9 Best Restaurant Management Automation Software To Use in 2025

Robotics, AI, and automation have been greatly developing since the middle of the last century. However, in the last decade, these fields have experienced a renaissance. The food automation sector has risen significantly in recent years. It will increase from $13.61 billion in 2023 to $15.15 billion by 2024.

That is because the areas have far more applications in the economy. 

Robots and AI can be used by companies to minimize their operating costs, and then have the ability to capture an even greater share of the surging crude oil it has in an emerging economy. 

The food and beverage industry is no exception to this. One of the hottest restaurant technologies right now is restaurant automation software. They are a means to an end that you’re looking to accomplish right away!

If you’re a budding entrepreneur or a business owner trying to fix a crisis point, or a corporate manager looking to improve productivity in the restaurant sector, restaurant automation systems may be able to help your food business become more efficient and more profitable.

The tools provide a range of different capabilities, such as strategic planning and content generation, through to enhancing customer support and generating powerful insights from data analytics.

The number of restaurant automation tools on the market can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help.

After researching and testing the best restaurant automation app, we created a complete list of the best restaurant automation software to help market, operate, and grow your restaurant. 

We recommend investing in such services to help with everything, ranging from extensive planning, deployment, and monitoring of critical processes in a hassle-free manner.

What is Restaurant Automation?

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Restaurant automation is changing the restaurant game. By using Robots and automation services, many things can be done with ease. These meta-bots can perform nearly anything, and assist you with anything you require in the restaurant, be it the preparation and cooking of the food or becoming the one who serves it.

Companies are integrating technology to make their customers go through a quicker, less bumpy process. E-commerce, digital marketing, the streamlining of kitchen activities, or efficiency in fulfilling products, etc., all these bring immeasurable efficiency and convenience to businesses and consumers alike.

Though complete automation is still a very distant future, a large number of restaurants have already started to employ the automated technology in their enterprise.

A few notable examples include

• Little Caesar’s is experimenting with pizza-making robots
• McDonald’s is working on automated drive-thru
• White Castle and CaliBurger are embracing Flippy, the burger-flipping robot
• Starbucks and its AI-enabled coffee-making machines.

Benefits of Restaurant Automation 

The fact that more than 90% of the top-ranking companies use automation tools is a huge clue concerning the good it does to the productivity of a business. Now, let us discuss how integrating AI tools into the work of small businesses can make a breakthrough.

• Cost Cutting: The operational costs of small businesses are reduced to the bare minimum by AI since it automates a myriad of manual processes. Whether it is inventory optimization, automating routine tasks, or other activities, AI-powered solutions will contribute to reducing unnecessary costs, which will ultimately increase the bottom line.
• Increased Efficiency and Productivity: Automation of restaurants is an amazing way of streamlining restaurant procedures by making manual activities automatic. This is not only time-saving but also eliminates the possibility of human error, which means that the workers can concentrate on other more important activities.
• Tailored Customer Service: Using chatbots and other contemporary programs in restaurant management services can enable them to deliver an individual approach to customers on a huge scale, retain more customers, and increase revenue.
• Reduced Workforce: In restaurants, AI allows managers to expand their business to other areas since it will automate daily activities. As AI replaces monotonous work done by humans, workers are able to engage in more strategically driven initiatives, such as problem resolution and creativity.‍
• Higher Profits: The increase in productivity, labor, and overall cost cut down eventually culminates in increased profitability for restaurants. Firms can use automated solutions to streamline their businesses, maximize their revenues, and encourage growth in the long term.

Top 9 Restaurant Automation Software To Use Right Now!

Let's talk about some of the best restaurant automation tools to assist you in simplifying everyday tasks, making better decisions, and obtaining more insights from your existing data.

1. Xenia - Overall Best Restaurant Automation Software

Best For: Streamlining restaurant operations, automating compliance, and managing tasks across multiple locations with real-time monitoring

Xenia restaurant management automation tool is for business owners and managers looking to simultaneously optimize their BOH restaurant and customer-facing operations. In that order, the AI functionality is just part of the many things that the software helps you to do; there’s plenty more where it came from.

Starting off with a robust, integrated AI-powered restaurant SOP creator, you get full access to a nifty tool. 

Is a particular requirement centered around day-to-day restaurant operations, employee training and accountability, asset management, cleaning activity, some sort of critical food safety process, etc.? 

Don’t worry. 

These SOPs are fully customizable and easily shareable with your internal team, as well as external stakeholders. The share button comes in handy whenever you need to share your standard restaurant sops with someone from inside or outside the organization. 

Ready to use the SOPs for your restaurant?

Simply have your designated teams access them through a QR code to start the process. This restaurant automation app also lets you create identical checklists and work orders if you are looking to directly engage your restaurant staff through the in-app interface.

You are looking at a fully-fledged restaurant operations software with state-of-the-art AI automation that can cater to critical workflows concerning restaurant FSMA compliance, maintenance processes, inspections, audits, HACCP compliance, food safety in general, and just about anything ranging from different priority levels.

All of these activities are managed through a dedicated dashboard that’s centralized dashboard. So, whether it’s a single restaurant location or a thriving multi-location operation, managers have that peace of mind where they can easily monitor the entire restaurant task management process through completion stages in real time.

Let’s take a quick look at some of the game-changing features that are part of this constantly updated tool!

Xenias’ Key Restaurant Automation Features

Task & Work Order Automation: Xenia assigns tasks and monitors their completion, automating the process by which managers can be assured that critical tasks happen on time without necessarily putting their attention on them. It also saves time, as there is no need to use paper checklists and manually track them, which lowers the occurrence of errors.

‍Real-time Monitoring & Reporting: The platform gives real-time and automatic updates on the progress of the tasks, doing it as per schedule and performance thresholds. This will make sure that managers will always have updated information and will be able to manage any kind of problems and deviations from the standard working procedures very quickly.

Mobile Access: The mobile-first structure of Xenia enables the staff to access the list of tasks, training resources, and essential information wherever and whenever needed. This flexibility will increase productivity, and workers will be able to carry out their tasks effectively without necessarily being in the same location.

Employee Training Automation: The micro-learning process implemented by Xenia allows workers to have short and easy-to-digest training materials at any time when they need them. The employee training is also efficient and consistent, as the platform monitors their progress and makes sure that they are informed about all the protocols of food safety, equipment handling, and customer service.

Centralized Multi-location Management: Xenia also offers automation to restaurants that have multiple locations, which means that managers can monitor and control all tasks, performance indicators, and checks using one dashboard. This saves administrative costs and maintains uniformity in all its locations.

AI-powered SOP Creation: Xenia AI-powered SOP creation software can automate the process of SOP creation without spending time writing it manually. SOPs are readily editable, accessible, and constantly updated, which means your employees adopt the most effective and efficient practices at any moment.

Automated Task Scheduling and Alerts: The automation of scheduling tasks in Xenia means that the basic tasks like maintenance inspection, food safety checks, and other cleaning processes are set and allocated automatically. The platform alerts the user and reminds them of the tasks that are due in time.

Customer Review

“Powerful user interface with simple views for frontline team members to adopt task lists and training content with ease. AI capabilities are also well developed for streamlined creation of net new task checklists.” - Hoor J., Quality Safety

Xenia's Pricing 

Xenia offers flexible plans for growing and enterprise multi-location businesses.

• Premium: Advanced multi-site management with automation. Includes custom dashboards, automated corrective actions, equipment QR codes, work request routing, and premium support. Let’s chat about pricing.
• Enterprise: Customized workflow and enterprise analytics in 10+ locations. We have Premium features and an account manager, onboarding, integrations, template digitization, and add-ons such as SSO and temperature monitoring.

Contact Xenia to get a tailored quote based on your business size and needs.

2. Zira AI

Best For: Optimizing employee scheduling, time tracking, and payroll management to improve labor efficiency and reduce turnover in restaurants.

Zira AI is the best restaurant automation software featuring a full-fledged workforce management platform created exclusively for the restaurant industry. The comprehensive suite of automated features, including employee scheduling, time & attendance management, and payroll tracking, means more optimized labor decisions and greater overall productivity.

Zira most notably optimizes employee scheduling. The smart scheduling algorithms create the most optimal employee shifts based on worker availability, worker preference, and operational needs. By doing so, Zira can minimize employee turnover rates and generate higher workforce satisfaction rates.

Key Features 

• Timeclock Function: Effectively monitors the time of employees to facilitate salaries and labor regulations.
• Shift Management: Allows personnel to easily request and administer shift swaps, thereby being flexible.
• Real-time Alerts: Notifies of schedule changes, assignments, and other essential new information.
• Data Analytics: Applies predictive algorithms to predict the demand of the workforce and perform better scheduling.
• Employee Portal: Gives employees a chance to see schedules, apply for leave, and view pay stubs, which is more transparent and engaging.
• Labor Efficiency: Give real-time information on labor expenses, presence, and plans to make quality decisions.

Pricing 

• Contact Vendor

3. LunchBox

Best For: Managing online ordering systems and direct customer interactions while maintaining brand control and personalized service.

Lunchbox is innovating the restaurant automation software industry. Providing restaurants with a comprehensive online ordering system and order management platform that integrates with the most popular POS solutions on the market.

Lunchbox is empowering real restaurants to own their values, brand, and customers without relying on third parties. With a custom-built web and mobile product, Lunchbox allows restaurant owners to utilize and control the most important platform out there. They achieve this by personalizing every interaction a user has with a restaurant and providing each brand with a very exclusive and customized set of tools to do just that.

Key Features

• Order Tracking: Monitors the order from the kitchen to the delivery point to guarantee punctual services.
• Delivery Dispatch Management: Optimizes the driver scheduling and routes, resulting in shorter delivery times.
• Menu Management: Gives restaurants the ability to change menu items and ingredients in real-time.
• Customer Engagement: Uses a customized reward program to promote repeat customers.
  

Pricing

• Contact Vendor

4. Leafe(A.K.A Leafe App)

Best For: Ensuring food safety compliance and automating kitchen hygiene tasks to meet HACCP and health regulations.

Leafe is an all-inclusive restaurant automation tool focusing on kitchen hygiene and safety. Leafe is designed to address the needs of restaurant managers and auditors to make it easier to ensure that a restaurant can comply with industry standards (HACCP) and local law. With real-time suggestions and practical insights, Leafe can guarantee that restaurants avoid violating health and safety standards regularly.

It assists restaurants in enhancing food safety, reducing foodborne diseases, and ensuring established high level of hygiene. Regardless of whether you are operating one restaurant or a chain, with Leafe, you get the means to maintain your kitchen compliant and safe within minutes, as you save time and effort on documentation and audits.

Key Features 

• Temperature Monitoring: Monitors and regulates the temperature used to store the food in refrigerators.
• Compliance Tools: Lays out users through HACCP and government regulations to have a HACCP-compliant kitchen.
• Professional Support: Provision of access to food safety experts/advice on best practices.
• Real-time Updates: Offers practical recommendations that will help make kitchen operations comply with health requirements.
• Documentation: Assists users in recording the chain of food safety and keeping a high level of hygiene.

Pricing 

• Contact Vendor

5. Toast

Best For: Integrating POS, inventory, employee management, and analytics to streamline all aspects of restaurant operations for enhanced efficiency

Toast is a comprehensive online management system that runs in the cloud and combines the processes of point-of-sale (POS) restaurant management and inventory management as well as employee management. Focusing on organizing the workflows in restaurants, Toast guarantees a more convenient experience for both the staff and customers.

Toast brings all the major functions of the restaurant in one place, thus helping to raise efficiency and quality of services. It also provides effective reporting tools that give useful information about sales trends, labor cost, and customer preferences, which enlightens owners of restaurant owners to make quality decisions. This restaurant automation tool will work with you whether you run a single-outlet business or multiple units.

Key Features:

• Integrated POS System: Efficiently streamlines to process of orders and payments.
  
• Inventory Management: Keeps track of the inventory and assists in the supplier orders.
  
• Employee Management: Facilitates scheduling, time tracking, and payroll.
  
• Analytics & Reporting: Gives an understanding of sales, labor prices, and the way customers want things.
  
• Online Ordering & Delivery Integration: Allows commission-free online ordering, and can work with third-party delivery companies.

Pricing

Starts at $69 per month, with additional costs for hardware and payment processing.

6. Chowly

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Best For: Integrating third-party online ordering platforms with POS systems to reduce manual entry errors and streamline order management.

Chowly is a system to streamline third-party online orders, including Uber Eats and DoorDash, to a point-of-sale (pos) restaurant. This smooth connectivity assists restaurants in dodging inaccuracy, which is brought about when using manual input; this saves time as well as the chances of making an error. Chowly offers to automatically sync the orders of external delivery services with the student system of the restaurant, thus guaranteeing accuracy and speed.

It also provides menu management systems that manage menus in various delivery systems, which allows restaurants to be consistent and remain in charge of what they offer. Chowly is an additional tool based on customer insights and marketing resources that helps to improve engagement with customers and, consequently, improve sales.

Key Features

• Order Integration: Auto-seeds the orders received by the third-party delivery platform to the POS system.
  
• Menu Management: This enables it to manage menu items in different platforms and centralize control and update functions.
  
• Pricing Management: Allows pricing in such a way that maximizes profits.
  
• Customer Insights: Offers data analytics to know the preferences and behaviors of customers.
  
• Marketing Tools: Provides customer surveys and other loyalty programs to increase engagement with customers.
  

Pricing

Contact the vendor for pricing details.

7. 7shifts 

‍Best For: Simplifying workforce management, including scheduling, time tracking, and labor compliance, to improve operational efficiency and team communication.

7shifts is a cloud-based restaurant automation software that is tailored to restaurants. It assists in simplifying personnel scheduling, payroll, and communication so that restaurants can run efficiently and in compliance with labor laws. The platform simplifies planning by taking information on the availability of staff, labor law, and business requirements.

Having the time tracking and compliance management features, 7shifts can help restaurant managers cut their labor expenses and enhance communication between team members. An attractive and simple interface, shift management capabilities, and the possibility of a real-time employee time clock make 7shifts an app that allows you to manage the workforce of your restaurant effectively, thus leading the way to better performance and morale among your employees.

Key Features

• Employee Scheduling: Engages in the scheduling of shifts depending on the availability of a team and labor regulations.
  
• Time & Attendance Tracking: Time clock for clock-ins/outs and labor costs computations of monitors.
  
• Payroll Management: Combining with payrolls to ensure payments are current and accurate.
  
• Team Communication: Facilitates the processes of messaging and announcements so that personnel are aware of the news.
  
• Compliance Management: Assists in the enforcement of labor laws and organizational policies.
  

Pricing

Offers a free plan with basic features; paid plans start at $7 per month per user.

8. MarketMan

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Best For: Restaurants needing efficient, real-time inventory management to track stock levels

Keeping track of what inventory you have can sometimes be a nightmare, especially when it comes to s such as meats, dairy, produce, and fish. Our next automated restaurant tool, MarketMan is an inventory management system that tracks your inventory in real-time which gives you a live look into your current inventory levels and also how much product you have gone through already. 

An essential and noteworthy feature of MarketMan is that uses alerts to help you know when supplies are running low so that you never have outdated ingredients. With Marketman, a business will run smoothly because you will not have customers waiting for ingredients.

In addition, MarketMan also makes updating your inventory quantities a breeze when your delivery invoices arrive. Just snap a photo or upload the invoice and MarketMan will automatically update the quantities for you, saving hours each week and the frequent mistakes that occur when doing this manually.

Key Features

• Real-time Inventory Management: Presents real-time analytics on stock quantities and the use of ingredients that simplify accurate inventory control.
• Stockout Alerts: Informs the users of low supplies to avoid stock-out and relates operation of the restaurant.
• Automated Purchase Orders: Within the system, users can create purchase orders and make the process straightforward to order supplies that are needed.
• Invoice Integration: Automatically changes the inventory according to the delivery invoice submitted, which saves time and also reduces mistakes.
• Cost Calculation: Calculates the true cost of every menu or dish in use to ensure restaurants are profitable, and gives them a beneficial pricing tool.

Pricing 

• Operator -$239
• Professional -$299
• Ultimate -$429

9. Flyby 

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Best For: Restaurants with drive-thru service are aiming to enhance customer satisfaction by speeding up service

Restaurants with drive-thru service are very concerned about three things: increasing the speed at which the transactions are made, accuracy leading to customer service satisfaction, and the amount of customer service satisfaction.

The biggest advantage that sets the Flyby automation restaurant tool apart from its competitors is the ability to greatly reduce the amount of time that a drive-thru customer must wait in the drive-thru line at restaurants, resulting in a fast and seamless experience.

Additionally, FlyBuy enables managers to approach waiting food court customers with tablet point-of-sale devices that take orders immediately for further enhanced service. 

Key Features 

• Mobile Location Technology: Accurately identifies arriving customers and the point where they are in the drive-thru queue, lowering the waiting time drastically.
• Tablet-Based Ordering System: Allows waiters to meet with customers as they wait, which helps to reduce the time of placing orders and enhances customer interaction.
• Customer Identification: Employes the use of extensive customer recognition technology to make redemption of loyalty points at checkout smooth and increase satisfaction and loyalty.
• Real-Time Insights & Analytics: Offers dedicated information on drive-thru management, which frees managers to make proper decisions and enhance productivity.
• Loyalty Program Integration: Integrates easily with loyalty, so redemptions of rewards are easier, and repeat customers are promoted.

Pricing 

• Contact Vendor

AI Back of House Systems for Restaurants

The back-of-house (BOH) operations in restaurants are run considerably more effectively with the use of the best restaurant automation software. 

Whether it’s task management, reporting, or shift scheduling, the latest restaurant automation software solutions for BOSH have been designed to seamlessly integrate into current working processes and guarantee to streamline every aspect of your restaurant's back-of-house operations.

Inventory Management

Out of all food waste, the highest issue in the food service is Inventory and supply management. Restaurant operators can address this using AI inventory solutions integrated into restaurant point-of-sale (POS) systems, to less wastage and effectively and efficiently. 65% of restaurateurs use computerized inventory management in their restaurants. 

They can monitor and control supply and are equipped to manage their inventory purchase data by way of this system effectively, hence regulating waste and food costs.

Data-Based Insights

Data science is employed to generate valid, data-driven insights into the food industry. One of the most efficient uses of data science in the food industry is identifying when and how to sell products in a restaurant or food sector based on customer habits and market trends. This improves restaurant competitiveness by lowering wasted inventory and labor costs. 

AI Chatbots

Artificial intelligence-based chatbots assist customers in real time through an immediate response to queries, order placement, and assistance around the clock, every day. Real-time response lowers the waiting time of the client, and this enables the organization to design a smooth customer experience on many channels, but this keeps them at a competitive edge.

Work-Order Optimization

One more adjustment that the restaurant automation software brought is the ability to optimize the work order and tasks. In the past, individuals would have to do tasks such as handling and scheduling meals, cleaning schedules, and keeping tabs on inventories manually, and this would end up consuming time and making mistakes. 

Today, such tasks are planned and performed in the smart mode of the system with the assistance of automation, thus these are efficient and non-downtime software.

Wrapping It Up

In short, the restaurant industry is facing some radical changes, which are being generated by AI. Although it is a no-brainer about why and how AI applications, such as Xenia, can be a benefit to your restaurant. Most restaurants today automate three or more business facets, and they feel that there are facets that can be automatable and not others in the business.

As the leading and innovative brands of the restaurant business continue to be at the forefront of transforming this industry by incorporating the best restaurant automation software in their business through the use of the Xenia software, restaurants are better placed to not only ride the wave of transformation and revolution, restaurants have a sustainable competitive advantage over other business players and hence the continuous growth.

Book a demo today.