How to Choose the Right POS System for Your Restaurant

Choosing a point-of-sale system is one of the most important technology decisions a restaurant owner can make. The right POS system can streamline operations, increase revenue, and give you the data you need to make better business decisions. The wrong one can cost you time, money, and headaches for years.

What to Look for in a Restaurant POS System

1. Purpose-built for restaurants. Generic retail POS systems often fall short in restaurant environments. Look for a system built specifically for food service, with features like table management, course firing, split checks, and kitchen display integration. 2. Tableside ordering capability. Handheld POS devices allow servers to take orders and accept payments at the table — reducing errors, improving table turns, and increasing check averages. This is no longer a luxury feature; it's a competitive necessity. 3. Integrated online ordering. Your POS should include direct online ordering that syncs to your kitchen without a tablet army or manual re-entry. This eliminates third-party commission fees and gives you ownership of your customer data. 4. Loyalty and marketing tools. A built-in loyalty program and customer database gives you the ability to market directly to your guests — without paying a third party for access to your own customers. 5. Cloud-based back office. Real-time access to your sales data, labor costs, and menu performance from any device is essential for modern restaurant management. 6. Reliable payment processing. Your POS and payment processor should be integrated — not bolted together. Look for a system backed by an enterprise-grade payment processor with strong uptime and security credentials.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy

- What is the total cost of ownership (hardware + software + processing fees)?

- Is there a long-term contract? What are the cancellation terms?

- What does onboarding and installation look like?

- What support is available after installation?

- Does the system work offline if the internet goes down?

- What integrations are available (delivery platforms, accounting software, etc.)?

Why SkyTab Stands Out

SkyTab, built by Shift4 Payments, checks all of these boxes. It's a purpose-built restaurant POS with tableside ordering (SkyTab Air), integrated online ordering, a built-in loyalty program, and a cloud-based back office (Lighthouse) — all backed by Shift4's enterprise payment infrastructure.

Pricing starts at $29.99/month with a lifetime hardware warranty — making it one of the most competitive offerings in the market.

As an Authorized SkyTab Partner, UBC Unlimited provides onsite installation and local support across the Mountain West.