Running a restaurant is no small feat, and managing staff schedules efficiently is a crucial aspect of ensuring smooth operations. The right scheduling software can help optimize labor costs, improve team communication, and enhance overall productivity. In 2025, several scheduling solutions have emerged as the best in the industry. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10+ restaurant scheduling software and apps to consider this year.
What is Restaurant Scheduling Software?
Restaurant scheduling software is a digital tool designed to help restaurant owners and managers efficiently create, manage, and optimize employee work schedules. These platforms automate shift planning, track employee availability, manage labor costs, and facilitate team communication.
1. 7shifts
✅ Overview: A leading restaurant scheduling tool designed to streamline workforce management.
⭐ Key Features:
- Auto-scheduling powered by AI
- Time tracking and payroll integration
- Mobile app for shift swaps and notifications
- Compliance and labor law tracking
- Team messaging and task management
🎯 Best For: Small to mid-sized restaurants looking for an all-in-one scheduling and team management solution.
2. OpenTable
✅ Overview: Primarily known for reservations, OpenTable also includes scheduling tools for restaurant staff.
⭐ Key Features:
- Online reservation and waitlist management
- Integrated staff scheduling
- Customer feedback and analytics
- Table assignment optimization
- POS system integration
🎯 Best For: Restaurants that rely on reservations and want an integrated guest and staff management system.
3. Toast
✅ Overview: A full restaurant management platform with POS, online ordering, and employee scheduling.
⭐ Key Features:
- Smart shift scheduling based on sales forecasts
- Payroll and tip distribution
- Mobile and tablet-friendly access
- Employee performance tracking
- Built-in reporting and analytics
🎯 Best For: Restaurants looking for a complete POS and scheduling solution in one system.
4. Upserve is now Lightspeed
✅ Overview: A restaurant-focused scheduling and management platform.
⭐ Key Features:
- Automated scheduling with demand forecasting
- POS integration for performance tracking
- Real-time labor cost monitoring
- Mobile shift swapping
- Built-in payroll features
🎯 Best For: Full-service restaurants that need deep data insights into scheduling and performance.
5. SevenRooms
✅ Overview: A guest management platform that integrates scheduling with customer data.
⭐ Key Features:
- AI-powered scheduling
- Guest preference tracking for personalized service
- Reservation and table management
- Automated shift adjustments
- Employee and customer insights
🎯 Best For: Upscale restaurants that want a tailored dining experience while managing staff schedules effectively.
6. Presto
✅ Overview: A tech-driven platform offering restaurant scheduling and automation.
⭐ Key Features:
- AI-powered workforce scheduling
- Real-time labor cost tracking
- Automated compliance monitoring
- Multi-location scheduling
- Mobile-friendly for staff access
🎯 Best For: Restaurants adopting AI-powered automation for efficient scheduling and operations.
7. CoverManager
✅ Overview: A Spanish startup optimizing restaurant reservations and scheduling.
⭐ Key Features:
- Reservation confirmation via AI
- Voice assistant for automated scheduling
- Shift organization tools
- Customizable employee availability settings
- Customer experience tracking
🎯 Best For: Restaurants that prioritize efficiency in table and shift management.
8. Blackbird
✅ Overview: A loyalty and payment app with integrated scheduling for restaurant teams.
⭐ Key Features:
- Mobile shift booking and scheduling
- Employee performance tracking
- Automated reward-based scheduling
- Real-time shift swapping
- Payroll and tip management
🎯 Best For: Restaurants that want to integrate employee incentives with scheduling.
9. Connecteam
✅ Overview: A mobile-first workforce management solution designed for restaurants and other industries that need efficient team scheduling.
⭐ Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop shift scheduling for easy planning
- GPS time tracking to monitor employee attendance
- Shift templates for quick schedule creation
- In-app chat for real-time communication
- Automated notifications for shift updates
🎯 Best For: Restaurants with remote teams or multiple locations that need an all-in-one scheduling and communication platform.
10. ZoomShift
✅ Overview: A simple and intuitive scheduling tool built specifically for hourly workers, making it perfect for restaurants.
⭐ Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop shift editor for quick scheduling
- Shift swapping & open shift requests for flexibility
- Payroll integration to streamline wage calculations
- Time clock & attendance tracking
- Overtime alerts to prevent labor law violations
🎯 Best For: Small to mid-sized restaurants looking for an easy-to-use employee scheduling solution with time-tracking features.
11. Deputy
✅ Overview: A powerful restaurant scheduling and workforce management software that helps automate labor compliance and optimize shift planning.
⭐ Key Features:
- AI-powered scheduling based on sales forecasts
- Auto-scheduling to optimize labor costs
- Shift swapping & leave management
- POS and payroll system integration
- Real-time reporting & analytics
🎯 Best For: Restaurants of all sizes that need automated, AI-driven scheduling and seamless integration with payroll and POS systems.
Key Functions of Restaurant Scheduling Software
- Shift Planning & Automation – Easily create and adjust employee schedules based on business needs.
- Employee Availability Tracking – Employees can input availability and request time off.
- Shift Swapping & Notifications – Staff can trade shifts with manager approval, with instant updates via mobile apps.
- Labor Cost Optimization – Prevents overstaffing or understaffing, helping control payroll expenses.
- Compliance & Labor Law Management – Ensures adherence to overtime laws, break requirements, and fair scheduling policies.
- Payroll & POS Integration – Syncs with payroll and point-of-sale systems to streamline operations.
Why Do Restaurants Need Scheduling Software?
- Saves Time: Automates scheduling, reducing manual work.
- Improves Efficiency: Helps managers optimize labor costs based on sales forecasts.
- Enhances Communication: Keeps staff updated on schedules via notifications and mobile apps.
- Boosts Employee Satisfaction: Offers flexible scheduling and shift-swapping options.
By using restaurant scheduling software, businesses can improve workforce efficiency, reduce labor costs, and provide a better working environment for employees.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right restaurant scheduling software in 2025 depends on your restaurant’s specific needs. Whether you need AI-powered scheduling, a POS-integrated solution, or an employee management system, these tools offer the flexibility and efficiency needed to keep your restaurant running smoothly.
🚀 Which software is right for your restaurant? Evaluate your staffing needs, budget, and operational complexity to find the perfect fit!
FAQs:
1. What is the best restaurant scheduling software in 2025?
The best restaurant scheduling software depends on your specific needs. Popular options include 7shifts, OpenTable, and Toast. These platforms offer features like AI-driven scheduling, labor cost optimization, shift management, and integrations with payroll and POS systems. Consider factors like ease of use, integration with existing tools, and whether you need features like mobile access or shift swapping when choosing the best solution.
2. Can restaurant scheduling software help reduce labor costs?
Yes, most restaurant scheduling software helps reduce labor costs by forecasting staffing needs based on historical data and sales projections. Features like automatic scheduling and real-time labor cost tracking ensure that your restaurant is neither overstaffed nor understaffed, which directly impacts your payroll and helps you stay within budget.
3. How does employee shift swapping work in restaurant scheduling software?
Employee shift swapping is a key feature in many scheduling tools. It allows employees to request shift swaps directly within the app. Managers can approve or deny the requests based on staffing needs and availability. This feature streamlines scheduling by providing flexibility for employees while maintaining control over shifts.
4. Can restaurant scheduling software integrate with POS or payroll systems?
Yes, many restaurant scheduling tools, such as Toast and Deputy, offer seamless integrations with POS and payroll systems. This integration helps synchronize employee time tracking, labor costs, and payroll calculations, making it easier to manage finances and ensure compliance with labor laws.
5. Is restaurant scheduling software mobile-friendly for employees?
Most modern restaurant scheduling software, including Connecteam and Deputy, offers mobile-friendly platforms. Employees can access their schedules, request time off, swap shifts, and receive notifications directly from their smartphones. This increases communication efficiency and employee satisfaction.
6. How can restaurant scheduling software help with labor law compliance?
Restaurant scheduling software helps ensure compliance with labor laws by tracking work hours, breaks, and overtime. Many platforms, like ZoomShift and Deputy, send alerts when employees approach overtime limits or when breaks are due, ensuring your restaurant adheres to local labor regulations.
