What is TouchBistro and who is it best for?

TouchBistro is a restaurant-focused POS/software platform. It fits full‑service operators who want integrated ordering, handhelds/KDS, and clear pricing. Feature availability varies by plan and region.

Does TouchBistro support online ordering and delivery tools?

Yes—most TouchBistro setups include native online ordering or integrations for delivery and pickup. Exact options depend on plan and add‑ons offered by the vendor.

What payment processing does TouchBistro use?

TouchBistro typically bundles payment processing with its platform. Rates and terms can vary; request a current quote to confirm fees for your location and card mix.

Does TouchBistro work with handhelds and KDS?

Handheld ordering and kitchen display systems are commonly supported by TouchBistro. Hardware choices differ by deployment; check compatibility during the demo.

How do I schedule a TouchBistro demo or pricing consult?

You can request a demo using the buttons on this page. We’ll pass you to the official TouchBistro team so you receive up‑to‑date pricing and onboarding details.

TouchBistro POS — Deep Dive Review | Restaurant Profit Systems

Quick Summary

TL;DR

The 30-second version for busy operators

Verdict: Good fit for small full-service and bistro concepts that want approachable iPad workflows with reservations/waitlist baked in.

Shines at: Floor plans, coursing, KDS flows, and guest-centric order entry with iPad mobility.

Know Before You Sign

Payments terms vary by region/partner—request your effective rate and contract details in writing.

We may earn a referral if you use our partner links. We still call it straight for operators.

Platform Overview

What TouchBistro Does & Who It's For

Core Features

iPad-First POS

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

Best Fit

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.

Investment

Pricing & Payments Reality

What to ask before you sign

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

Get This In Writing

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.

Processing Fees

Card Processing Snapshot

Illustrative U.S. ranges only

Example Rates

Card-present: ~2.3%–3.5% + $0.10–$0.25 per transaction
Card-not-present: typically +0.25–0.75 percentage points vs card-present
Other fees: chargebacks, refunds, add-ons can apply — ask for a full fee table

Request a formal quote from TouchBistro or your provider for your actual pricing.

Hardware & Setup

Device Options & Ecosystem

iPad Terminals & KDS

Hardware

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

Reservations & Waitlist

Built-In

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-Based

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

Honest Take

Pros & Cons

✓ 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.

Getting Started

Integrations & Migration Checklist

Integrations & Ecosystem

Partners for inventory, analytics, loyalty, and online ordering as needed.
Confirm pricing and support per integration vendor.

Switching to TouchBistro: Checklist

Before You Sign

Import menu and floor plan; define coursing rules and printer/KDS routes.
Choose reservations/waitlist setup and confirmation flows.
Payments: complete onboarding and test funding timelines.
Training: FOH/Kitchen plus a soft-open script for week one.

Options

Alternatives & Recommendations

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.

Back to Comparisons

Common Questions

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?

Included

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?

Check Compatibility

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