Merchant resources
Restaurant POS buyer’s guide
Select restaurant POS around service style, kitchen coordination, ordering channels and closeout—not a generic promise of faster service.
Define the service model
Full-service dining needs tables, seats, courses and split checks. Quick service emphasizes combinations, modifiers and pickup. Bars focus on tabs and preauthorizations. A food truck adds power, space and mobile connectivity constraints.
Demonstrate the kitchen handoff
Route drinks to the bar and food to separate prep stations. Test modifiers, held courses, cancellations, reprints and sold-out items. Compare kitchen printers with KDS based on the team’s workflow and environment.
Ordering beyond the dining room
Ask how online menus, delivery orders, reservations and loyalty connect. Determine who maintains menu changes and what commissions, software fees and integration charges apply.
Example: a realistic dinner-service test
Enter a party with guest counts, allergies noted through the approved workflow, a shared appetizer and separate entrées. Move a seat, split the check, adjust a tip and close the batch. Review the kitchen tickets and reports afterward.
Compare candidates and plan the transition
Clover restaurant configurations, Shift4 SkyTab and relevant Global Payments options are candidates in the current catalog. Evaluate the exact edition and hardware. Plan menus, employee roles, gift cards, training and go-live assistance with Liftoff.
Common merchant questions
Do I need a KDS?
Not every kitchen does. Compare routing, timing, visibility, environment and staff preference against supported printer workflows.
Are handhelds included?
Hardware and software availability depend on the selected program. Ask for a complete quote and wireless coverage assessment.