Managing catering operations in a hotel can be a real challenge. You’ve got to juggle menu planning, inventory, and customer orders, all while ensuring top-notch service. That's where catering software comes in—it helps you keep everything organized and efficient.
In my experience, finding the right software can make a big difference. It can simplify your workload and improve your team's productivity. I've put together a well-researched list of the best catering software available, so you can find the right fit for your needs.
In this article, you'll get an unbiased review of my top picks. I'll cover their features, pros and cons, and what makes each one unique, so you can make an informed decision.
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Best Catering Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top catering software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for inventory automation | Expert consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 2 | Best for event booking management | Free demo available | From $99/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 3 | Best for menu costing | Free demo available | From $99/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best for delivery management | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 5 | Best for large-scale events | Free demo upon request. | Customized pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for online ordering systems | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 7 | Best for food service operations | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 8 | Best for proposal customization | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 9 | Best for meal planning features | Free demo available | From $150/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best for customer relationship management | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
Best Catering Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best catering software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews look at each tool’s key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases to help you find the best one for you.
Best for inventory automation- Expert consultation available
- Pricing upon request
Visit WebsiteCustomer Rating:4.5/5
Apicbase Restaurant Management streamlines menus, procurement, and automates inventory. Apicbase Restaurant Management centralizes everything from recipes and menus to procurement and inventory. It streamlines workflows and automatically cross-checks stock with required ingredients, helping with inventory through POS integrations.
Why I picked Apicbase Restaurant Management: It automates inventory workflows, making it a standout for inventory automation. You can track real-time inventory levels and automate procurement processes. The centralized recipe database ensures accurate costing and compliance with food safety regulations. This helps your team maintain consistency across locations.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include menu engineering, HACCP compliance, and production planning. You can also use its analytics tools to enhance decision-making. The internal ordering system simplifies stock management across multiple sites.
Integrations include Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, SAP, Square, Xero, QuickBooks, Lightspeed, Sapaad, MarketMan, and Planday.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Real-time inventory tracking
- Centralized recipe database
- Automates inventory workflows
Cons:
- Buffet scaling issues
- Seasonal menu limits
- Limited production module
Learn more about Apicbase:
Best for event booking management- Free demo available
- From $99/month (billed annually)
Visit WebsiteCustomer Rating:4.1/5
Caterease streamlines event booking with wizards, calendars, and scheduling tools. Caterease excels at managing complex bookings through customizable booking wizards and an intuitive calendar interface. Its tools for staff scheduling, custom event documents, and packing list generation streamline every step, making it a top choice for seamless event booking management.
Why I picked Caterease: Its exceptional event booking management capabilities make it ideal for businesses that handle numerous events. You can manage bookings and schedules efficiently with its intuitive calendar feature. The software offers detailed client management tools to maintain customer relationships. This ensures your team can handle multiple events seamlessly and keep clients satisfied.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable reporting, menu planning, and task management. You can use its automated billing system to simplify invoicing. The software also provides tools for managing detailed event logistics.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Salesforce, Google Calendar, Outlook, Constant Contact, Mailchimp, Xero, PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.Net.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Scalable recipe costings
- Drag-and-drop menus
- Detailed booking wizards
Cons:
- Tax/fee calculator errors
- Reporting search limitations
- Glitchy inventory tools
Learn more about Caterease:
Total Party Planner simplifies catering with accurate menu costing tools. Total Party Planner is a web-based catering software built by caterers to simplify operations and boost profitability. With instant costing, recipe tracking, bulk updates, and profit analysis, it ensures accurate menu pricing.
Why I picked Total Party Planner: Its strong menu costing capabilities help businesses accurately calculate food costs and maximize profits. You can create detailed menus with precise cost breakdowns. The software allows you to track expenses and adjust pricing based on real-time data. This ensures your team can manage costs effectively and maintain profitability.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include event scheduling, task management, and automated invoicing. You can generate detailed reports to analyze business performance. The software also offers tools for managing client communications and feedback.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Google Calendar, Mailchimp, Constant Contact, PayPal, Stripe, Square, Authorize.Net, Facebook, and Twitter.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Event reminders and alerts
- Built-in food costing tools
- All-in-one operations hub
Cons:
- Limited contract customization
- No API for integrations
- Limited inventory module
Learn more about Total Party Planner:
Best for delivery management- Free demo available
- Pricing upon request
Visit WebsiteCustomer Rating:4.4/5
Spoonfed streamlines catering with online orders, delivery, and automated billing. Spoonfed offers dynamic online ordering, customizable menus, and a delivery module that assigns drivers and prints route-ready sheets. It simplifies fulfillment from quote to kitchen delivery and automates billing to ensure accuracy and client satisfaction.
Why I picked Spoonfed: Its delivery management capabilities make it ideal for catering businesses with a strong delivery component. You can track delivery routes and schedules in real-time. The software allows you to customize delivery options to meet customer needs. This flexibility ensures your team can handle complex delivery logistics efficiently.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable order templates, automated invoicing, and real-time delivery tracking. You can manage customer feedback directly through the platform. The software also offers reporting tools to help analyze delivery performance.
Integrations include Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, Stripe, PayPal, Google Maps, Mailchimp, Square, HubSpot, and Salesforce.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Multi-site order sync
- Client-side self-ordering
- Real-time feedback capture
Cons:
- No live invoice preview
- Card-paid invoice glitch
- No API for integrations
Learn more about Spoonfed:
Best for large-scale events- Free demo upon request.
- Customized pricing upon request
Visit WebsiteCustomer Rating:4.1/5
EventPro scales catering for complex, multi-venue, high-volume events. EventPro is a modular event and catering management system that scales efficiently to support complex, multi-venue, and high-volume events. It centralizes catering items and menu setup and supports flexible configurations to ensure smooth execution across large events.
Why I picked EventPro: Its capacity to manage large-scale events makes it a preferred choice for event-heavy operations. You can schedule and coordinate resources efficiently across multiple events. The software provides detailed event planning tools to keep everything organized. This allows your team to handle complex event logistics with ease.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include comprehensive reporting tools, resource scheduling, and attendee management. You can also track event budgets and expenses in real-time. The software offers a venue management feature to streamline venue bookings.
Integrations include Microsoft Outlook, QuickBooks, Salesforce, Google Calendar, Mailchimp, Eventbrite, Constant Contact, Zoom, Xero, and Slack.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Centralized item database
- Multilevel menu flexibility
- Menu version control
Cons:
- Lack of kitchen alerts
- Complex customization steps
- Menu pricing rigidity
Learn more about EventPro:
Best for online ordering systems- Free demo available
- Pricing upon request
Visit WebsiteCustomer Rating:4.2/5
Flex Catering simplifies online ordering with branded carts and integrations. Flex Catering has a powerful online ordering system across mobile and desktop. It offers branded carts, group orders, and integrations, making online ordering simple and powerful.
Why I picked Flex Catering: Its online ordering system is particularly effective for businesses looking to expand their digital presence. You can set up a customized online storefront that showcases your menu offerings. The software provides tools for managing customer orders and processing payments. This makes it easier for your team to handle high volumes of online orders efficiently.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include detailed menu management, automated invoicing, and customer relationship management. You can use its reporting tools to gain insights into sales performance. The software also offers built-in marketing tools to help you reach more customers.
Integrations include Xero, QuickBooks, Stripe, PayPal, Square, Google Analytics, Mailchimp, WooCommerce, HubSpot, and Salesforce.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Branded B2B portals
- Multi-location order routing
- Scale-friendly automation
Cons:
- Limited editing options
- Setup disrupts workflows
- Duplicate products possible
Learn more about Flex Catering:
CaterTrax streamlines catering workflows with reporting and multi-site control. CaterTrax’s all-in-one catering management platform, known as the TRAX Platform, centralizes critical workflow and promotion tools to drive upsells. It increases accuracy and elevates customer satisfaction with dynamic reporting and order reporting across multi-location sites.
Why I picked CaterTrax: It's tailored to handle diverse food service operations, making it ideal for complex setups. You can manage online ordering and track orders in real-time. The software provides tools for managing menus and customizing client communications. This ensures your team can efficiently handle large volumes of orders and maintain high service standards.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable menu management, real-time order tracking, and automated invoicing. You can generate detailed sales reports to analyze business performance. The software also offers tools for managing client communications and feedback.
Integrations include QuickBooks, PayPal, Square, Stripe, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, SAP, Salesforce, Google Calendar, and Mailchimp.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Order status calendar
- Multi-site menu sync
- Floor-stock tracking
Cons:
- Locked archived orders
- No API access
- Limited admin autonomy
Learn more about CaterTrax:
Curate streamlines catering with customizable, visual client-ready proposals. Curate simplifies inquiry to booking by allowing businesses to create stunning, on-brand proposals with rich visuals and detailed menus with an easy drag-and-drop builder. It consolidates client communication and event logistics into a streamlined workflow for client-ready proposals.
Why I picked Curate: Its proposal customization capabilities are a key differentiator, allowing you to create detailed, branded proposals. The software offers drag-and-drop functionality for easy proposal building. You can customize every aspect of your proposal to match your brand and client needs. This flexibility helps your team deliver personalized experiences to clients.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include inventory management, digital contract signing, and payment processing. The software also offers task management to keep your team organized. You can generate detailed reports to analyze business performance.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Google Calendar, Xero, Stripe, Square, Slack, Gusto, HubSpot, Microsoft Outlook, and Mailchimp.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Real-time price accuracy
- Multi-event shopping lists
- Multi-venue proposal support
Cons:
- Browser-linked functionality only
- Limited reporting customization
- Manual batch edits
Learn more about Curate:
Sprwt streamlines meal planning with recipes, menus, and nutrition tracking. Sprwt simplifies meal planning by integrating a recipe builder, dynamic menu system, and automated ingredient shopping lists with trim reductions. It combines meal orders, nutritional tracking, and promotions into one platform, making it a powerful tool for data-driven planning.
Why I picked Sprwt: Its meal planning features are particularly beneficial for businesses that offer personalized meal options. You can create custom meal plans tailored to individual customer preferences. The software tracks nutritional information and automates recurring orders. This helps your team efficiently manage meal prep and delivery schedules.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customer relationship management, automated billing, and delivery route optimization. You can manage customer subscriptions and preferences directly from the platform. The software also offers reporting tools to help you analyze business performance.
Integrations include Shopify, Stripe, Square, WooCommerce, Google Maps, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Zapier, HubSpot, and Twilio.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Smart waste reduction
- Automated ingredient prep lists
- Real-time inventory tracking
Cons:
- Limited integration options
- No API available
- Confusing customer portal
Learn more about Sprwt:
CaterZen streamlines CRM with client tracking, communication, and integrations. CaterZen consolidates prospects, client activity, quotes, orders, and marketing communications in one intuitive interface. It offers built-in tools like VoIP calling and Gmail/Google Calendar integration to help caterers nurture relationships, streamline communication, and boost repeat business.
Why I picked CaterZen: Its strong customer relationship management capabilities make it ideal for businesses looking to build and maintain client relationships. You can manage customer data and track interactions seamlessly. The software offers tools for creating personalized marketing campaigns, which help you engage with clients effectively. This ensures your team can nurture relationships and drive repeat business.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include event management tools, automated email marketing, and detailed sales reporting. You can also use its invoicing system to streamline billing. The software provides a task management feature to keep your team organized.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Google Calendar, Mailchimp, Constant Contact, PayPal, Stripe, Square, Authorize.Net, Facebook, and Twitter.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Email marketing tools
- Permission-based menus
- Quick CRM onboarding
Cons:
- Limited menu customization
- Confusing recipe setup
- No recipe builder
Learn more about CaterZen:
Other Catering Software
Here are some additional catering software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- 11FoodNotifyBest for multi-location management
- 12ReleventfulBest for event integrations
- 13TripleseatBest for event-driven catering
- 14Planning PodBest for team collaboration
- 15RestroworksBest for integrated POS systems
- 16Perfect VenueBest for venue management
- 17OloBest for online food ordering
- 18FoodStormBest for automated order processing
Related Reviews
How I Evaluate Catering Software
I split my evaluation into baseline criteria—like BEO generation and PMS integration—and differentiators that separate a good fit from the right fit for your property.
Core Functionality (Table Stakes For This List)
When I'm selecting tools for my list, I rank each one on a scale from 0 (does not offer the functionality) to 5 (excels in this area) for each core functionality listed below. Then, I calculate the tool's total score into a percentage. Each tool needs to achieve a minimum total score of 65% to be considered for inclusion.
- Banquet Event Order Generation: I check whether BEOs are fully editable and distributable to kitchen, banquet, and AV teams—not just static PDFs that require manual rework after every client change.
- Function Space Management: The tool should offer visual booking calendars with conflict detection so your team can spot double-booked ballrooms or overlapping setups before they become day-of problems.
- Menu & Catering Configuration: I evaluate how each platform handles menu building, package bundling, and dietary or allergen tagging—especially for properties juggling wedding packages and corporate lunch sets simultaneously.
- Group Sales & Proposal Workflows: From initial proposal to signed contract, I look for tools that support e-signatures, deposit tracking, and pipeline visibility so catering coordinators can manage dozens of active leads at once.
- PMS & Hotel System Integrations: Connectivity with property management systems like Opera or Mews matters here, along with sync to POS and CRM tools your sales team already relies on.
- Event Billing & Invoicing: I look at whether the platform ties charges back to specific events—master accounts, split billing, and detailed F&B revenue breakdowns should be easy to pull for post-event reconciliation.
Once I have a list of tools that meet the criteria, I consider what sets each platform apart.
Differentiating Factors (What Sets Vendors Apart)
Here's how I compare and contrast different vendors:
Standout Features
Mobile BEO access is a big differentiator—banquet captains and chefs need real-time updates when a client swaps a plated dinner to buffet service an hour before doors open. I also evaluate whether a platform offers a client-facing collaboration portal where planners can approve BEOs, submit dietary requests, and sign contracts without endless email chains. Revenue forecasting tools round out my assessment, especially for convention hotels tracking banquet pace against monthly targets.
Beyond Features
I consider whether a platform fits your property type—a 50-room boutique hotel has very different needs than a convention property with 40 function rooms across multiple buildings. Implementation support matters just as much; I look for vendors that offer hospitality-specific onboarding, including BEO template migration and role-based training for banquet, kitchen, and sales staff. Pricing structure also weighs heavily, since per-property licensing can be far more cost-effective for larger portfolios than per-user models that balloon as your catering team grows.
How to Choose Catering Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| FactorScalability | What to ConsiderWill the software grow with your business? Consider future expansion plans and whether the tool can handle increased order volumes or additional locations without performance issues. |
| FactorIntegrations | What to ConsiderDoes the software integrate with your existing systems? Check for compatibility with your POS, accounting, and CRM systems to avoid data silos and ensure smooth operations. |
| FactorCustomizability | What to ConsiderCan you tailor the software to fit your specific workflows? Look for tools that allow you to customize menus, reports, and user interfaces to match your business needs. |
| FactorEase of use | What to ConsiderIs the software intuitive for your team? Evaluate the user interface and navigation to ensure staff can learn it quickly without extensive training. |
| FactorImplementation and onboarding | What to ConsiderHow long will it take to get up and running? Consider the setup process, available training resources, and support during the transition to avoid disruptions in service. |
| FactorCost | What to ConsiderDoes the software fit your budget? Compare pricing plans, including hidden fees or additional costs for extra features, and ensure the value aligns with your financial constraints. |
| FactorSecurity safeguards | What to ConsiderAre your data and customer information protected? Ensure the software has robust security measures like encryption and regular updates to prevent breaches and data loss. |
| FactorSupport availability | What to ConsiderWhat support options are available when you need help? Check for 24/7 support, response times, and available contact methods to ensure you can get assistance when needed. |
What Is Catering Software?
Catering software is a tool that helps manage various aspects of catering operations, like bookings, orders, and logistics. Event planners, caterers, and food service managers use these tools to improve efficiency and service quality.
Its features include online ordering, inventory tracking, and client management features that support better organization and customer satisfaction. Overall, these tools enhance operational efficiency and business growth.
Features of Catering Software
When selecting catering software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Online ordering: Allows customers to place orders directly through a website, increasing convenience and reducing manual entry errors.
- Inventory tracking: Monitors stock levels in real-time to prevent shortages and overstocking, ensuring efficient resource management.
- Event booking management: Facilitates scheduling and managing events, helping to keep track of bookings and avoid conflicts.
- Menu costing: Calculates the cost of menu items to ensure profitability and assist in pricing strategies.
- Client management: Stores and organizes client information and communication history, aiding in maintaining strong customer relationships.
- Automated invoicing: Generates invoices automatically, saving time and reducing the risk of billing errors.
- Delivery management: Optimizes delivery routes and schedules, ensuring timely and efficient deliveries.
- Customizable reporting: Provides insights into business performance through tailored reports, helping in decision-making.
- Task management: Organizes and assigns tasks to team members, ensuring all responsibilities are clear and deadlines are met.
- Security safeguards: Protects sensitive data through encryption and regular updates, ensuring customer information remains secure.
Benefits of Catering Software
Implementing catering software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Increased efficiency: Automates tasks like invoicing and order processing, freeing up time for your team to focus on service quality.
- Better organization: Keeps track of events, bookings, and inventory in one place, reducing the risk of errors and improving coordination.
- Improved customer relationships: Manages client data and communication effectively, helping to build and maintain strong customer connections.
- Cost control: Offers tools for menu costing and expense tracking, ensuring you can manage budgets and maximize profitability.
- Enhanced decision-making: Provides customizable reports that deliver insights into business performance, aiding strategic planning.
- Scalability: Supports growing businesses by handling increased order volumes and expanding operations without losing functionality.
Costs and Pricing of Catering Software
Selecting catering software requires understanding the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in catering software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Catering Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Plan TypeFree Plan | Average Price$0 | Common FeaturesBasic order management, limited customer support, and standard reporting. |
| Plan TypePersonal Plan | Average Price$15-$30/user/month | Common FeaturesEnhanced menu management, basic inventory tracking, and email support. |
| Plan TypeBusiness Plan | Average Price$50-$100/user/month | Common FeaturesAdvanced inventory tracking, automated invoicing, and client management features. |
| Plan TypeEnterprise Plan | Average Price$150-$300/user/month | Common FeaturesCustomizable reporting, full integration capabilities, dedicated account support, and advanced security features. |
Catering Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about catering software:
How does catering software improve order accuracy?
Catering software centralizes event data and automates order processing, reducing manual entry errors. By integrating with existing systems, it ensures consistent information across platforms. This helps your team maintain accuracy in orders, leading to better customer satisfaction and fewer mistakes.
Can catering software handle multiple locations?
Yes, many catering software solutions support multi-location operations. They offer centralized management tools, allowing you to oversee different sites from one platform. This feature is beneficial for businesses looking to expand or manage several locations efficiently.
What are the cost considerations for catering software?
When evaluating catering software, consider the pricing structure, including any tiered plans or additional fees for extra features. Assess whether the cost aligns with your budget and the value provided by the software. Look for transparent pricing to avoid unexpected expenses.
How does catering software support event management?
Catering software offers tools for scheduling, booking, and managing events. It helps you organize event details, assign tasks, track progress, and enhance customer experience. This streamlines event management, ensuring everything runs smoothly and your team stays on top of all responsibilities.
How does catering management software help?
Catering management software integrates with event management software to manage catering orders, catering services, and catering events. A catering solution or management solution centralizes bookings and streamlines operations.
How do caterers streamline operations?
Catering companies streamline operations with staffing, proposal templates, and organized catering orders. Replacing phone calls and spreadsheets, a user-friendly catering solution keeps services and events efficient.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching catering software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.