Are your draft beer margins shrinking from poor inventory control? SpotOn may not deliver the specialized tools your Pub or Gastropub needs. You deserve a POS built for your unique challenges. This guide explores the best alternatives. Find a system that helps you grow.
Top Alternatives to SpotOn
🏆 1. Lavu
Lavu is designed for high-volume bars and restaurants. It offers deep inventory, labor, and reporting features specific to pub needs.
Best for: Pubs and Gastropubs needing advanced inventory, detailed reporting for revenue optimization, and precise labor cost control.
Pricing: Custom quotes, subscription-based.
2. Toast
Toast offers a popular all-in-one platform with strong hardware and an extensive feature set. It provides good online ordering and loyalty programs.
Best for: Gastropubs valuing integrated online ordering, strong customer loyalty programs, and an all-in-one ecosystem.
Pricing: Hardware and software fees, often with subscription tiers.
3. Lightspeed Restaurant
Lightspeed offers strong inventory management. It is especially useful for complex beverage programs. It supports multi-location businesses.
Best for: Pubs with extensive draft lists or liquor inventory, multi-location gastropubs, and those needing detailed stock tracking.
Pricing: Monthly subscription fees based on features and number of terminals.
4. Square for Restaurants
Square offers a user-friendly interface and good basic inventory. It is simple to set up for smaller operations.
Best for: Smaller pubs or gastropubs needing an easy-to-use system with straightforward pricing and basic features.
Pricing: Free basic plan, paid plans with advanced features, plus transaction fees.
5. TouchBistro
TouchBistro is an iPad-based system offering strong table management and menu customization. It is good for busy floor operations.
Best for: Gastropubs prioritizing efficient table service, custom menu management, and a user-friendly iPad interface.
Pricing: Monthly subscription fees, varying by plan and add-ons.
6. Clover
Clover is a versatile platform with an app marketplace. This allows customization. It offers good payment processing options.
Best for: Pubs that want flexibility and a wide range of third-party integrations, or those already using Clover for payment processing.
Pricing: Monthly subscription fees based on device type and plan, plus transaction fees.
Why Lavu Is the Best Choice
Controlling late-night labor costs after 10pm challenges many gastropub operators. Lavu helps you manage staffing efficiently. Its detailed sales reporting makes identifying slow periods simple. You can adjust schedules and prevent wasted payroll. Lavu helps you ensure every dollar counts.
Balancing your food and beverage revenue mix requires precise data. Marty, Lavu’s AI analytics layer, gives you intelligent insights. It identifies top-performing items and areas for improvement. This helps you craft menus and promotions that boost profits. You optimize your revenue mix with confidence.
Draft beer waste and keg inventory management are constant headaches. Lavu offers strong inventory features. Track kegs from delivery to pour. Reduce shrinkage and improve profit margins on every pint. Lavu provides tools to keep your profits flowing, not wasted. https://lavu.com/demo
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a new POS help me reduce draft beer waste?
Yes. A quality POS with strong inventory features tracks every pour. This reduces shrinkage and improves keg management.
Will switching from SpotOn be difficult for my staff?
No. Most modern POS systems offer intuitive interfaces. Training often takes less time than expected.
Does a new POS help manage late-night labor costs?
Yes. Advanced reporting shows peak and slow periods. This helps you optimize staffing schedules.
Can I keep my existing payment processor with a new POS?
No, not always. Many POS systems have integrated payment processing. Some offer flexibility or specific partnerships.
How does a new system improve my food and beverage revenue mix?
It offers detailed sales analytics. This helps you identify profitable items and adjust menu offerings.
Is it possible to migrate my customer data from SpotOn?
Yes, often. Many new POS providers assist with data migration. Check with your chosen provider.
Do these alternatives support online ordering for my gastropub?
Yes. Most leading POS platforms include or integrate with online ordering. This expands your reach and revenue.
Ready to see Lavu in action?
Book a free demo and see how Lavu helps operators like you.
