About 50% of US consumers worry about the cleanliness of signature touchpads. In fact, 72% would rather skip signing altogether! The result: over half of Americans (51%) are using some form of contactless payment, with 36% using it for quick service restaurants.

Want to keep up with customer preferences, improve hygiene, and speed up transactions? If yes, you should use modern payment methods for your contactless payment restaurant. Let’s explore how contactless payment in restaurants can increase customer satisfaction and make operations run smoothly.

What is a POS System with Contactless Payment for Restaurants?

A Point of Sale system is a combined hardware and software solution that helps contactless payment restaurants handle transactions, keep track of inventory, and simplify their day-to-day operations. It includes the following hardware and software components:

• POS terminal
• Card reader 
• Receipt printer 
• Cash drawer 
• Barcode scanner
• Customer display 
• Useful features like:
  • Sales management
  • Inventory management 
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
  • Employee management
  • Reporting and analytics 

The Contactless Payment Technology

1. Near Field Communication (NFC)

NFC lets devices exchange data usually over 4 cm or less. Being the key technology behind contactless payments, it enables devices to transmit payment information to the POS terminal quickly and securely.

2. Tokenization

This security process replaces your sensitive payment info with a unique identifier or token. So, your actual card details aren't stored on your device or sent during the transaction. This makes fraud less likely to happen.

3. Mobile Devices

Smartphones and wearables like smartwatches allow NFC payments in restaurants. The user just has to tap their device with a digital wallet, and they're good to go!

4. EMV (Europay, MasterCard, and Visa)

This worldwide standard for cards with computer chips helps verify chip-card transactions. EMV cards work for contact and contactless payments.

Apple Pay, along with contactless credit and debit cards, are some popular methods available in the US for a contactless payment restaurant.

Benefits of Contactless Payment Systems for Restaurants

1. Better Customer Experience

Diners are all into convenience and speed; contactless dining delivers just that. They can use their smartphones or tap their contactless cards to pay. No cash or signatures are needed! A contactless payment restaurant can offer loyalty rewards and promotions via mobile wallet integration.  

2. Increased Operational Efficiency

Allowing contactless payments in restaurants speeds up transaction processing. So, your staff can serve more customers in less time. Affordable solutions like OnehubPOS have advanced features like inventory management and sales tracking that keep an eye on everything. This way, your contactless payment restaurant team won't get bogged down with cash or manual payments. 

3. Improved Hygiene and Safety

A contactless payment restaurant cuts down on physical contact between your staff and diners. As they’d just tap their devices or cards, you no longer have to handle cash or pass around receipts. The result: fewer germs and viruses spreading around your space.

4. Faster Transaction Times

Speed is everything in the busy environment of a QSR. Contactless payment systems let customers pay in just a few seconds. It also means you can serve more diners in less time. The result: higher revenue.

Types of Contactless Payment Methods

1. Mobile Wallets

Mobile wallets like Apple Pay keep the payment info right on the customer's smartphone. They just have to tap their phone at a POS terminal to pay. Plus, these wallets may come with loyalty rewards, transaction tracking, and better security. 

2. Contactless Credit and Debit Cards

These cards allow RFID or NFC payments in restaurants. So, customers don't need to insert or swipe them to pay. They just have to tap their card on a contactless terminal.

3. QR Code Payments

Customers scan a QR code at checkout with their smartphone camera. It takes them straight to a payment screen where they can enter their info. The best part? You don’t need any hardware, so it’s perfect for small restaurants. 

Implementing Contactless Payment in Your Restaurant

Contactless payment systems simplify transactions, improve customer satisfaction, and reduce wait times. Thus, it's perfect for today’s consumers who want speed and convenience, and it also tackles hygiene concerns. 

Step 1: Choosing the Right POS System

To get the right POS system for your contactless payment restaurant, here's what you should ensure:

Speed and Convenience

Your chosen POS system should let your customers just tap their devices or cards and complete transactions in seconds.  

Versatility and Flexibility

Your payment system should be able to handle everything from mobile wallets to contactless cards and QR codes. This way, your restaurant would cater to all sorts of customer preferences.

Security Features

Your contactless payment system should come with advanced security features like encryption and tokenization. These features protect your information above contactless payments in restaurants to cut down on fraud and data breaches.

Integration with Existing Restaurant Operations

Ensure your selected contactless payment systems work well with your current restaurant setup. This all works together to provide better service and keep your customers happy.

Step 2: Training Staff for Smooth Adoption

Make sure to hold some useful training sessions to help your staff get comfortable with contactless payment options for restaurants. Answer any questions they might have. When your team feels confident, they can better assist customers.

Step 3: Marketing the New Payment Options to Customers

Smart marketing can boost awareness and get more people using these options. Use social media, put up signs in your restaurant, and send out email newsletters. Talk about the perks of contactless payment options for restaurants, like how fast and safe they are, to get everyone on board. 

How to Tackle Security Issues in Contactless Payments

1. Ensure Data Protection and Privacy

Use advanced encryption tech to keep sensitive data safe from unauthorized access. Plus, have strict access controls and do regular security audits to spot any weaknesses. 

2. Comply with Industry Standards (PCI DSS)

Ensure your restaurant's contactless payment systems meet PCI DSS rules and best practices for keeping cardholder info safe. This means having secure networks, strong access controls, and regularly testing your security systems.

3. Prevent Fraud and Unauthorized Transactions

Use multi-factor authentication for transactions to add an extra layer of protection beyond the usual methods. Also, keep an eye on transactions regularly to catch any suspicious activity right away. Set clear rules for dealing with unauthorized transactions. 

Contactless QR Code Payments vs Debit Card Payments

Checklist for a Restaurant POS System with Contactless Payment Features 

Here's a checklist to make sure you get the best POS system for your restaurant:

Future Trends in Restaurant Payments

1. Biometric Payments

In 2023, North America's biometric payment market made up 32% of the revenue share. As people get used to biometrics on their smartphones, expect to see these payment methods popping up in contactless payment restaurant businesses too.

2. Blockchain

The US blockchain market was worth around $4.96 billion in 2023. This tech has a ton of potential for restaurants as it can track transactions in real time, which helps cut down on fraud and mistakes. Plus, it can speed up the time it takes for restaurants to settle up with payment processors.

3. Enhanced Customer Experience through Personalization

Restaurants are catching on the trend that 60% of customers are more likely to become regulars if they get a personalized experience. They're using transaction data to create special promotions and loyalty rewards.

4. Integration of AI in Payment Systems

AI is going to be a game-changer for payment systems in the US. It can find out about consumer behavior to ease restaurant contactless payment processes, spot trends, and improve fraud detection. This means transactions will become secure and efficient.

The Role of Mobile POS in the Contactless Payments Era

Mobile POS systems let staff take payments right at the table or while customers are in line. Plus, these systems usually come with contactless payment options, so customers can pay securely with their smartphones or cards. This way, a contactless payment restaurant meets the demand for quick service and fits with remote ordering. So this can improve customer satisfaction and ease operations in the future.

Conclusion

Bringing in contactless payment systems makes customers happier, increases efficiency, and keeps everything safer. To get started, contactless payment restaurant businesses should check out their current POS tech, train their staff, and spread the word about these new payment options. Going contactless keeps up with what customers want and helps restaurants grow. 

OnehubPOS can be your partner in this shift. With reliable, easy-to-use solutions, it simplifies payment processes. Start today at $1 and see the difference first-hand!

The food truck industry in the US has expanded significantly over the past five years. That’s not it. It has also emerged as one of the top-performing segments within the broader food service sector

The mobility of food trucks allows them to bring both comfort food and gourmet options—all being a safe and convenient dining alternative. 

However, the road to success in this industry is not without bumps. Food trucks face challenges like managing limited space, high mobility demands, and the need for speedy service, etc. Here's where a reliable Point of Sale (POS) system comes into the picture.

In this blog, we will explore how a mobile food truck POS system can transform the way food trucks operate and tackle their common challenges. 

Why do Food Trucks Need a Mobile POS System?

Unlike traditional restaurants, food trucks are always on the move. Their operating conditions are different from usual brick-and-mortar restaurants. Due to this mobility, these setups require more flexible and portable POS systems.

Moreover, the limited space on board asks for compact solutions. POS systems for food trucks are generally smaller in size, while they are capable of handling everything from sales tracking and inventory management to customer management. 

Key Features of an Effective Mobile POS System for Food Trucks

While looking for an ideal food truck POS, don’t miss out on these features:

Sales Tracking and Reporting

For food truck operators, an effective POS system is like having a dashboard that shows not only sales but also customer habits. It can spotlight which dishes are hits and which are misses so that you can adjust your menu. It's also essential to recognize your loyal customers—those who frequently come back for more. 

By offering tailored rewards and keeping in touch through a CRM-enhanced POS, you can turn occasional visitors into regular customers. Additionally, this system can monitor your daily earnings, alert you when supplies dip low, and even track expenses, all of which sharpen your business acumen.

Inventory Management

Food trucks have limited space and perishable goods, which is why inventory management is extremely important. For these setups, look for POS with integrated inventory management features. These features will streamline tracking your stock levels in real-time.

With this, you can spend less time tallying up supplies and more time delighting your customers with delicious dishes. You will always know whether your inventory has all the required goods and when something is out of stock with easy-to-read reports.

Mobile Payment Processing

Modern mobile POS terminals come with features you need for a food truck's quick-moving, varied demands. They’ve got it covered, from swiping cards to tapping for NFC payments, making it super easy for you to accept payments, whether it’s a card or straight from a customer's smartphone.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

A food truck POS with CRM capabilities makes customer relationship management a lot easier for you. Right from recording their names to their go-to orders and birthdays, it helps you provide personalized service to your customers.

With CRM features, as soon as you spot a familiar face, you can say, "The usual today?" Personalizing your service like this will make your customers feel special while also creating a friendly, community vibe around your truck. 

QR Ordering and Payment

QR ordering and payment systems speed up the ordering process. Customers can simply use their smartphones to order anything without interacting with any staff or waiting in lines. All they have to do is scan a QR code, order what they want, and make the payment right away! For you, it means quicker turnover, reduced wait times, and happier customers. 

Plus, this streamlined process reduces order inaccuracies and frees up your staff to focus on food preparation and customer service. 

Integration with Other Tools

Integrating your food truck POS system with other business tools can transform how you operate day-to-day. For instance, imagine your POS system automatically updating your accounting records every time a sale is made—no more late-night number crunching! 

Or consider how easy life would become if you could link your sales data directly to marketing platforms; you could instantly send thank-you coupons to repeat customers or target new customers based on recent successful locations. 

Benefits of Using a Mobile POS System for Food Trucks

A mobile food truck POS system is the way to make your food truck up and running and efficient. Here's what you get:

Enhanced efficiency and speed of service

With a portable POS system, your food truck can turn into a high-efficiency kitchen on wheels. You can tap, swipe, and serve on the go. This quick handling means shorter lines, happier customers, and more time for you to craft those mouth-watering specialties.

Accurate sales and inventory data

A mobile POS system gives you access to sales and inventory data. By analyzing this data, you can spot insights that can help you tweak your menu and pricing. Further, you can get insights on waste, too, to adjust your ingredients order before heading to the next stop.

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Improved Customer Experience and Satisfaction

With a mobile POS system, your customers can breeze through ordering and payment, skipping those long lines. This quick service not only saves them time but also leaves a great impression. Happy customers tend to return, talk up their experience, and spread the word about your food truck.

Easy Scalability and Flexibility

As your food truck empire grows, a mobile POS system easily scales with you. Need to add another truck to your fleet? No worries—your system expands to cover new setups effortlessly. It will adapt to increased demand and diverse locations without missing a beat. 

Increased Profitability and Reduced Operational Costs

A mobile POS system will enhance your profitability in multiple ways. Such systems are known to quicken customer transactions and eliminate manual order errors. Doing so keeps you away from operational headaches and reduces unnecessary spending.

Affordable Asset for Your Food Truck

Considering the ROI you get with a POS system, they are a pretty affordable investment. Such systems let you streamline almost every aspect of your food truck- order taking or sales analyzing. Plus, budget-friendly options like OneHubPOS cater to different needs so that you don't pay for features you won't use.

Compact and Durable POS Hardware

The right POS hardware can transform a cramped food truck into a model of modern efficiency. Compact, durable, and designed to withstand the rigors of a mobile kitchen, these systems take up minimal space. Touchscreens can speed up order processing, and mobile units allow for payments right at the table—or, in this case, the truck window.  

How to Choose the Right Mobile POS System for Your Food Truck?

You have to be very careful when choosing the right POS system. Here are the top 6 things to consider when looking for an efficient mobile food truck POS system:

1. Ease of Use

When it comes to usability, your POS system should be as simple as your hot-selling recipe. It should be something you and your team can get the hang of quickly. Look for a system with a clear, intuitive interface that simplifies transactions.

2. Mobility and Portability 

Next up, look for mobile and hassle-free portable POS solutions for your food truck. The system you're opting for must be lightweight, easy to use, and portable.

OneHubPOS is a great food truck POS option, thanks to its mobility, portability, and ease of use. It allows you to manage orders and transactions right from the serving window or curbside. 

3. Cost

Cost is a big deal when choosing a POS system for your food truck. You want value for your money without breaking the bank. Consider both upfront costs and any ongoing fees like subscriptions or service charges when choosing a POS.

4. Support

When you encounter a glitch with your POS, you need it resolved quicker than you can shout, "Next order!" That's why having solid customer support is essential. Look for a provider that's got your back with a range of support options like phone, email, and live chat.

5. Must-Have Features

Just like no two food trucks serve up the same menu, no two need the same POS setup. A stellar POS system adapts to your truck's unique identity. With this, in mind, you should look for the following seven food truck POS features.

The Must-Have Food Truck POS Features Checklist

As more customers tap, swipe, or pay through apps, choosing a POS that handles these methods can streamline your sales. One important point to keep in mind here is checking the transaction fees—the lower, the better for you.

Top Mobile POS Systems for Food Trucks

Your hunt for the best mobile POS systems ends here. We are sharing the top-runner mobile POS systems for food trucks in 2024:

1. OneHubPOS

OneHubPOS is a cloud-based, self-installable POS for food trucks, especially for food trucks. It features hardware solutions like the Pax A800 and A920 Pro mPOS devices, which boast sleek designs, secure and versatile payment options, and strong battery backups—perfect for the on-the-go nature of food trucks.

These devices ensure that transactions are fast and secure, thanks to multiple payment integrations and robust wireless connectivity. The integration of these mPOS systems with OneHubPOS software means you can manage orders, track sales in real time, and even leverage powerful restaurant analytics to drive your business forward. 

Pricing

OneHubPOS offers a $1 offer where you can enjoy a POS for three months. We don't have any hidden fees. Our transparent, scalable pricing ensures you pay only for what you need.

2. TouchBistro

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TouchBistro is a food truck POS system that utilizes iPads for various functions like point of sale terminals, KDS screens, self-ordering kiosks, and handheld devices. 

It supports multiple payment options, including TouchBistro Payments, TSYS, or Square, though fees vary by processor. 

Pricing

Priced at $69 per terminal per month. 

3. Toast

Ideal for high-volume trucks & fleets, Toast is a great portable POS system with a hybrid setup. While small truck operations might not use all of Toast’s available tools, it’s great for growing trucks.

Pricing

Their Starter Kit terminal is available for $799. 

4. Lightspeed

Lightspeed brings the ease of a POS system with zero setup or installation fees. You can run it on any desktop via a web browser or on iPads since Lightspeed is an authorized Apple reseller—meaning you can snag your iPads and other POS hardware directly from them. 

Pricing

Pricing starts at $59 for restaurants, offering features like unlimited users, tableside ordering, and robust reporting. For a bit extra, starting at $39, you can add extras like loyalty programs or delivery integration.

Challenges and Solutions in Implementing a Mobile POS System

While we can't ignore the fact that integrating a mobile food truck POS brings many advantages, it comes with some challenges, too. 

Internet Connectivity Issues

Challenge: Food trucks often park in places where WiFi is as scarce as a quiet day at a food festival. Without stable internet, processing digital payments can stall, which may dampen quick service.

Solution: Opt for a POS system that offers offline modes. These systems store transaction data and sync it once you're back online.

Space Constraints

Challenge: Space is at a premium in a food truck, and fitting in a bulky POS system can feel like solving a puzzle.

Solution: Choose compact, wireless POS systems that fit comfortably within your workspace. Handheld devices or tablets are perfect, as they offer full functionality without the clutter.

Training Staff

Challenge: With a revolving door of seasonal staff, training everyone on a new system can be time-consuming.

Solution: Pick a POS with an intuitive interface known for ease of use. Quick training videos or guides can help newbies get up to speed in no time.

Essential Parts of POS Systems- Hardware and Software

Now, let's break down the essential parts of POS systems that you must not overlook.

Software  

The software part of your food truck POS system needs to be super user-friendly and straightforward so you can quickly process sales, keep an eye on your inventory in real-time, and stay on top of customer interactions without a hitch.

Good software will also offer detailed reporting that helps you understand your sales patterns and financial health at a glance.

Hardware  

Now, onto the hardware. A robust POS setup hinges on durable hardware that can endure the daily grind of business operations. Here are the essentials you should consider:

1. POS Terminals/Registers: These are responsible for processing the transactions. Options range from sleek touchscreen terminals, which are user-friendly and visually appealing, to more traditional cash registers that are robust and straightforward.

2. Mobile POS Terminals: These portable devices can move with you. They ensure anyone can make transactions anywhere around your truck.

3. Receipt Printers: They provide customers with transaction records. Thermal printers are popular for their speed and low maintenance, while impact printers are valued in environments where receipts need to withstand heat and handling.

4. Cash Drawers: They securely store transaction proceeds. Electronic models integrate with your POS for smooth operations; manual ones offer simplicity and reliability.

Conclusion

The right technology can amplify your roadside business success. From streamlining daily operations to enhancing customer satisfaction, a tailored mobile food truck POS system, like OneHubPOS, brings various advantages to food trucks.

With features supporting various payment methods and easy scalability, food truck operators are well-equipped to expand their business footprint without missing a beat. So go ahead and supercharge your food truck performance with OneHubPOS at $1. Book a demo with us to learn more.

New York City is a real feast for food lovers! Every neighborhood and street corner bursts with mouthwatering options that bring the world to your plate. One moment, you could be enjoying sensational dim sum in Chinatown, and the next, indulging in a lavish Italian spread in Little Italy. 

So, if you're ready to take your taste buds on a worldwide tour without leaving the city, here are the top 10 places to eat in New York that you have to check out!

1. Katz's Delicatessen

Website: Katz's Deli 

Location: East Houston Street

When we talk about classic Jewish delis, Katz's Delicatessen (an exception that hasn't disappeared yet) pops up in our minds. This famous restaurant has been there since 1888. It's not only rich with history but also in their culinary heritage. It is famous for its massive pastrami on rye sandwiches.

Pricing

As for the cost, their sandwiches are generally priced around $20. 

2. Le Bernardin

Website: Le Bernardin 

Location: West 51st Street

Le Bernardin is a total legend place, especially if you're into seafood. The star of the show is their poached halibut. Chef Eric Ripert is the genius behind it all; he has kept things top-notch for over thirty years. One of the best things about Le Bernardin is how they bring those fresh, natural flavors of seafood in every dish—nothing's overdone or overpowered.

Pricing

Le Bernardin with lunch priced at $90 and dinner at $160.

3. 21 Club

Website: 21 Club 

Location: West 52nd Street

This place has quite the backstory— it was established as a speakeasy during Prohibition. When you step in, you can probably understand what makes it an absolute favorite of famous movie stars and presidents. The vibe and the dining experience you might have at 21 Club is to stretch your wallet for.  

Pricing 

You won't regret giving 21 Club a chance since their entries hover around the $50 mark. 

4. Il Gattopardo

Website: Il Gattopardo 

Location: West 54th Street

Il Gattopardo really nails that genuine Italian dining experience. The food there is absolutely divine, and there is a lot on the menu to try. They've got a great range of pasta with flavors of rich Genovese sauce. Apart from that, their lasagna stuffed with mini meatballs, ricotta, and smoked mozzarella is also something people rave about.

Pricing

Keeping their aesthetics and quality in mind, it's worth spending $30 to $50 for a main dish there.

5. Porter House Bar & Grill

Website: Porter House Bar and Grill 

Location: Columbus Circle

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Porter House Bar & Grill has something that makes it a go-to spot for decades now. Their steaks and the stunning view of Central Park make it worth going there despite the endless options on their high-end market. We have to say that their service is top-notch, and they offer some of the best USDA Prime steaks around.

Pricing

Dining at Porter House has a premium range, with entrees ranging from $50 to over $100.

6. Xi'an Famous Foods

Website: Xi'an Famous Foods 

Location: Golden Mall in Flushing, Queens

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If you're tired of trying Italian and other steaks and want to try your hands on something different, Xi'an Famous Foods is your place. This restaurant brings the world-famous bold flavors straight from Xi'an, a city in northwestern China. Their dishes are rich in spice and flavor that will light up your taste buds in ways you never imagined. 

Pricing

Xi'an Famous Foods has kept the pricing fair, with their famous hand-pulled noodles costing only $7 to $9 per serving.

7. The Modern at MoMA

Website: The Modern 

Location: West 53rd Street

The Modern at MoMA gives you a mix of vibes, with their dining area giving you semi-formal vibes and the bar area being a perfect calming space. You can enjoy some great contemporary American cuisine here. Their long island duck breast is a big reason why people love to keep coming back.

Pricing

Dinner options at The Modern start around $100 per person.

8. Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant

Website: Grand Central Oyster Bar 

Location: Grand Central Terminal

The Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant has been a seafood haven since 1913. Here, the daily catch dictates the menu. It has up to 20 varieties of oysters and seasonal delights like soft-shell crabs and bay scallops. The place is always lively, with commuters, tourists, and locals all around, trying to find a spot to sit. 

Pricing

Oyster Bar has kept the prices reasonable, with dishes starting from $20.

9. Delmonico's

Website: Delmonico's Italian Steakhouse 

Location: Beaver Street

We are sure you must be aware that Delmonico's is the first place to come up with the idea of full-service restaurants in America. Their ambiance, drinks, staff, and food- everything has its own legacy. If trying out iconic dishes where they were first made up is your thing, Delmonico's is definitely the spot for you. 

Pricing

For a taste of classic dining, their "Taste of the Classics" lunch menu is $45, and dinner entrees generally range from $30 to over $50.

10. River Café

Website: River Cafe 

Location: Water Street, Brooklyn

Right on the Thames, River Café is like a little slice of sunny Tuscany in London. It's laid-back yet glamorous and attracts all sorts—from celebs to locals. They're known for amazing Bellinis and dishes that taste like they're straight from Italy. What sets River Cafe apart is its stunning location by the water, with beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline.

Pricing

Their dinner options start from around $145 per person.

Conclusion

So, you've now got a list of top 10 places to eat in New York. You can head to any of these for your next hangout in New York. Want quick snacks or gourmet meals? Pick a restaurant that suits your aesthetics and go there without a second thought. Lastly, when dining at these top NYC spots, remember to make reservations where possible, especially for popular places like River Café and Le Bernardin.

OneHubPOS is thrilled to announce the launch of our Partner Program. We're seeking collaborations with value-added resellers (VARs), payment partners, and consultants who share our vision of equipping businesses with the tools they need to thrive.

This program offers a unique opportunity to expand your portfolio with a best-in-class POS solution for restaurant and retail businesses while generating significant recurring revenue. 

But why choose OneHubPOS? 

For POS Resellers

Resellers can benefit from high margins, comprehensive training and support, and even white-labeling opportunities. OneHubPOS also lets them offer their customers a complete and customizable POS solution, reaching new markets and boosting their bottom line.

1. Modern & Scalable POS: Cater to a wider client base with our cloud-based Android POS that adapts to businesses of all sizes, from single stores to multi-location chains.
2. Higher Profit Margins: Our attractive reseller margins ensure you earn healthy profits and bonuses on every sale and performance. We believe in sharing to grow.
3. Recurring Revenue Stream: Get a steady income stream through recurring commissions on monthly subscriptions.
4. Faster Onboarding: Work with a well-trained onboarding team to get you up and running quickly, minimizing time to market.
5. White Labeling Potential: OneHubPOS readily works with multiple partners to provide white-labeling options, allowing you to build your brand identity and strengthen client relationships.
6. Dedicated Support: Our team of experts is available to provide ongoing technical and sales support, ensuring your success. We operate 24/7/365. 
7. Marketing & Sales Resources: Gain access to a wealth of marketing materials, sales tools, and training programs to help you close deals effectively.

For Payment Partners

OneHubPOS's flexible, Android-based system and openness to new integrations allow processors to reach a wider range of merchants. Furthermore, OneHubPOS's cloud-driven, app-first approach aligns with the modern payment landscape, creating a more convenient and feature-rich solution for merchants. This win-win situation for processors and merchants creates a competitive advantage and recurring revenue streams.

1. Seamless Integration: Integrate your payment processing solution seamlessly with OneHubPOS, offering clients a unified and efficient experience.
2. Increased Sales Opportunities: Expand your reach to a wider network of potential customers through our established reseller base.
3. Enhanced Revenue Potential: Earn revenue through co-marketing initiatives and commission structures tailored for payment partners.
4. Streamlined Onboarding: Our streamlined process makes integration with OneHubPOS quick and easy.

For Consultants

OneHubPOS can become your one-stop shop for all clients, offering integrated solutions, enhanced expertise, and streamlined processes.

1. Offer a Complete Solution: Expand your service portfolio by recommending a robust POS system that complements your consulting expertise.
2. Increased Client Value: Equip your clients with a robust POS solution to enhance their operations and drive growth.
3. Recurring Revenue Potential: Earn ongoing commissions through client subscriptions to OneHubPOS.
4. Dedicated Partner Support: Our team supports your success by providing ongoing training and resources.

OneHubPOS Is Your Reliable Android POS Partner

Designed to level up your day-to-day operations. From simplifying sales transactions to delivery and providing comprehensive reporting, our POS and mPOS solutions drive efficiency, enhance customer experience, and improve your profitability.

Feature-Rich & User-Friendly: OneHubPOS provides a comprehensive suite of functionalities, including inventory management, employee management, order tracking, payments, customer insights, robust reporting, and more – all wrapped in a user-friendly interface.

Domain Expertise: OneHubPOS is built by domain experts and experienced restauranteers who have served this industry for over 20 years. 

Exceptional Value: We believe in transparency and affordable pricing. Our all-inclusive plans eliminate hidden costs and provide your clients with the features they need at a competitive price.

Security & Reliability: OneHubPOS prioritizes data security with robust measures to safeguard client information.

Cloud-Based Advantage: OneHubPOS eliminates the need for expensive hardware installations and allows for remote access and management – a significant benefit for businesses of all sizes.

Ready to Join the OneHubPOS Partner Program?

We believe in building strong, mutually beneficial partnerships. If you're a POS reseller, payment partner, or consultant looking to expand your offerings and generate recurring revenue, the OneHubPOS Partner Program is the perfect fit.

Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to become a part of the OneHubPOS success story!

Let's start with a shocker: even with tips, waiters and bartenders often earn a shockingly low hourly wage. Studies show tips make up a significant portion of their income (52% - 54%), with many relying on them for basic necessities. 

As restaurant owners, without tipping restaurants would face a balancing act. You might have to raise menu prices to compensate staff, implement a service charge, or switch to a salary-based system. 

This could lead to sticker shock for customers AND a less personalized experience. Leading to what? Low performing staff. Hence, tipping becomes crucial for restaurant staff because it supplements lower wages, rewards good service directly from happy customers, encourages teamwork within the staff, and provides additional income for career advancement, all contributing to a more motivated and successful restaurant experience for everyone.

Now how can you, as a restaurant owner, make sure tipping is fair and keeps your staff motivated? Continue reading this blog to know all about managing tips at your restaurant.

Understanding Tip Pooling

Welcome to the world of tip pooling, where teamwork becomes the name of the game, and everyone benefits from a happy, well-oiled restaurant ops machine. But before you dive headfirst into the pool, let's break down the essentials and help you create a system that keeps your staff motivated and your customers coming back for more.

Tip Pooling Calculator

Download our Tip Pooling Calculator to accurately divide tips based on hours worked for both front and back-of-house staff in seconds.

Download our FREE Excel template

What is Tip Pooling?

Imagine a pot of gold, filled with all the tips your amazing staff collects. Now, picture everyone on the team dipping in and sharing the wealth fairly. That's essentially tip pooling! It's a way to combine all the tips earned in a shift and distribute them among eligible employees based on a predetermined method. This ensures everyone benefits from good service, not just the servers who snag the best tables.

Legalities To Consider When Implementing Tip Pooling

The legality of tip pooling for restaurants in the USA depends on federal and potentially state regulations. Here's a breakdown:

Federal Level:

1. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): This federal law allows employers to implement mandatory tip pooling, with some key restrictions:
2. Eligible Employees: Only employees who customarily and regularly receive tips can be included in the pool. This typically means front-of-house staff like servers, bartenders, bussers, and food runners.
3. Managers and Supervisors: They are strictly prohibited from participating in the tip pool or receiving tips directly from the pool.
4. Tip Credit: Example, California prohibits tip credits. This means employers cannot take a portion of the minimum wage based on tips received by employees. They must be paid the full minimum wage before tips. Check your state's regulations to see if tip credits are allowed and how they might affect tip pooling.
5. Fair and Reasonable Distribution: The tip pool distribution method must be fair and reasonable. Common methods include sales-based, hours worked, or a combination of both.

State Level:

Some states might have additional regulations specific to tip pooling. It's crucial to consult your state's Department of Labor website or an employment attorney to ensure your tip pool policy complies with all applicable laws.

Here are some resources to help you learn more:

1. U.S. Department of Labor (DOL): Provides detailed information on tip laws in the USA, including tip pooling guidelines, check here.
2. Your State's Department of Labor website: Look for information on specific regulations related to tip pooling in your state.

By understanding both federal and potentially state-specific regulations, you can implement a legal and fair tip pooling system for your restaurant.

Common Tip Pool Distribution Methods Explained with Examples

Here's a breakdown of common tip pool distribution methods for your restaurant, along with illustrative examples for each to help you understand in depth. 

1. Sales-Based Distribution

Distribution method: Employees receive a share of the tip pool based on the total sales they generate. This incentivizes high sales volume and motivates employees to upsell or provide excellent service that leads to higher bills.

Example for Sales-based tip pooling:

Total Tip Pool: $1,000

Server A: Sales - $500

Server B: Sales - $300

Server C: Sales - $200

Tip Pooling Calculation:

2. Hours Worked Distribution

Distribution method: Tips are divided based on the total hours worked by each employee in the pool. This is a simpler method to administer but might not reflect individual effort on high-volume days.

Example for hours-based tip pooling:

Total Tip Pool: $1,000

Server A: Hours Worked - 8

Server B: Hours Worked - 6

Server C: Hours Worked - 4

Tip Pooling Calculation:

3. Combined Sales & Hours

Distribution method: This hybrid approach takes both sales and hours worked into account. It can be a good balance, rewarding high performers while recognizing effort put in during slower times.

Example for Sales and hours based tip pooling:

Total Tip Pool: $1,000

Weight Sales as 70% and Hours as 30%

Server A: Sales - $500 & Hours Worked - 8

Server B: Sales - $300 & Hours Worked - 6

Server C: Sales - $200 & Hours Worked - 4

Calculation for Combined Sales & Hours: 

Tip Pooling Calculator

Accurately calculate and distribute tips with ease using our FREE Tip Pooling Calculator template. Download now!

Download our FREE Excel template

4. Modified Factors

Distribution method: Some restaurants incorporate additional factors beyond sales or hours. This could include guest satisfaction surveys, number of tables served, or resolving customer complaints.

Example:

1. Base distribution can be done using Sales or Hours worked.
2. Points are assigned for exceeding a certain guest satisfaction rating or resolving a specific number of complaints.
3. These points are then added to the base contribution percentage for the final tip share calculation.

How to Calculate the Tip Pooling for Restaurants

Think of the tip pool as a delicious pie. First, you need all the ingredients:

Total Tips Collected: This is the sum of all the tips your restaurant receives during a specific period (a shift, a day, or a week).

Next, you need to decide how to slice the pie:

Distribution Method: This is where things get interesting! We'll explore different methods in a bit. Each method assigns a "slice size" to each employee based on factors like sales generated or hours worked.

Finally, you divvy up the pie!

Individual Tip Share: Once you have the total tip pool and the distribution method, you can calculate each employee's share.

How to Choose the Right Tip Pool Method?

Now that you know how to bake different pie flavors, which one is best for your restaurant?  Well, it depends on your unique recipe!

• Restaurant Size and Service Style: Is it a fast-paced pizzeria or a high-end steakhouse?
• Staff Dynamics: Do you have a team-oriented environment or more individual focus?
• Desired Outcomes: Are you aiming for fairness, motivation, or a balance of both?

For a small pizzeria, a sales-based or combined method might incentivize teamwork and upselling. Whereas a high-volume sports bar requires a combined method with a stronger emphasis on hours worked to be fair for busy evenings with many servers.

3 Things to Remember When Implementing Tip Pool Method for Your Restaurant

Once you choose your method, ensure its success with these tips:

1. Communicate Clearly: Explain the method and calculation process to your staff in detail.
2. Record Keeping: Keep accurate records of tips, sales and hours for transparency.
3. Regular Review: See how things are going and adjust the method if needed.

In the heart of the fog city, you’ll discover some of the best Indian food outlets that offer culinary charm from various corners of India! From Gujarati to Punjabi and even Marwari, you’ll find everything here. All you need is to look in the right place.

If you’re a sucker for Indian masala, aroma, and authentic taste, this article is for you! It will walk you through the top 8 famous and most appreciated Indian restaurants in San Francisco.

Top Indian Restaurant in San Francisco

1. Besharam

Directions: 3407, 1275 Minnesota St, San Francisco, CA 94107

Contact: (415) 580-7662 | Instagram

Finding Gujarati food in San Francisco can be a task and even frustrating if you’re fond of it. But no more! Besharam by Heena Patel brings you the authentic flavor of Gujarat to San Francisco, Dogpatch. You’ll be happy to know that Patel’s signature and deeply rooted dishes helped Besharam bag the Restaurant of the Year award in 2019.

But there’s a catch - this restaurant's menu plays by the ‘make-you-own-rules’ playbook. Imagine blue cheese in your parathas and melons in the chutney!! But that’s not the only thing that makes it special. It’s Heena’s childhood recipes and memories. 

2. Rooh

Directions: 333 Brannan St, San Francisco, CA 94107

Contact: (415) 525-4174 | Instagram

Rooh is another one of the top Indian restaurants in San Francisco. This is best known for its polished setting and cozy ambiance. Well, why not? What less can you expect from India’s Good Times Restaurants hospitality group? 

As for its menu, be prepared for subcontinental dishes that have a modern taste and are restaurant staples. The most appreciated are their small plates. Also, let’s not forget their ayurvedic-inspired cocktails; you’ll fall in love with these innovative drinks.

3. Curry Leaf

Directions: 943 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133

Contact: (415) 440-4293

This restaurant not only serves Indian delicacies but also Pakistani dishes. No wonder it is the neighborhood favorite of Russian Hill. 

This beloved Indian eatery offers various delicious food options to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. What’s best is that it only uses Halal-certified meat. Their signature dishes - Tandoori Chicken and Lamb Vindaloo, are a must-try in and around the town.

4. Pakwan

Directions: 1140 Ocean Ave (Lee), San Francisco, CA 94112

Contact: (415) 841-8400

Planning a night out in the Mission, Tenderloin, or Ocean Avenue? Then Pakwan is the place you wouldn’t want to miss. Why? Well, their food is something you would not want to miss, and the best part; it’s a BYOB restaurant! That makes it a place to make a scandalous night full of fun, laughter, and worth-it Asian food!

5. Copra

Directions: 1700 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115

Contact: (415) 873-0795 | Instagram

Next on the list is a well-regarded restaurant in the Fillmore District known for its Indian Coastal Cuisine. It is a new restaurant by Chef Srijith Gopinathan, who has bagged two Michelin stars in the past. 

He aims to bring the flavors and culture of his home state - Kerala! As for the look and feel, the restaurant design is a feast for the eyes, decorated with climbing vines and aesthetic hanging macrame ropes.

6. Tilak

Directions: 3501 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Contact: (415) 647-4037 | Instagram

After serving celebrities and renowned personalities like Justin Timberlake and the Prime Minister of Singapore at tech cafes like Apple and Dropbox, Chef Tilkal Gurgung opened his own restaurant. From satisfying Indian curries to Bernal Heights, tandoori to crispy snacks and even finger-licking chaat items, you will get everything of the best innovative - Indian food at Tilak! 

7. Aaha Indian Cuisine

Directions: 3316 17th St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States

Contact: +14158142049 | Instagram

Imagine arm-length dosas that give a satisfying crunch with delicious South Indian curry and chutneys! Mouth-watering, right? But that’s just a part of the package! 

The highlights of Aaha Indian Cuisine are the coconutty prawn curry, spicy deep-fried chicken, and biryani loaded with goat or lamb. Also, with bright orange walls, jiggling lights, and gold streamers, it’s an ambiance you’d want to experience at least once.

8. Udupi Palace

Directions: 1007 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Contact: (415) 970-8000

Udupi Place is yet another renowned South Indian restaurant located in the Mission. It’s said to be one of the best Indian eateries where you can enjoy South Indian food and hang and chill with friends. What’s best is that the menu prices for Udupi Place’s meals are highly affordable compared to the portion size. So, no fancy dressing, have your meal comfortably in your sweats, and at the lowest price! What more could one ask for?

Conclusion

Now that you know what Indian restaurants to explore in San Francisco, ditch the home delivery menus and step out to dust off your Indian food appetite. We’re sure the meals served at the above-listed restaurants will transport you to the heart of India! So, why wait? Visit your favorite Indian restaurant from the list and enjoy the Indian masala!

Remember when COVID-19 got everyone super anxious about health and safety? Well, nearly 60% of folks got worried about eating out, and 20% decided to skip restaurants altogether! The result: contactless dining became the go-to choice for diners. After all, it lets you order and pay for your meal without having to interact with staff at all. 

So, point-of-sale (POS) systems are stepping up to cater to contactless dining. Let's find out more!

The Rise of Contactless Dining 

Before the pandemic, contactless dining was a cool but niche option, mostly used by tech-savvy people in big cities. Popular food franchises like Starbucks kicked things off with mobile ordering and payments. This allowed customers to skip the lines and grab their orders quickly.

As the pandemic hit, contactless dining became the new normal. For example, Chipotle added more contactless delivery options, like a digital-only restaurant. Platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub saw a huge boom as everyone turned to online ordering.

Now, post-pandemic, contactless dining is still going strong. Over half of Americans are making contactless payments. Restaurants are keeping up with the trend. They're rolling out QR code menus and touchless payment systems to make dining out even more hassle-free. 

As customers keep aiming for safety, convenience, and a dash of speed, the craving for contactless dining and payments is set to keep increasing. 

Innovations in POS Systems to Transform the Dining Experience 

POS systems have leveled up to keep up with contactless dining. They now have all these cool features to make dining experiences way more convenient and safer. Here's how:

Mobile Ordering

Customers can use their phones, browse through all the options on the menu, place their orders, and even pay. The best part? They can do it all without touching a physical menu or having too much face-to-face chit-chat. Mobile POS improves efficiency and cuts wait times.

Touchless Payments

Customers can use their NFC cards or Apple Pay on their smartphones to settle the bill. No need to fumble with cash or even swipe a card—just a quick tap, and you receive the payment!

QR Code Menus

Imagine QR codes as portals to your menu! Your customers can just scan the code using their smartphones and get the menu right at their fingertips. No more flipping through sticky physical menus that need constant cleaning. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing Contactless Dining in Your Restaurant

Here’s the lowdown on how to set up a contactless dining system and keep your customers satisfied:

1. Get Your POS System Sorted

Pick a POS system that's all about that contactless functionality. This mostly includes mobile ordering and touchless payments. Make sure it integrates well with your current setup. Also, it should have super-useful backend features for handling orders.

2. Digitize Your Menu

Create a digital menu on your website or app. Add in high-resolution pictures of your dishes, along with their prices and descriptions. Keep it so user-friendly that anybody could navigate it.

3. Create Custom QR Codes for Your Menu

Generate QR codes linked to your digital menu items. Stick these codes prominently on tables or where your customers enter. They can take out their phones, scan away, and go to your online menu. 

4. Set Up Contactless Payment Processing

Whether it's NFC-enabled cards, mobile wallets (e.g., Apple Pay), or QR code payments, set it up in your POS system. Display your accepted methods loud and clear. This way, customers can pay without cash.

Remember ease, convenience, and hygiene! Customers these days want clean and hassle-free dining experiences. So, make sure your setup checks those boxes to keep them coming back.

Why Your Restaurant Needs Contactless Dining Now

Contactless dining technology can help restaurants cater to what today's diners want: safe, efficient, and smooth dining experiences. Here are some key advantages:

1. Safe and Germ-Free Dining

Contactless dining solutions cut down on staff-customer interactions. This lowers the risk of passing around any unwanted viruses. The result: a cleaner, safer dining experience. Customers appreciate these measures. After all, they feel extra secure and cozy, knowing their health is a top priority.

2. Better Customer Experience

With contactless dining, your customers can browse through a digital menu with images and detailed descriptions. They can even check out dietary info—all at their own speed. On top of that, online ordering makes placing the order easy, just the way your customers like it. So no more mix-ups or misunderstandings. This level of customization ensures the ordered meal is exactly what your customer wants.

3. Faster Service and Table Turnover

Contactless dining lets customers pre-order and get real-time updates on table availability. The result: no more crowding at the host stand. Diners can skip the old-school ordering and payment hassle by doing it all from their smartphones. This also helps you serve more guests faster, which means more revenue potential for your business.

4. Boost Check Sizes

Your digital menus can subtly nudge customers towards popular or high-margin items. With strategic menu placement and suggestive selling techniques, you can tempt diners with perfect pairings and irresistible offers. Plus, mobile ordering can push impulse buys. It can make your customers add extra items to their orders. So, while they enjoy a stress-free meal, your sales may get a boost.

5. Better Data Collection and Analytics

Did you know that modern POS systems do more than just process payments? From what your customers love to order and when they love to dine to which menu items are total hits, these systems give you the inside scoop. That means, with restaurant analytics, you can tweak your menu, adjust prices, and adjust your staff. When you meet customer expectations more effectively, the results are better operational efficiency and increased profitability.

Contactless Dining Pitfalls: What You Need to Know

Contactless dining has its perks, no doubt! But before you get into new POS systems, be ready for a few challenges along the way:

Potential Challenges in Adopting New POS Systems

Change Management 

There could be some initial resistance from your staff. Change can be challenging, and they might need some time to adjust to new processes and workflows. Don't be surprised if there are productivity dips. With patience and proper training, everyone will be aligned with contactless technology.

Integration with Legacy Systems

Trying to match new POS systems with your old-school legacy setups can sometimes lead to compatibility issues. Smooth integration ensures your operations stay flawless without any hiccups.

Skill Upgrade Requirements

Getting your staff up to speed on the advanced features of the new POS system might take a bit of effort. They'll need to get comfortable with contactless ordering for restaurants using mobile ordering, touchless payments, and QR codes. 

Tips for Smooth Integration and Training Staff

These challenges with contactless ordering for restaurants might seem tough, but don't worry. We've got the solutions for restaurants to tackle them head-on:

Comprehensive Training Programs

Set up structured training sessions for your staff on the new POS system. Get hands-on with contactless restaurant ordering. Show them interactive tutorials and practice sessions. Plus, keep the support flowing with regular refresher courses. 

Phased Implementation

Take it slow and steady. Start with pilot testing in a few spots or during off-peak times. This way, you can iron out any issues, troubleshoot, and fine-tune everything before going all-in. 

Employee Involvement and Feedback

Get everyone involved by asking for their thoughts and feedback. Talk, brainstorm, and tackle any challenges. The more you communicate and work together, the easier it'll be to adopt contactless dining technology.

Types of Contactless Dining Solutions 

There have been some amazing ways restaurants are adapting to what customers want and need. Here's how:

1. Contactless Off-Premise Dining: Delivery and Takeout

When it comes to delivery, restaurants either team up with delivery services or handle it themselves. Customers just order online, set their delivery preferences, and pay electronically in a flash.

On the other hand, in takeout, customers order meals online or by phone, and then pick them up at the restaurant's designated takeout area. The payment is usually settled online or with a quick tap at pickup. Takeout lets customers enjoy restaurant-quality food in the comfort of their own homes.

Starbucks has mobile order-only stores so that customers don’t have to wait in line. They just order ahead using the Starbucks app and grab their meals.

2. Curbside Pickup to Limit Person-to-Person Contact

Some restaurants have designated pickup zones or parking spots where customers can retrieve their orders without setting foot inside. When they arrive, they just ping the restaurant on their phone or app. Then, a staff member comes with their order right to their car. 

Take Chick-fil-A, for example. They’ve extended their mobile drive-thru lanes and put on QR codes for customers to scan. 

3. Contactless Menus and Ordering

Restaurants these days are ditching old-school paper menus for digital versions. Customers can access them with a simple QR code scan or through dedicated mobile apps. Best part? These digital menus get updated in real time. Thus, customers always know about the latest specials and promotions.

Moreover, customers can place their orders right from their phone using the restaurant's app or their mobile-friendly website. They can customize their meals. This reduces any mix-ups that might happen with traditional ordering methods.

Take Panera Bread, for instance. At their US locations, customers can use the Panera Mobile App to order their favorite items right from their table. No more waiting in line.

4. Contactless Payments

Near-field communication (NFC) technology makes paying easy for customers. It is as simple as tapping a smartphone or contactless card on the POS terminal. It's secure, efficient, and keeps transactions quick.

Some contactless payment restaurants use QR codes. Customers scan a QR code on their bill or at the payment terminal. It takes them to a secure payment gateway. There, they can pay with their mobile wallets or linked accounts without any fuss.

There are plenty of big-name restaurants with contactless payment across the US, such as Burger King, Domino's, Dunkin' Donuts, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, Subway, Taco Bell, and Wendy's.

5. Contactless Feedback

Some restaurants let customers give feedback on their dining experience through mobile apps or email surveys. They can rate how epic their burger was, drop some comments, and even give ideas for making things even more awesome—all of this without the need for physical comment cards or in-person surveys.

Take Shake Shack, for example. They've leveled up with QR codes and personalized digital survey links. Customers just tap or click to give their reviews. This move lets the company keep tabs on how they're doing and measure all key performance parameters.

Future Trends in Contactless Dining 

Contactless dining and restaurant technology will see continued innovation and adoption of new technologies to improve customer experiences and operational efficiencies. Here's what's cooking:

Expansion of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

Restaurants will use AR and VR to improve their customer experience. AR menus can show digital images and information right before the customer. So they can visualize the dishes before ordering. On the other hand, VR allows for immersive dining experiences or virtual tours of restaurants.

Integration of AI and Machine Learning

Around 30% of eateries are using chatbots for automated customer chats. Plus, 54% of fast-food joints are preparing for AI-powered predictive ordering. Restaurants have seen a 15% boost in online orders with AI! 

Restaurants are eyeing AI and machine learning to analyze order histories and dining habits to create personalized recommendations, deals, and menu tweaks. On top of that, AI is predicting when the lunch rush hits or when that special dessert sells out. This helps restaurants stock up smartly. 

Enhanced Contactless Payment Solutions

The way we pay has been getting fancier over the last few years. So, expect touchless payment systems to keep evolving. It can get even more secure, faster, and easier to use. Plus, blockchain might ensure everything is transparent and traceable when paying for meals.

Wrapping Up: Contactless Dining is Here to Stay

People want safer, quicker dining options, and restaurants are stepping up with contactless dining. High-tech solutions like AR and VR are making dining out an experience. AI and machine learning are even getting in on the action, making personalized service a reality. NFC and QR codes are making transactions smoother. 

Restaurants going all-in on these innovations aren't just keeping customers safe and happy; they're setting themselves up for big-time success.

You’ve got to check out OneHubPOS for top-notch contactless dining solutions! Its super sleek dashboard puts control right at your fingertips. You can update your menu, edit items, and manage inventory anytime, anywhere. And your customers will absolutely love the convenience. Happier customers bring in even more customers and better revenue.

Want to woo your diners with a fantastic contactless dining experience? Chat with our experts today!

Calculate Your Food Cost Percentage

Think of it like this: you wouldn't open a bakery without knowing the price of flour or run a bar without tracking liquor costs. So why leave your most significant expense, food, to guesswork?

Many restaurateurs, caught in the daily whirlwind, neglect the crucial task of calculating food costs. This can be a recipe for disaster. Without this vital metric, you're essentially flying blind, unable to identify areas for improvement and ensure your menu delivers healthy profits.

It’s like running a successful restaurant – a picture of culinary bliss. But beneath the surface, a silent thief erodes your profits daily: uncontrolled food costs.

This blog helps you to understand the need and take control. We'll explain everything you need to know about calculating food cost percentages, equip you with calculation tools, and show you how to transform your menu from a mystery to a money-making masterpiece.

The magic recipe for a successful restaurant isn't just in the food – it's in the numbers. While creating mouthwatering dishes is essential, understanding your food cost percentage is the key to long-term profitability.

What is the Food Cost Percentage?

Let’s break this down. Every dollar a customer spends on your menu has a job to do. It needs to cover the cost of ingredients (food cost), staff salaries, rent, and utilities and ultimately generate a profit for your business.

But let’s get into practically calculating food costs for a restaurant after we learn some key terms to understand this. 

Components of Food Cost Calculator - Terms, Formulae & Pro-tips

Here's what we need to know to calculate food costs:

• Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): This is the total cost of all the ingredients Marco uses to prepare his dishes. Think of it as his grocery bill for the week or month.
• Total Food Sales: This is the total amount of money customers pay for food at Chez Marco during that same period. Every pizza, pasta, and panini contributes to this number.
• Menu Pricing: The magic number you display on your menu – the price customers pay for each dish.
• Ideal Food Cost Percentage: This industry benchmark varies depending on your restaurant type. Typically, this is 28% - 32% of the menu price.
• Purchases: Every time you restock your kitchen, you incur a purchase cost.
• Beginning Inventory: Think of this as the value of all the ingredients you have on hand at the start of a specific period (week, month).
• Ending Inventory: Just like at the beginning of the period, this is the value of your remaining ingredients at the end.

How To Calculate Food Cost Percentage With Example

To understand why you should be on top of your food costs, let’s start with an example. You own "Chez Marco," a bustling Italian joint known for its fresh, seasonal dishes in the San Francisco Bay Area. While you love seeing happy customers, a nagging worry persists—are you actually making money?

You track your total sales, but without knowing your food cost percentage, you have no idea how much of that money goes straight to buying ingredients. Are those mouthwatering "Pappardelle al Funghi Porcini'' secretly draining your profits because you haven't factored in the expensive wild mushrooms?

This is the danger of neglecting food cost. It's the difference between a thriving business and a recipe for disaster.

Once you have these two figures, the magic happens:

For example, let's say Marco's weekly COGS is $5,000, and his total food sales are $10,000. 

Plugging that into the formula:

Yikes!  A 50% food cost percentage is on the high side. This means that for every dollar Marco makes in food sales, half of it goes towards ingredients, leaving very little room for other expenses like rent, staff salaries, and (of course) profit.

Marco can now identify areas for improvement by calculating his food cost percentage.  Some of the questions he should be asking:

• Are his portions too generous?  
• Can he find cheaper suppliers for some ingredients?  
• Should he reduce the menu offerings?
• Or should he adjust his vendors and suppliers?

What would you do as a restaurant owner? Food for thought. 

How Knowing Your Food Cost Percentage Can Lead to Profitability?

By knowing his food cost percentage, Marco can now make informed decisions that directly impact his profitability. Here's how:

1. Identify areas for improvement: Are portions too large? Can cheaper ingredients be substituted while maintaining quality?
2. Menu pricing strategy: Can menu items be adjusted to reflect their actual cost while remaining competitive?
3. Negotiate with suppliers: Armed with data, Marco can negotiate better deals with ingredient suppliers.
4. Inventory management: Minimize waste and optimize stock levels to prevent spoilage and unnecessary spending.

Food cost percentage is a powerful tool that empowers restaurants, like Chez Marco, to move from guesswork to data-driven decision-making. By keeping a close eye on this metric, Marco can ensure his delicious dishes translate to a successful and profitable business.

Let’s Dive Deeper: Food Cost Percentage Formula Calculation by Meal and Dish

We've established that understanding your overall food cost percentage is crucial for restaurant success. But what if you want to delve deeper? This blog explores methods to calculate food cost per meal and per dish, giving you a granular view of your menu's profitability.

Calculating Food Cost Per Meal

This helps you understand the average food cost per customer visit. It's particularly useful for restaurants with set menus or buffets. Here's how:

Let's revisit Chez Marco. 

Imagine he offers a fixed-price lunch buffet for $20 per person. 

His total COGS during a week is $3,000, and he serves 150 lunches.

This indicates that on average, the ingredients for each buffet meal cost Marco $20, which conveniently matches his selling price. However, this doesn't account for individual dish profitability.

Food Cost Per Dish: Hidden Gems (or Money Losers)

To truly optimize your menu, you need to analyze the food cost of each dish. Here's the formula:

This allows you to identify dishes with disproportionately high food costs. Here's an example:

• Dish: Pappardelle al Funghi Porcini (serves 1)
• Cost of Ingredients: $12 (including expensive wild mushrooms)
• Selling Price: $22

While this dish has a good selling price, its high food cost percentage might require adjustments.  Perhaps using a more affordable type of mushroom or offering a smaller portion size could improve profitability.

By calculating food cost per meal and per dish, you gain a deeper understanding of your menu's profitability. This empowers you to:

• Identify hidden gems (dishes with high-profit margins)
• Pinpoint money losers (dishes with excessive food costs)
• Make informed decisions about portion sizes, menu pricing, and recipe adjustments

Remember: Food cost calculations are powerful tools, but they're just the first step. Utilize this knowledge to strategically optimize your menu and unlock your restaurant's full profit potential.

Cracking the Code: How Do You Calculate Food Cost Per Serving?

Imagine your restaurant’s best-selling lasagna recipe yields 6 hearty portions. Let's find out the cost per serving to see how the magic happens:

Total Recipe Cost: Add up all ingredient costs = $8.05

Number of Servings: 6

How Did We Get Here?

1. We listed each ingredient needed for the lasagna.
2. We noted the quantity used in the recipe (e.g., 1 pound of ground beef).
3. We determined the current cost per unit (e.g., ground beef is $3.99 per pound).
4. For ingredients like ricotta cheese, where we only use a portion, we performed a mini-calculation: $2.29 / 15 oz * 8 oz = $1.53.
5. By adding all the ingredient costs, we reached the Total Recipe Cost of $8.05.
6. Finally, dividing the Total Recipe Cost by the number of servings (6) reveals the Cost Per Serving: $1.34.

This example shows how you can uncover the true cost of each serving in your recipe. With this knowledge, you can effectively price your lasagna on the menu and identify areas for potential cost savings, if needed.

Benefits of Using a Food Cost Calculator

Food Cost Calculator is a trusty sidekick that automates calculations, minimizes errors, and provides real-time data. That's the magic of a food cost calculator. Here's how it benefits your restaurant:

• Effortless Calculations: Ditch the spreadsheets and manual calculations. The calculator automates the process, saving you valuable time and minimizing the risk of human error.
• Real-Time Insights: Track food costs on the go. Some calculators integrate with inventory management systems, providing up-to-date data on ingredient usage and cost fluctuations. POS systems with reports and analytics will reduce manual calculations and streamline inventory and sales tracking in one place.‍
• Informed Menu Decisions: Price your dishes to make you profit, at the same time not burning your customer’s pocket.‍
• Waste Reduction: Identify areas where ingredients are wasted or spoiled, allowing you to implement measures for better inventory management.‍
• Supplier Negotiations: With accurate data on ingredient usage and costs, you can negotiate better deals with suppliers.

Additional Strategies to Lower Food Costs For Your Restaurant

While food cost calculators are powerful tools, they're just one piece of the puzzle. Here are additional strategies to keep your food costs in check:

• Regular Inventory Checks: Maintain accurate stock levels and avoid overstocking and potential spoilage. OneHubPOS offers a real-time inventory management solution.
• Monitor Waste and Spoilage: Identify areas where ingredients are wasted and implement solutions like recipe standardization or portion control.
• Negotiate with Suppliers: Research market prices and negotiate better deals with suppliers to secure lower ingredient costs.
• Menu Pricing Strategies: Develop menu prices after factoring in food costs, desired profit margins, and local market competitiveness. Track the impact of pricing changes on sales to optimize your menu.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid: Maintaining Accuracy

Even with a food cost calculator, accuracy is key. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Overlooking Hidden Costs: Factor in additional costs like labor associated with prepping ingredients.
• Inaccurate Inventory Tracking: Maintain a meticulous inventory system to ensure accurate data for food cost calculations.
• Ignoring Seasonal Variations: Be mindful of seasonal price fluctuations for ingredients and adjust your food cost analysis accordingly.

By combining food cost calculations, the power of technology, and these additional strategies, you'll gain complete control over your food costs. This translates to a more profitable restaurant, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – creating delicious food and happy customers.

Key Takeaways from this Blog on Food Cost Percentage for Restaurants

• Food cost percentage is a crucial metric that reveals how much of your revenue goes towards ingredients. It directly impacts your profitability.
• Regularly calculating your food cost percentage allows you to identify areas for improvement in your menu and operations.
• You can calculate food cost for your entire restaurant, per meal (buffets), and per dish.
• Analyzing food cost per dish helps you find high-profit dishes and dishes with excessive food costs.
• By understanding your food cost percentage, you can make informed decisions about:some text
  • Menu pricing: Ensure prices reflect ingredient costs and desired profit margins.
  • Portion control: Analyze if portion sizes can be adjusted without sacrificing customer satisfaction.
  • Recipe adjustments: Explore using more affordable ingredients or optimizing recipes for better profit margins.
  • Supplier negotiations: Armed with data on ingredient usage, negotiate better deals with suppliers.
  • Inventory management: Minimize waste and optimize stock levels to prevent spoilage and unnecessary spending.

OneHubPOS: Optimizing Food Costs For Your Restaurants

We offer a comprehensive solution to streamline your food cost management, and how?

• Automated calculations: Saves time and minimizes errors in food cost calculations.
• Real-time inventory tracking: Helps maintain accurate stock levels and avoid overstocking or spoilage.
• Data-driven insights: Provides valuable information on ingredient usage and cost fluctuations.
• Streamlined operations: Combines inventory and sales tracking in one place for better decision-making.

By implementing these takeaways and leveraging OneHubPOS, you can gain control of your food costs and ensure the long-term success of your restaurant.

Imagine you're putting together an order on a busy day, only to realize later that you received the wrong info—ouch! And it’s just one of those frustrating, manual errors that can cost your restaurant a lot.

While you might think the good old pen and paper is a pocket-friendly option, the reality is far away from what it seems. This method comes with multiple pitfalls that can absorb your profits. There’s a risk of misplaced orders, miscalculated bills, and stock discrepancies. What’s more, these eros not only waste your time but also sway your customers away over time!

If you’re also looking for solutions to these restaurant manual errors, this is the right place to be! This blog will show how switching to a modern POS system can help you bypass costly manual errors while preserving your revenue!

Common Manual Errors in Restaurant Operations

Manual errors in restaurant operations can stem from simple oversights in your daily tasks. Here are some of the most common slip-ups:

Inventory Mistakes

Manual inventory mistakes usually involve counting errors, misplaced items, and incorrect data entry. They can lead to inaccurate stock levels and operational inefficiencies. There could be different types of inventory mistakes:

Reordering Issues

Not having the right tools to manage inventory leads to overordering or underordering. Overordering can result in excess stock that might go unused before expiring. Underordering can cause popular menu items to run out, leading to lost sales.

Excessive Food Waste

Many restaurants struggle with food waste due to poor inventory tracking. Without proper technology, it's easy to overestimate how much food you need. This could lead to spoilage and unnecessary waste.

Inadequate Data Analysis

Manual inventory management often involves human error in counting and data entry. This process is time-consuming and also lacks real-time updates. Understanding inventory trends and turnover is essential but challenging without a unified system. 

Order Errors

Manual order-taking in restaurants is ripe for mistakes, which can quickly sour a customer's experience. When you keep orders on paper, it's common for things to get lost in translation—misreading handwriting or mishearing over a noisy dining room. 

These slip-ups can lead to wrong dishes, delayed orders, or even missed orders. The fallout? Frustrated customers and potentially lost business. Frequent order errors can tarnish your restaurant's reputation and may lead to negative reviews.

Pricing Discrepancies

Pricing discrepancies in restaurants often occur when you manually enter prices into systems. There is a high chance of mismatches between what should be charged and what is billed. For instance, your staff might forget the new prices during seasonal promotions. They may end up charging old rates. 

The Role of POS Systems in Reducing Errors

Point-of-sale systems use advanced tech to track your sales and ensure that pricing errors or missed charges are a thing of the past. This helps you keep your finances in check and ensures customers get a fair deal every time. 

These systems streamline the process of recording transactions right when they happen. This immediate data capture minimizes common errors like miscounting or misrecording sales, which often occur in manual setups. 

POS systems take the guesswork out of inventory management by automatically updating stock as items sell. They help you avoid overstocking or running out of essentials. Plus, features like barcode scanning and digital receipts cut down on human errors, making everything run smoother.

Use This Ultimate POS System Checklist to Reduce Manual Errors and Streamline Your Restaurant's Operations

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Benefits of POS Systems

POS systems offer a multitude of benefits for businesses:

Automated Inventory Management

Automating POS system inventory management is a major plus for restaurants. Here's how it works- when new products come in, just scan them and enter the amounts, and boom—they're logged into your system.

This real-time tracking lets you know exactly what you have in stock, ditching the guesswork and slip-ups of counting by hand. And the best part? Every time you make a sale, the system updates your inventory levels. It keeps everything smooth and accurate.

Digital Order Management

Are you managing orders manually? That can lead to mix-ups and missed sales, especially when things get busy. A POS system makes things a lot more easy for you. 

• You can use a POS system to check on every online or in-store order. Such systems log and update every order in real time to keep you updated. 

• A POS comes with the option to set up low-stock alerts. Using this feature, you can rest assured about never running low, as the system updates you whenever your stock hits the bottom line.  

• Such systems optimize your orders. When customers request items out of stock, the POS system can keep track and prompt you to notify customers upon availability.

Accurate Pricing and Billing

A POS system ensures every price tag in your store is spot on. Here's how it works: whenever you need to change prices, whether for a sale or an update, you do it once in the system, and it automatically adjusts everywhere—on every product and in every transaction. 

As a result, you can rest assured that the cashier will charge the correct price every time without any human error. You can let the system handle the total, addition, and taxes and apply discounts automatically.

Improved Employee Efficiency

With features like inventory management and order processing all integrated into one system, your staff can shift their focus from tedious manual tasks to providing top-notch service. Here's how such systems enhance efficiency:

• Quick access to information: Employees can pull up product details, check stock levels, or process returns with just a few taps. This speed means they can serve more customers more effectively.

• Streamlined operations: Everything is managed through one system, from handling promotions to updating inventory. This integration means less time figuring out logistics and more time engaging with customers.

Enhanced Reporting and Analytics

With its advanced analytics, a modern POS system gives you the scoop on all your transactions. It shows you why some products fly off the shelves while others linger or why your sales soar some days but not others.

For example, if you spot that a certain item is a hit during the holidays, you can stock up early to meet demand. Or, if something isn't selling as well as you hoped, you might roll out promotions or discounts to boost it. This kind of insight is invaluable for staying on top of your game.

Additionally, the analytics from a POS system give you deeper insights into your customers' buying habits. By examining their past purchases and preferences, you can craft marketing campaigns that resonate with their needs, making your efforts more effective. This tailored approach not only feels more professional but also boosts the impact of your promotions.

Customer Relationship Management

Point-of-sale (POS) systems can enhance how you connect with your customers. By integrating features like loyalty programs and detailed customer profiles, a POS can personalize interactions based on past purchases, making every customer feel special. 

For instance, when a regular visit is made, the system suggests items they might like or offers discounts tailored to their preferences. This personalized service improves the customer experience and boosts retention—86% of restaurants leverage POS data to refine loyalty strategies.

Choosing the Right POS System: 7 Features to Consider in a POS System

Let's guide you through selecting the perfect POS for your restaurant. Here are the top 7 features to consider that can help streamline your processes and improve your customer service:

Easy Menu Management

Your POS should make it easy to update the menu on the fly. This feature will allow you to quickly mark items out of stock or update pricing during busy shifts. It ensures your menu reflects real-time changes without restarting the system.

Inventory Management

Inventory management is a must-have in any POS system. It keeps track of your stock in real time. A sophisticated POS system has real-time tracking tools that help you keep a precise tab on your inventory levels. 

Loyalty Programs and Integrated Gift Cards

Modern POS systems should support digital loyalty programs and gift cards. It enhances customer retention by simplifying how guests use and manage their rewards. POS software with loyalty program functionality can increase ticket size by up to 46%.

Employee Management

Combining essential operational tools into one platform can simplify your administrative tasks. A POS that includes employee management features such as payroll processing, scheduling, and communication can streamline your HR processes and improve staff coordination.

Payments and Processing Fee

Payments and processing fees are what you pay each time a customer purchases. It's important because these fees can add up and affect your bottom line. When choosing a POS system, look for one with clear, low fees. This will help you save money and simplify budgeting.

Hardware Solutions

A POS system with good hardware is essential because it affects how smoothly your operations run. Look for hardware that's reliable, easy to use, and matches your business's size and style. Good hardware can speed up transactions, reduce errors, and improve customer experience for your restaurant.

Integrated Online Ordering Platform

The ability to integrate online ordering directly into your POS system is more important than ever with the growth of digital dining options. This feature allows you to manage orders more effectively. It does so while keeping track of customer preferences and maintaining control over your branding and customer data.

Cost Considerations for a POS System

When estimating the budget for a new POS system, you must remember to include hidden costs and additional expenses, as there could be many.

To start, if you need your POS system to sync up smoothly with other tools you're using—like your accounting software or CRM—you should be aware that there might be additional costs for those integrations.

Then there are the add-ons. Things like loyalty programs or email marketing tools can bump the cost considerably. Even text messaging features could add more to your monthly bill than expected. And remember, if you're planning on having more than one register, you might face additional fees for each—these could range anywhere from about $10 to $40 per register each month.

Also, keep in mind the costs for ongoing support and training. You may occasionally need support from your vendor for upgrades or to fix issues, which can inflate the total cost of owning your POS system.

Conclusion

The challenges with restaurant manual errors can impact your daily operations and threaten the longevity of your business. Understanding these common restaurant problems and adopting a modern POS system can help address potential difficulties. A POS system prevents common mistakes like misentered orders and inventory mishaps and enhances business efficiency. 

Ready to upgrade and improve your restaurant's efficiency? Check out OneHubPOS for a reliable, feature-rich POS solution that fits your business needs.