on these essential elements, you can ensure that your chosen software not only meets your immediate needs but also evolves alongside your business, paving the way for sustained growth and profitability.