TouchBistro — Deep Dive Review

iPad table-service POS built around floor plans, coursing, and guest-centric workflows—plus integrated reservations and waitlist options for small to mid-sized dining rooms.

TL;DR

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TouchBistro iPad POS Terminal Powered by TouchBistro

Core Features

  • POS & KDS: Table maps, coursing, item fires/holds, and kitchen display.
  • Reservations/Waitlist: Built-in options for guest flow and pacing.
  • Menu & Modifiers: Category/menu controls with forced and optional modifiers.
  • Reporting: Sales, items, labor, and audit trail basics.
  • Payments: TouchBistro Payments (Chase) and regional partners.
Feature availability depends on region/plan and partners.

Who It’s For

  • Small full-service, bistros, wine bars, and iPad-forward dining rooms.
  • Teams that want a friendly table-service POS with floor maps and KDS.
  • Operators who prefer native reservations/waitlist in the same ecosystem.

Pricing Notes

  • Software tiers: Plan tiers by feature bundles; confirm what’s included.
  • Hardware: iPad fleet for POS + KDS; printers and stands by station.
  • Add-ons: Reservations/waitlist, loyalty, online ordering may be extra.
Quote total cost of ownership: software + iPads + processing + add-ons + support.

Payments Reality

  • TouchBistro Payments (Chase) is integrated; regional partners vary. Complete onboarding/KYC.
  • Request your all-in effective rate and funding timelines (batch, weekends, chargebacks).
  • Confirm renewal windows and any early-exit provisions in the contract.

Card Processing Snapshot (Examples)

Illustrative U.S. ranges only — request a formal quote from TouchBistro or your provider.

iPad Terminals & KDS

  • POS + KDS on iPads with floor maps and expo views.
  • Add printers/displays by station; map routing for hot/cold/dessert.

Reservations & Waitlist

  • Manage covers and pacing with built-in tools; link to online booking where available.
  • Guest notes and table turns to keep FOH flow smooth.

Setup & Scale

  • Cloud back office; remote updates and role-based permissions.
  • Training guides for FOH/Kitchen and soft-open plan for first week.

Pros

  • Approachable iPad workflows for table service.
  • Floor plan + coursing + KDS fit classic dining rooms.
  • Built-in reservations/waitlist keeps tech simple.

Cons

  • Ingredient-level inventory often via partners.
  • Some advanced features require add-ons.
  • Regional variations in plans and payments.

Integrations & Ecosystem

Switching to TouchBistro: Checklist

Closest Alternatives

  • Toast: unified stack with rugged hardware and first-party ordering.
  • Lightspeed: strong inventory; iPad-first with KDS.
  • Clover: simple SMB setup with multiple hardware options.

What We Recommend

  • Run a live demo on your exact floor plan and menu.
  • Compare quotes apples-to-apples, including payments and add-ons.
  • Negotiate renewal, exit terms, and service credits up front.

TouchBistro FAQ

Is TouchBistro good for small full-service restaurants?

Yes—its floor plan, coursing, and KDS flows are well-suited to classic dining rooms and wine bars.

Does TouchBistro have reservations and waitlist?

Yes—built-in options exist, with online booking in supported regions.

What payments does TouchBistro support?

TouchBistro Payments (Chase) and regional partners; confirm availability and terms in your area.

Will it run on iPads I already own?

Often yes—verify iPad models and peripheral compatibility before purchase.

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