It’s no secret in the hospitality industry that every restaurant is a bit unique, each with its own rhythm, personality, and distinct operational needs. From a cozy, family-owned village bistro offering daily specials to a bustling urban café managing high volumes of grab-and-go customers, no two establishments are the same. That’s why choosing the right Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. It’s about finding a solution that seamlessly integrates with your unique setup.

For example, consider a fine-dining restaurant that prides itself on an intricate tasting menu with multiple courses. Such a venue would benefit from an EPOS system that supports table management, tracks orders by course, and allows for effortless communication between the kitchen and waitstaff. On the other hand, a fast-casual burger joint might prioritize an EPOS system with quick, touch-based order entry, efficient payment processing, and integration with delivery platforms.

Similarly, EPOS systems come with a wide variety of options. And while some are very similar on the surface, they also often differ greatly in terms of their features and peripherals. Quite frequently, restaurants tend to choose their EPOS system as one of the last things they do before opening, and they often aren’t sure what they want, much less what they need.

So how do you choose which is the right EPOS for you? Let’s take a closer look at what to think about when you’re selecting an EPOS system that fits your restaurant’s needs.

Customer Experience

When selecting an EPOS system, the best place to start is by defining the customer experience you want to deliver and then choose features that complement and enhance that vision. For instance, in a fine dining restaurant, the focus is on providing a seamless, personalised experience at the table. That often means fewer tills that are hidden from customers, with the emphasis instead placed on handheld order pads for staff. This approach ensures that every customer interaction—from taking orders to managing payments—can be conducted directly at the table, enhancing the sense of service and intimacy.

In contrast, a tea room typically offers a different customer journey. Here, guests often come to the counter to place their orders. In this scenario, a more comprehensive till system is helpful, capable of handling orders, managing stock, and processing payments all in one place. This setup ensures smooth operations while catering to the self-service style many customers expect in this environment. By aligning the EPOS system to the service model, you can create a cohesive experience that feels natural and intuitive for both customers and staff.

Pick Your Peripherals

Selecting the right peripherals for your EPOS system is the next step to creating a seamless and effective operation. Obviously, you need at least one till, which is the backbone of your system.

From there, you might consider additional peripherals that align with your business goals. This includes items like handheld pads that enable staff to take orders and process payments directly with guests. Or perhaps kiosks that speed up service in high-traffic, counter-order environments are better suited for your restaurant.

Other EPOS Options 

Offering takeaway and online ordering options can also help boost sales and reach a wider audience. If you have a sit-down restaurant, consider integrating online table booking with a card provider to handle reservations and take deposits.

For kitchen operations, deciding between printed tickets and digital screens depends on your restaurant’s processes and preferences. Higher-end establishments tend to favor screens for their clarity, while kitchen printers remain a reliable choice for traditional workflows.

Find a Hospitality-focused EPOS

One thing to look out for is choosing an EPOS system that offers software that’s specifically designed for restaurants, and not other types of businesses such as convenience stores or other retailers. Hospitality-focused features can make a significant difference in day-to-day operations.

For instance, EPOS systems that include a list of allergens used in the restaurant can be helpful in both staying compliant with allergen notification laws while also avoiding any situations that put a customer at risk. The system can allow customers to indicate their allergies when booking a table, or servers can check off any allergies patrons may have when taking orders. That information is then transferred with the order to the kitchen.

If you’re considering a loyalty scheme, think about how you want it to work: Would physical loyalty cards suit your audience or would an app-based system feel more aligned with your brand?

Finally, integration capabilities are another key factor; systems that connect with tools like Fourth for labor predictions or accounting software streamline behind-the-scenes management. Features such as QR code menus can further enhance the guest experience by offering a modern, contact-free way to browse and order.

As you can see, there are a wide number of options and choices available to restaurants today. The key to weeding through those options is to find a system that’s designed to fit your business, and not the other way around. Contact Everything EPOS to discuss your restaurant’s needs and how we can help your business succeed.