CAKE POS -Is It Great for Your Restaurant ?

Hey there, fellow restaurant enthusiasts,

My name is Jeff, a restaurant consultant based in sunny Florida. I’ve been working with restaurants of all sizes for years, and I’ve had the pleasure of watching the industry evolve in so many ways.

In my experience, one of the most noticeable shifts has been the incorporation of cutting-edge technology into operations and interactions with clients.

I’m here to talk about my thoughts and feelings about CAKE POS, one of the best POS systems available. Therefore, let’s dive in and see whether this is a good fit for your eatery.

As we all know, a POS system is the heart of any restaurant’s operations. The right system can streamline everything from taking orders to managing inventory, making life easier for you and your staff. Over the years, I’ve worked with various POS systems, but CAKE POS has consistently stood out as an innovative and reliable option for restaurants looking to up their game.

CAKE POS, a product of Sysco, has grown in popularity for its ease of use, comprehensive feature set, and competitive pricing. I’ve worked with multiple clients that have used CAKE POS in their eateries, and I’ve heard nothing but good things.

Let’s dive into what makes CAKE POS such a desirable option for restaurants and their management teams. 

Top Features of CAKE POS That Make It Stand Out

As a restaurant consultant, I’ve had the opportunity to witness firsthand how the right POS system can revolutionize the way a restaurant operates.

CAKE POS comes with a plethora of features designed specifically for the foodservice industry. Some of the most notable qualities that have left an impression on me and my clients are as follows:

POS System for Restaurants

What makes CAKE POS such an attractive option for many restaurant owners is its user-friendly interface. Designed with simplicity in mind, the system is easy to navigate even for those who aren’t tech-savvy.

The touchscreen display allows for quick and accurate order entry, reducing the chance of mistakes and enhancing overall operational efficiency.

Mobile POS for Restaurants

CAKE POS’s ability to work as a mobile POS is one of its distinguishing features. Tablets allow wait staff to take orders and accept payments at the table, streamlining the ordering process and minimizing inconveniences for diners.

My customers who have larger dining rooms or outside sitting areas have found this function quite useful.

Inventory Management for Restaurants

Keeping track of inventory is a critical aspect of running a successful restaurant, and CAKE POS’s inventory management feature makes this task a breeze. The system allows you to track ingredient usage in real-time, helping you avoid stockouts and minimize waste.

Automatic warnings for low stock levels let you keep track of your kitchen’s supply demands and avoid running out of any items.

Online Ordering Integration

In today’s digital age, offering online ordering has become a necessity for many restaurants. CAKE POS seamlessly integrates with popular online ordering platforms, allowing customers to place orders directly from your website or through third-party apps.

This integration not only expands your reach but also simplifies order management by funneling all orders into a single, unified system.

These are just some of the creative choices that are made available by CAKE POS; there are many more.

In my experience, implementing this system has consistently helped my clients enhance their overall efficiency, streamline operations, and improve the customer experience.

In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at the hardware components that make CAKE POS a reliable choice for restaurant owners.

A Comprehensive Look at CAKE POS Hardware

As we’ve already discussed, CAKE POS offers an impressive set of features, but it’s also essential to consider the hardware that supports these functionalities.

I can speak to the fact that investing in high-quality equipment has a significant influence on consumers as a consultant with experience in restaurants. Depending on the kind and size of restaurant, CAKE POS has a number of hardware solutions to choose from.

Components and Compatibility

The main components of the CAKE POS hardware include a sleek, compact terminal with a responsive touchscreen display, a cash drawer, and a receipt printer. The terminal is specifically designed to withstand the harsh conditions of a restaurant environment, making it a durable option for busy establishments.

One of the things I appreciate about CAKE POS is its compatibility with various peripheral devices, allowing restaurant owners to create a tailored setup that best suits their specific needs. Some of the additional hardware options include:

1. Kitchen Display System (KDS): communication between the front and rear of the home is streamlined by a digital screen that takes the place of conventional kitchen printers.
2. Barcode scanner: Ideal for restaurants that sell retail items or need to scan pre-packaged ingredients for inventory purposes.
3. Scales: Useful for establishments that sell items by weight, such as delis, butcher shops, or seafood counters.
4. Mobile card readers: A convenient option for processing payments at the table using a smartphone or tablet.

By offering a variety of hardware components, CAKE POS allows restaurant owners to build a POS system that is both functional and adaptable to their unique requirements.

In my experience, the hardware provided by CAKE POS has been reliable and durable, with minimal downtime or technical issues reported by my clients.

In the next section, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of using a cloud-based POS system like CAKE POS and how it compares to traditional, on-premises solutions.

Cloud-Based POS System: Advantages and Disadvantages

As a restaurant consultant, I’ve worked with both traditional, on-premises POS systems and modern, cloud-based solutions like CAKE POS. While determining which system is ideal for their establishment, restaurant owners should consider the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Let’s examine the pros and cons of implementing a cloud-based POS system in a food service establishment.

Advantages of Cloud-Based POS Systems

1. Accessibility: The flexibility to access data from any location with an internet connection is a major perk of using a cloud-based system. Owners and managers may monitor things like sales, stock levels, and staff productivity without being physically there.
2. Scalability: Cloud-based systems are designed to grow with your business. Adding new devices, expanding to additional locations, or upgrading your plan can be done quickly and easily without the need for significant hardware investments.
3. Real-time updates: With cloud-based POS systems, all data is updated in real-time, allowing for more accurate decision-making and better inventory management.
4. Automatic backups and updates: Cloud-based systems typically offer automatic data backups and software updates, ensuring that your system remains secure and up-to-date without any manual intervention.
5. Lower upfront costs: Unlike traditional POS systems, which often require a substantial investment in hardware and software licenses, cloud-based systems typically operate on a subscription-based model, making them more affordable for smaller restaurants or those with tight budgets.

Disadvantages of Cloud-Based POS Systems

1. Internet dependency: The most notable drawback of a cloud-based system is its reliance on a stable internet connection. If your restaurant experiences frequent internet outages or slow speeds, this could disrupt your POS system’s functionality and impact your ability to process transactions.
2. Ongoing subscription costs: While cloud-based systems often have lower upfront costs, the ongoing subscription fees can add up over time. It’s essential to evaluate the long-term costs of a cloud-based solution compared to a traditional POS system.
3. Data security concerns: Storing sensitive information in the cloud can raise concerns about data security and privacy. While most cloud-based POS providers, including CAKE POS, take extensive measures to protect your data, it’s crucial to understand and assess these safeguards when choosing a system.

In my experience, the benefits of a cloud-based system like CAKE POS often outweigh the drawbacks for many restaurant owners. The optimal point-of-sale (POS) system for your organization will depend on your unique requirements and situation.

In the next section, we’ll discuss how CAKE POS integrations can help streamline restaurant operations and improve overall efficiency.

How CAKE POS Integrations Can Streamline Restaurant Operations

Being a consultant with experience in the restaurant industry, I can say that increasing efficiency and streamlining processes are two of the most important factors in making a business successful. CAKE POS offers a range of integrations with third-party applications designed to help restaurant owners and managers achieve this goal. In this section, we’ll explore some of the most popular and useful CAKE POS integrations that can help enhance various aspects of your restaurant’s operations.

POS Integration for Restaurants

1. Accounting and Payroll: You may save yourself time and prevent mistakes by integrating your point-of-sale system with your accounting and payroll programs. CAKE POS seamlessly integrates with popular accounting platforms like QuickBooks, allowing you to automatically sync sales data, manage employee hours, and handle payroll with ease.
2. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Marketing: Building relationships with your customers is crucial for driving repeat business and fostering brand loyalty. You can maintain tabs on client information, divide your audience into more manageable chunks, and send out more relevant emails to each group with the help of CAKE POS’s compatibility with customer relationship management and marketing platforms like Mailchimp.
3. Online Reservation Systems: Integrating your POS system with an online reservation platform like OpenTable can help you manage bookings, optimize table turnover, and improve the overall dining experience. With CAKE POS, reservations are automatically synced with the system, making it easy for your staff to stay on top of incoming guests and their preferences.
4. Inventory Management: As we mentioned earlier, CAKE POS offers robust inventory management features, but it can also integrate with specialized inventory management software like MarketMan or BlueCart. These integrations can help you further streamline your inventory process, offering advanced features like supplier management and automated purchasing.
5. Employee Scheduling and Time Tracking: Managing your team’s schedule can be time-consuming, especially if you’re using a separate system or relying on pen and paper. CAKE POS integrates with employee scheduling and time tracking tools like 7shifts and Homebase, allowing you to create and manage schedules, track employee hours, and monitor labor costs directly from your POS system.

These are only some of the optional extras that may be added to your CAKE POS system. By leveraging these third-party applications, you can create a comprehensive, unified system that streamlines your restaurant operations and ultimately leads to a more efficient and profitable business.

In the following section, we’ll take a closer look at the various CAKE POS pricing options and plans to help you pick the right one for your business.

Exploring CAKE POS Pricing and Plans

One of the most critical factors restaurant owners consider when choosing a POS system is the cost. As a restaurant consultant, I understand that every establishment has its unique budgetary constraints and requirements.

In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the pricing plans and options offered by CAKE POS to help you determine which one is the best fit for your restaurant.

Comparing Different Pricing Tiers and Plans for Various Restaurant Sizes

You may select a pricing option from CAKE POS that fits the demands and financial constraints of your business from a variety of pricing alternatives. 

They charge a monthly membership fee that covers software, support, and updates as part of their price structure. Additionally, there are costs associated with the hardware components and payment processing fees.

• POS station: The 15-inch touch-screen POS terminal, thermal printer, cash drawer, and payment cube will cost you $1,499 plus a one-time activation charge of $999. For $1,699, eateries may purchase a station that has a customer touch screen. With a two-year commitment, the software costs $69 monthly, plus $49 monthly for each extra terminal.
• OrderPad mobile POS: The OrderPad app and support costs $49 per month plus an initial setup charge of $299. Cake offers the iMag Pro II Payment Reader to restaurants for $99. iPads are not included in the price.
• Guest management add-on: Unlimited monthly service is available for $78, with an initial deposit of $199.
• Online ordering add-on: Monthly fees are $49.00 + a percentage (5%) of gross sales.
• Payment processing: American Express transactions will be charged 3.29% plus 15 cents, while all other credit card transactions will be charged 2.50% plus 15 cents.

It’s crucial to remember that these charges do not include the price of physical components or transaction fees. Hardware packages can range from $649 for a basic setup to over $1,500 for a more advanced configuration. CAKE POS also offers a payment processing solution, CAKE Payments, with competitive rates based on your monthly sales volume.

In my experience, clients have found CAKE POS’s pricing plans to be transparent and reasonable, providing a good balance between cost and value. By offering flexible options, CAKE POS enables restaurant owners to select the plan that best aligns with their specific needs and budget.

In the next section, we’ll discuss the customer support provided by CAKE POS and how it can help you and your staff navigate any challenges you may face while using the system.

Overview

Hardware cost	The POS station with a customer touch display: $200, While the POS station with a 15-inch POS terminal, thermal printer, cash drawer, and payment cube: $1,499
Software cost	$69 per month plus $49 per month per additional terminal
Payment processing cost	American Express transactions: 3.29% + 15 cents; All other credit card transactions: 2.50% + 15 cents
Live support	24/7 assistance by phone, text, email, and chat
Contract	Length: 2 years
Ease of use	Cake POS is simple to use because of its user-friendly UI and Quick Menu Edit function. A learning curve might be involved with integrations.

CAKE POS Customer Support: Ensuring a Smooth Experience for Your Restaurant

As a consultant for restaurants, I am aware that setting up a new point-of-sale system may be difficult and intimidating. Nonetheless, providing dependable customer service may significantly impact the entire impression.

In this section, we’ll explore the customer support offered by CAKE POS and how it helps restaurant owners and staff navigate any issues or challenges that may arise.

Types of Support and Availability

CAKE POS prides itself on offering comprehensive customer support to ensure a smooth experience for its users. Some of the support options available to restaurant owners and staff include:

1. 24/7 Phone Support: CAKE POS provides round-the-clock phone support, allowing you to speak with a knowledgeable support representative whenever you need assistance. This level of availability can be invaluable during peak business hours or in the event of an urgent issue.
2. Online Help Center: The CAKE POS Help Center is a comprehensive online resource filled with articles, guides, and video tutorials designed to help users get the most out of their system. The subjects covered by the Help Center span widely, from fundamental system setup to sophisticated troubleshooting.
3. Email and Chat Support: If you prefer to communicate via email or chat, CAKE POS also offers these support options during standard business hours. These channels can be helpful for addressing less urgent issues or for users who may not have immediate access to a phone.
4. Onboarding and Training: When you first implement CAKE POS, the company offers a personalized onboarding experience to help you get up and running. This includes remote training sessions, which can be tailored to your restaurant’s specific needs and staff roles.

Supporting Your Restaurant’s Success

The amount of customer assistance offered has continually been a major selling feature in my experience dealing with clients that have embraced CAKE POS. The company’s commitment to helping users navigate any challenges that arise helps ensure a smooth experience and allows restaurant owners and staff to focus on what matters most: providing exceptional service to their customers.

In the next section, we’ll wrap up our discussion on CAKE POS by summarizing its key benefits and exploring whether it’s the right fit for your restaurant.

Comparing CAKE POS to Other Best Restaurant POS Systems

As a restaurant consultant, I’ve had the opportunity to work with and evaluate many different POS systems on the market. Let’s take a minute to assess CAKE POS against some of its top rivals and see how it compares in terms of features, cost, and overall value in order to assist you in making an educated selection.

Analysis of How CAKE POS Measures Up Against Competitors in the Market

1. Toast POS: Toast is another popular cloud-based POS system designed specifically for restaurants. Both CAKE POS and Toast offer similar features, such as order management, inventory control, and employee management. However, Toast tends to be more expensive, with a starting price of $79 per month per terminal. While CAKE POS is more cost-effective for smaller restaurants, Toast may be better suited for larger establishments or those with more complex needs.
2. Square for Restaurants: Square is known for its user-friendly interface and affordable pricing, making it an attractive option for many small restaurants and cafes. Square for Restaurants offers a free plan with basic POS features, which could be a better fit for businesses on a tight budget. However, CAKE POS offers more robust inventory management and reporting capabilities, making it a more comprehensive solution for growing restaurants.
3. TouchBistro: TouchBistro is an iPad-based POS system that caters to both small and large restaurants. Tableside ordering, inventory control, and personnel scheduling are among the many functions it provides. TouchBistro’s pricing is similar to CAKE POS, starting at $69 per month per terminal. While both systems have comparable offerings, CAKE POS has a more extensive range of hardware options and third-party integrations, making it more versatile and adaptable for different restaurant types.
4. Lightspeed Restaurant: Lightspeed is a feature-rich POS system that serves a variety of industries, including restaurants. Like CAKE POS, Lightspeed offers robust inventory management, employee scheduling, and reporting capabilities. However, Lightspeed’s pricing starts at $59 per month per terminal, making it more affordable for some establishments. The choice between CAKE POS and Lightspeed may come down to personal preference and specific requirements, as both systems offer comparable features and benefits.

A dependable, comprehensive, and affordable solution for a variety of restaurant kinds and sizes, CAKE POS stands out. While each POS system has its unique strengths and weaknesses, CAKE POS offers a well-rounded feature set and excellent customer support, making it a strong contender in the competitive restaurant POS market.

We’ll summarize our conversation and answer the issue of whether CAKE POS is a good fit for your business in the last half of this blog article.

Conclusion: Is CAKE POS the Right Choice for Your Restaurant?

As a restaurant consultant, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of POS systems and help restaurant owners make informed decisions about which solution best fits their needs.

In this blog post, we’ve taken an in-depth look at CAKE POS, exploring its features, pricing, and how it compares to its top competitors. Now, let’s summarize the benefits and potential drawbacks of CAKE POS for different types of restaurants and determine if it’s the right choice for your establishment.

Summarizing the Benefits and Potential Drawbacks of CAKE POS for Different Types of Restaurants

Benefits of CAKE POS:

1. Comprehensive feature set, including order management, inventory control, employee scheduling, and reporting capabilities.
2. User-friendly interface that’s easy for staff to learn and use.
3. A wide range of third-party integrations, allowing for seamless connection with other essential restaurant tools.
4. Flexible pricing plans designed to accommodate various restaurant sizes and budgets.
5. Excellent customer support, including 24/7 phone support, online help center, and personalized onboarding and training.

Potential Drawbacks of CAKE POS:

1. Reliance on a stable internet connection, which could be an issue for restaurants with inconsistent or slow internet service.
2. Ongoing subscription fees, which may be a concern for some restaurant owners when considering long-term costs.
3. Data security concerns associated with cloud-based systems, although CAKE POS takes extensive measures to protect user data.

In conclusion, CAKE POS is a comprehensive, user-friendly, and cost-effective POS solution that can benefit a wide range of restaurants, from small cafes and food trucks to larger, multi-location establishments. Its robust feature set, extensive third-party integrations, and excellent customer support make it a strong contender in the competitive restaurant POS market.

However, it’s essential to carefully consider your specific needs, budget, and circumstances when deciding if CAKE POS is the right fit for your restaurant. You may make a well-informed choice that supports the success of your restaurant by balancing the advantages and potential disadvantages we’ve covered in this blog article.

As a restaurant consultant, I assist owners and managers overcome business issues. Ask us anything.

 Jeff Smith is a Restaurant Consultant with over 20 years of hospitality experience ranging from server to owner and general manager.  He focuses on Restaurant POS technology as well as restaurant marketing.  Check out our world-famous restaurant resources page for a comprehensive offering of hand-picked resources and tools to help your business.  You can also check out some of our other restaurant business articles.