Key Takeaways
- Table plan and management
- Course sequencing and pacing
- Bill splitting multiple ways
- Service charge calculation
Quick Answer
Restaurant EPOS needs table management, course pacing for kitchen, split bill handling, and often handheld devices for tableside ordering. Service charge handling and tip distribution features are also valuable.
Table service restaurants have more complex needs than quick service venues. The right EPOS improves service flow, reduces kitchen chaos, and makes payments smooth for guests and staff alike.
Essential Restaurant EPOS Features
- ✓ Table plan and management
- ✓ Course sequencing and pacing
- ✓ Bill splitting multiple ways
- ✓ Service charge calculation
- ✓ Kitchen display with course timing
- ✓ Tab running and table transfer
Front-of-House Features
- Handheld ordering at tableside
- Visual table status overview
- Reservation integration
- Guest count and covers tracking
- Staff performance and tips reporting
- Special requests and allergen notes
Choose How You Buy Your EPOS System
UK businesses choose EPOS in different ways depending on budget and growth plans:
Need help choosing the right EPOS system?
Restaurant EPOS Feature Comparison
| Feature | Basic | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Table Management | Simple grid | Visual floor plan |
| Course Pacing | Manual | Automated timing |
| Bill Splitting | By item | Any combination |
| Kitchen Display | Print only | KDS with timing |
| Tableside Ordering | No | Handheld devices |
| Reporting | Basic sales | Full analytics |
Restaurant EPOS Mistakes
- ✗ Choosing retail or quick-service EPOS without table features
- ✗ Underestimating importance of course pacing for kitchen
- ✗ Not considering how tips and service charge are handled
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need handheld ordering devices?
Not essential but speeds up service and reduces errors. Especially valuable in larger restaurants or with complex menus.
How does EPOS handle service charge?
Good systems add service charge automatically and let you distribute it to staff appropriately with proper reporting.
Can EPOS integrate with booking systems?
Many integrate with ResDiary, OpenTable, and similar. This syncs reservations with your table plan automatically.
What about allergen information?
Good restaurant EPOS shows allergen information and lets you flag dishes with common allergens for customer safety.
Is restaurant EPOS more expensive than retail?
Often slightly more due to additional features. But the difference is usually modest, especially for quality systems.
Already have software? Buy EPOS hardware only
Buy EPOS Hardware – Best UK Prices →Touch terminals • Printers • Scanners • Cash drawers • Scales
Ready to Choose Your EPOS System?
Related Guides
EPOS for Busy Takeaways UK
Takeaway EPOS needs fast order entry, kitchen display or printing, and ideally online ordering integration. Look for sys...
Reduce Staff Errors with EPOS
EPOS reduces errors through barcode scanning, automatic pricing, required fields, and validation. Common mistakes like w...
How to Choose the Best EPOS System in the UK
The best EPOS system depends on your business type, size, and budget. Focus on reliability, essential features for your ...