Gusto
Best all-in-one restaurant HR & payroll software
Overview
Gusto offers restaurant owners a simple, all-in-one platform for payroll, HR, compliance, and benefits. Unlike platforms that charge extra for core features, Gusto includes automated payroll, tax filing, onboarding, and employee self-service in a streamlined interface that’s easy to use, even for first-time restaurant managers. Time tracking, PTO, and tip compliance are fully integrated, making it ideal for restaurants that want to reduce admin work, simplify hiring, and stay compliant—without juggling separate systems or hidden costs.
Key Features
Automated payroll with tip credit and FICA compliance
PTO, time-off tracking, and centralized time clock kiosk
GPS-enabled mobile clock-ins and shift restrictions
Self-onboarding with lifetime employee access to pay info
Built-in benefits admin, including low/no-cost options
Pay-as-you-go workers’ comp
Multi-state payroll and multiple pay rates
Direct deposit, check, or prepaid card payments
Integrates with 300+ tools, including 7Shifts and Upserve
Workforce reporting with AI-powered labor insights
Pros and Cons
Pros
All-in-one payroll and HR platform
Compliance and tax filings included
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Supports tip pooling and wage compliance
Highly rated customer support
Cons
No built-in shift scheduling
Some advanced HR tools only in Plus or Premium
Mobile admin tools are limited
Doesn’t file Form 8846 automatically
Pricing
Gusto starts at $49/mo + $6/person/mo (Simple plan).
Plus plans ($80/mo + $12/person/mo) add time tracking, advanced PTO, and team management tools.
Premium pricing is $180/mo + $22/person/mo
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 HR software for shift scheduling & swapping
Overview
Homebase is built for shift-based teams, making it one of the best restaurant HR platforms for scheduling, time tracking, and team coordination. It includes auto-scheduling by availability or labor forecasts, shift swapping, and real-time communication—all essential for fast-paced restaurants. While payroll and advanced HR tools are add-ons, even the free plan covers a lot. If you need a system that keeps your hourly team organized and compliant, Homebase is a cost-effective, user-friendly choice.
Key Features
Auto-scheduling based on availability or sales forecasts
Built-in time clocks with geofencing
Team messaging, shift notes, and alerts
Hiring and onboarding with automated job postings
PTO tracking and certification expiration alerts
Mobile app for self-service and communication
Compliance support for breaks, meal times, and wages
Payroll add-on with automated tax filing
Integrates with POS and payroll tools like Gusto and ADP
Pros and Cons
Pros
Free plan for up to 20 employees at one location
Strong shift scheduling and communication tools
Easy to integrate with existing payroll
Affordable and flexible pricing
Cons
Payroll is an add-on with extra cost
HR tools only included in higher tiers
Editing clock-ins can be clunky
Occasional software bugs reported
Pricing
Free plan includes basic scheduling and time tracking.
Paid plans start at $20/location/month.
The All-in-One HR plan is $80/month.
Payroll is $39/month + $6/employee.
Free trial: 14 days.
Free plan: Yes.
ADP Run
Best for quickly scaling restaurant chains
Overview
ADP Run is a robust payroll and HR platform designed for small businesses that expect to grow quickly. It supports everything from onboarding to compliance and workforce costing, and its modular structure means you can add more advanced features as your restaurant expands. While many HR tools are only available in higher-tier plans or as add-ons, ADP Run’s scale and compliance depth make it ideal for restaurant groups preparing to move from small business to enterprise.
Key Features
Full-service payroll with tax filing in all 50 states
Onboarding, background checks, and self-service tools
Optional time tracking and shift management
Compliance alerts and labor law resources
Learning and development via LMS add-ons
Garnishment and unemployment claims handling
700+ software integrations
Workforce analytics and reporting
Pay contractors and W-2 employees (with add-ons)
Pros and Cons
Pros
Built to scale with your restaurant
Deep compliance and HR tools available
Extensive integration ecosystem
LMS and recruiting tools in higher tiers
Cons
Time tracking and benefits are add-ons
Pricing lacks transparency
Basic plan is payroll only
Customer support can be slow
Pricing
ADP Run offers multiple tiers, but pricing is not public.
Third-party reports suggest plans start at $79/month + $4/employee.
Add-ons like time tracking, benefits, and recruiting cost extra.
Free trial: Yes (up to 3 months).
Free plan: No.
Square Payroll
Best for restaurants using Square POS
Overview
Square Payroll is the best fit for restaurants already using Square POS. It syncs directly with your sales and employee hours, making payroll fast and error-free. Tips are automatically pulled from the POS system and can be pooled or split with ease. While it’s not a full HR suite, it covers essentials like onboarding, time tracking, and scheduling. It’s affordable, straightforward, and perfect for restaurants that want tight integration without switching systems.
Key Features
Integrated POS and payroll with tip pooling
Automated tax filing and direct deposit
Time tracking, scheduling, and shift swapping
Onboarding with document storage and employee self-service
Instant payment via Cash App
HR support via Mineral (optional add-on)
Reports for labor costs and payroll history
4-day or instant direct deposit
Pros and Cons
Pros
Seamless sync with Square POS
Flat, transparent pricing
Tip management built in
Easy-to-use mobile experience
Cons
Limited HR and reporting tools
HR support is outsourced
Time tracking costs extra after 5 users
No free trial
Pricing
Payroll: $35/month + $6/employee.
HR (via Mineral): $35/month + $3/employee.
Time tracking and scheduling tools free for 5 users; $4+/employee after that.
Free trial: No.
Free plan: No.
TriNet HR
Best value HR for restaurants
Overview
TriNet HR offers affordable, flexible HR plans with a solid core feature set for small restaurants. Even the base plan includes onboarding, time tracking, document storage, and scheduling. While payroll, benefits, and recruiting are paid add-ons, TriNet HR stands out for its low per-employee price and compliance tools tailored to industries like food service. It’s a practical choice for restaurants that want essential HR features without enterprise-level costs.
Key Features
Onboarding, background checks, and e-signature tools
Time tracking, PTO, and shift scheduling
Company directory, org charts, and secure docs
Payroll add-on with tax filing and tip reporting
Employee engagement and communication tools
HR analytics in Growth and Zen plans
Compliance alerts for industry-specific needs
Mobile app and employee self-service
Pros and Cons
Pros
Low-cost entry point for small teams
Modular add-ons for payroll and benefits
Solid compliance features for restaurants
Transparent annual pricing
Cons
5-employee minimum
Payroll not included in base plan
Limited integrations
Customer service can be slow
Pricing
Essentials: $8/employee/month (annual).
Growth: $16.
Zen: $27.
Monthly pricing is higher.
Payroll is $6/employee/month (or included in Zen for select industries).
Free trial: No.
Free plan: No.
OnPay
Best basic restaurant HR software with payroll
Overview
OnPay is a top pick for restaurants that want affordable, all-in-one payroll with built-in HR features. For a flat fee, you get full-service payroll, tax filing, onboarding, compliance alerts, and benefits support. It also includes tip compliance, overtime calculations, and Form 8846 filings—key needs for restaurants. It doesn’t scale as well as other tools, but for smaller operations that want clear pricing and fewer headaches, OnPay gets the job done.
Key Features
Full-service payroll in all 50 states
Tip credit and FICA compliance
Form 8846 support for tax credits
Multi-rate pay and scheduling
Onboarding checklists and compliance alerts
Employee self-service with lifetime access
Document storage and PTO tracking
Pay by direct deposit, check, or card
Org charts and native communication tools
Pros and Cons
Pros
Flat, all-inclusive pricing
Supports key restaurant tax forms
Easy to use and set up
No extra charge for benefits admin
Cons
No time tracking or scheduling
Few software integrations
No chat or email support
No growth-focused features
Pricing
Flat rate: $40/month + $6/employee.
All features included. 1099/W-2 mailing costs extra.
Free trial: Yes (3 months).
Free plan: No.
BambooHR
Best restaurant HR software for hiring & onboarding
Overview
BambooHR is ideal for restaurants focused on hiring, onboarding, and employee engagement. It offers customizable checklists, training tracking, and automated pre-boarding workflows—all in a user-friendly interface. While payroll and benefits are available as add-ons, the core HR features are powerful enough to streamline hiring and improve team retention. For restaurant managers who want to upgrade their onboarding experience, BambooHR offers the right tools to welcome and retain staff with ease.
Key Features
Applicant tracking system (ATS) in base plan
Custom onboarding workflows and e-signatures
Training tracking and certification management
Employee self-service and mobile app
Surveys and performance tracking tools
Custom reports and workforce visualizations
Document storage and org charts
Add-ons for payroll, time, and benefits
Pros and Cons
Pros
Best-in-class onboarding tools
Intuitive experience for managers and staff
Great survey and retention features
ATS included without upgrade
Cons
No built-in background checks
Transparent pricing not available
Add-ons raise overall cost
Limited mobile admin tools
Pricing
Pricing is custom. Historically, plans start around $108/month (for 20 employees).
Payroll, time tracking, and benefits add-ons are billed per employee.
Free trial: Yes (7 days).
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 needing an all-in-one HR + payroll + benefits platform with tip compliance | ||
 | Free; paid plans $24.95+/location | Shift-based restaurants focused on scheduling, swapping, and team communication | ||
 | Custom pricing | (select plans) | Quickly scaling restaurant groups needing deep compliance and scalability | |
 | $35/mo + $6/employee | Restaurants already using Square POS for tight payroll + tip integration | ||
 | $8–$27/employee/mo | Not listed | Budget-conscious restaurants needing core HR with optional payroll | |
 | $49/mo + $6/employee | (1 month) | Small restaurants wanting simple payroll with tip credit and FICA support | |
 | Custom pricing | (7 days) | Restaurants prioritizing hiring, onboarding, and em |
| 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 | |
| $8–$27/employee/mo | Not listed |
| $49/mo + $6/employee | (1 month) |
| Custom pricing | (7 days) |
FAQ
What is the best HR software for restaurants?
Gusto is one of the best all-in-one HR software options for restaurants. It combines payroll, time tracking, compliance, and onboarding in a single platform. Homebase and Square Payroll are also great for shift-based restaurants needing scheduling and tip management.
How is restaurant HR software different from general payroll tools?
Restaurant HR software includes tools for shift scheduling, tip compliance, and high-turnover hiring needs. Payroll tools may not support things like FICA tip credits or meal-break compliance unless they’re restaurant-specific. Look for platforms that handle both staff management and payroll complexities.
What is the FICA tip credit, and how do I claim it?
The FICA tip credit allows restaurants to offset Social Security and Medicare taxes on employee tips that exceed the federal minimum wage. To claim it, you’ll need accurate tip records and to file IRS Form 8846 at tax time.
What features matter most in restaurant HR platforms?
You’ll want scheduling, time tracking, payroll integration, onboarding, and tip compliance. Other must-haves include support for multiple pay rates, labor law alerts, and mobile access for staff. Together, these tools help streamline staffing and reduce compliance risks.
Do restaurants use CRM systems?
Some restaurants use lightweight CRMs to manage reservations, loyalty programs, or event leads—but they’re less common than POS and HR platforms. Restaurant-specific CRMs are often built into POS systems rather than managed separately.
