Gusto
Best all-in-one restaurant payroll software
Overview
Gusto is a top pick for restaurant payroll, offering a fully integrated platform that handles payroll, compliance, benefits, and basic HR in one place. It’s easy to use, affordable, and built with small business needs in mind. Gusto supports tip reporting, FICA credits, and labor law compliance, helping restaurants stay on top of complex regulations. With transparent pricing, reliable customer support, and robust reporting tools, Gusto simplifies back-office tasks—so you can focus on running your restaurant.
Key Features
Payroll, tax filing, and compliance in all 50 states
Built-in tip tracking and FICA credit support
Unlimited pay runs and multi-rate support
Time tracking with GPS-enabled clock-ins
Centralized kiosk or mobile time clocks
Pay-as-you-go workers’ comp
Employee self-service portal
Benefits administration included at all tiers
Custom labor cost and workforce reporting
300+ third-party software integrations
Pros and Cons
Pros
All-in-one platform with full compliance
Transparent pricing and no hidden fees
Robust reporting tools
Seamless POS and time tracking integrations
Top-rated customer support
Cons
Time tracking lacks built-in scheduling
Advanced HR tools require Plus or Premium
Doesn’t file Form 8846 (FICA credit form)
Pricing
Simple: $49/month + $6/person/month
Plus: $80/month + $12/person/month
Premium plans are custom-priced.
Free trial: Yes — until first payroll
Free plan: No
Transform your payroll processes with Gusto, a platform that’s already the choice of over 500,000 businesses.
Homebase
Best restaurant payroll software for shift scheduling
Overview
Homebase combines payroll, time tracking, scheduling, and HR—built specifically for shift-based businesses like restaurants. Auto-scheduling, shift swapping, and mobile time tracking are included, and its HR suite supports hiring, onboarding, compliance, and employee engagement. While payroll is a paid add-on, Homebase excels at schedule and team management. For restaurants already using a different payroll provider, it integrates with Gusto, Paychex, ADP, and more.
Key Features
Automated shift scheduling based on availability and forecasts
Shift swapping, PTO tracking, and time clocks
Payroll add-on with automated tax filing
Hiring, onboarding, and compliance tools
Communication hub for team coordination
Mobile app for scheduling, clock-ins, and messages
HR support, document storage, and employee surveys
Integrates with top payroll and POS providers
Pros and Cons
Pros
Powerful scheduling and time tracking
HR tools tailored to hourly teams
Seamless integrations with payroll platforms
Competitive pricing for all-in-one plan
Cons
Payroll is a separate paid add-on
HR suite only available in top-tier plan
Some bugs with clock-in corrections
Pricing
Homebase offers a free Basic plan for up to 20 employees at one location.
Paid plans start at $20/month (Essentials) and go up to $80/month (All-in-One).
The payroll add-on costs $39/month + $6 per employee paid.
Free trial: Yes — 14 days
Free plan: Yes — Basic tier
ADP Run
Best restaurant payroll for larger restaurants
Overview
ADP Run is designed for small to mid-sized businesses that expect to scale. It offers robust payroll, tax filing, new-hire reporting, and time tracking—but most features require add-ons. While it’s more expensive than other options and lacks transparent pricing, ADP’s a la carte flexibility and enterprise integrations make it a solid choice for larger or multi-location restaurants planning for growth.
Key Features
Full-service payroll with automated tax filing
Multi-state and jurisdiction payroll support
Onboarding tools and employee reports
700+ integrations with POS and HR platforms
Time tracking and benefits available as add-ons
Custom pricing tiers based on team size
Mobile app for admin and employee access
Pros and Cons
Pros
Highly scalable platform
Extensive integrations and features
Trusted by large and mid-size employers
Upgrade path to ADP Workforce Now
Cons
Pricing is opaque and add-ons cost extra
Interface feels dated
Contractors require separate tool
Basic plans miss essential features
Pricing
ADP Run pricing is available by quote only. Forbes reports starting rates at $79/month + $4/employee, but actual costs vary by plan and add-ons.
Free trial: Yes — 3 months on select plans
Free plan: No
Square Payroll
Best for restaurants using Square POS
Overview
Square Payroll is an easy choice for restaurants already using Square POS. Hours, tips, and pay data flow directly into payroll—no manual entry needed. It supports tip pooling, split pay, time tracking, and scheduling. While HR tools are limited and customer service has mixed reviews, Square Payroll’s intuitive interface, flat pricing, and instant pay features make it ideal for small restaurants looking to streamline operations.
Key Features
Seamless sync with Square POS and time cards
Built-in tip splitting and reporting
Time tracking and shift scheduling via Square Shifts
Instant and off-cycle payroll runs
Automated tax filings
Employee self-service access
Pay via direct deposit, check, or Cash App
Flat-rate pricing model
Pros and Cons
Pros
Seamless integration with Square ecosystem
Easy-to-use interface
Flat-rate pricing with no surprises
Tip management built-in
Cons
Fewer HR features than competitors
Four-day direct deposit for most users
Limited customer support
No custom reporting
Pricing
Square Payroll costs $35/month + $6 per employee/month. Time tracking and scheduling tools (Square Shifts) are free for up to five users; additional users start at $4 per month.
Free trial: No
Free plan: No
OnPay
Best for restaurants with simple payroll needs
Overview
OnPay is a streamlined payroll solution with surprisingly deep functionality. It offers unlimited pay runs, automated tax filing, and excellent support—all at a single, flat rate. OnPay supports restaurants with features like tip reporting, FICA tax calculations, and pay types for hourly and salaried workers. While it lacks advanced HR tools, it’s an ideal fit for small restaurant teams that want no-frills payroll done right.
Key Features
Unlimited payroll runs and automated tax filing
Built-in tip reporting and FICA support
Onboarding tools with e-signatures
Health benefits and workers' comp administration
Custom pay types and earnings codes
Role-based access controls
Free migration and setup
Integrates with QuickBooks, Xero, and time tracking tools
Pros and Cons
Pros
All features included at one price
Excellent customer support
Supports restaurants and hourly teams
Transparent, affordable pricing
Cons
No scheduling or shift tools
Fewer integrations than competitors
Basic UI design
No 24/7 support
Pricing
OnPay costs $40/month + $6 per employee, with no setup or cancellation fees. All features are included at this flat rate.
Free trial: Yes — 30 days
Free plan: No
Paychex Flex
Best for restaurants needing customization
Overview
Paychex Flex is built for flexibility, offering modular payroll and HR services that scale with your restaurant. From basic payroll to full-service HR outsourcing, it supports complex needs like shift-based pay, multi-location reporting, and custom onboarding workflows. However, its pricing is opaque, and most features require add-ons. It’s a good match for restaurants that need a tailored solution and have the budget to match.
Key Features
Full-service payroll and automated tax filing
Built-in compliance alerts and new hire reporting
Time tracking, scheduling, and labor cost forecasting
Customizable onboarding and document management
Mobile app for employees and admins
200+ integrations with POS and accounting tools
Access to HR professionals (add-on)
Pros and Cons
Pros
Scalable platform with deep customization
Full HR suite available
Strong compliance support
Mobile-friendly for staff and managers
Cons
Pricing is quote-based and add-on heavy
Interface can be clunky
Support quality varies by plan
Not ideal for very small restaurants
Pricing
Paychex Flex pricing is quote-based and varies by business size and selected features.
Expect to pay around $39–$99/month + $5–$10 per employee depending on the plan.
Free trial: No
Free plan: No
SurePayroll
Best for restaurants with tight budgets
Overview
SurePayroll is a budget-friendly payroll platform offering basic features at a low price. It supports tip reporting, time tracking integrations, and FICA tax credit reporting—making it a decent fit for small restaurants. However, the user experience is dated, and the interface can be clunky. If you want simple payroll at a low cost and don’t need HR features, it gets the job done.
Key Features
Automated tax filings and year-end forms
Tip and FICA credit reporting
Pay hourly and salaried workers
New hire reporting
Mobile payroll app
401(k) and benefits options available
Integrates with QuickBooks and time tracking tools
Pros and Cons
Pros
Affordable for small teams
Includes key restaurant payroll features
FICA credit reporting supported
Live U.S.-based customer support
Cons
Dated interface
Limited HR and onboarding tools
Add-on fees can add up
No free trial
Pricing
SurePayroll starts at $19.99/month + $4 per employee/month for self-service, and $29.99/month + $5 per employee/month for full-service.
Free trial: No
Free plan: No
Compare All
| Pricing | Free Trial | Free Plan | Best Use Case | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Simple $49/mo + $6/user/mo; Plus $80/mo + $12/user/mo; Premium custom pricing | Restaurants wanting all-in-one payroll, HR, benefits, and tip compliance | ||
 | Free; paid plans $24.95+/location | Restaurants prioritizing shift scheduling and time tracking with optional payroll | ||
 | Custom pricing | (select plans) | Larger or multi-location restaurants planning to scale | |
 | $35/mo + $6/employee | Restaurants already using Square POS for tips and time tracking | ||
 | $49/mo + $6/employee | (1 month) | Small restaurants with simple payroll and tip needs | |
 | $39/mo + $5/employee; higher tiers are custom-priced. | Restaurants needing highly customizable payroll and HR | ||
 | $19.99–$29.99/mo + per employee | Not listed | Restaurants on tight budgets needing basic payroll and tip reporting |
| Pricing | Free Trial | |
|---|---|---|
| Simple $49/mo + $6/user/mo; Plus $80/mo + $12/user/mo; Premium custom pricing | |
| Free; paid plans $24.95+/location | |
| Custom pricing | (select plans) |
| $35/mo + $6/employee | |
| $49/mo + $6/employee | (1 month) |
| $39/mo + $5/employee; higher tiers are custom-priced. | |
| $19.99–$29.99/mo + per employee | Not listed |
FAQ
How to do payroll for a restaurant?
To do restaurant payroll, you need to calculate wages, tips, tax withholdings, and employer taxes accurately and on time. Good payroll software automates this process and handles special considerations like tip reporting, minimum wage compliance, and FICA tax credits—saving time and reducing risk.
What percentage of sales is a restaurant payroll?
Restaurant payroll typically ranges from 25% to 35% of gross sales, depending on the business model. Fast-casual and QSR restaurants often fall on the lower end, while full-service establishments may pay more due to tipped workers, kitchen staff, and management overhead.
How do restaurants pay their employees?
Restaurants typically pay employees via direct deposit, paper check, or payroll cards—often on a biweekly or weekly basis. Many also allow instant or same-day pay access for hourly staff. Tip reporting and split pay between credit card and cash tips are also common.
What is the FICA tip credit?
The FICA tip credit lets restaurants offset their share of Social Security and Medicare taxes on reported tips. Employers can claim this credit for tips exceeding the federal minimum wage, reducing overall tax liability for tipped staff. Accurate tip tracking is required to qualify.
Is there a minimum wage for tipped employees?
Yes. The federal tipped minimum wage is $2.13/hour, but employers must ensure total wages plus tips meet the $7.25/hour federal standard—or higher if your state requires it. If not, the employer must add the difference as a tip makeup.
