Running a restaurant is a high-wire act of balancing staff schedules, managing peak hours, reducing labor costs, and ensuring top-tier customer service. In 2025, restaurant scheduling software has become more intelligent and intuitive, helping managers and owners streamline operations like never before. Whether you’re running a single location or managing multiple branches, having the right scheduling tool can be the difference between chaos and seamless service.

What is Restaurant Scheduling Software?

Restaurant Scheduling Software is a digital tool designed to help restaurant owners and managers create, manage, and optimize staff work schedules. These platforms streamline the process of assigning shifts, tracking employee hours, and ensuring proper staffing levels during peak and off-peak hours.

Here’s our curated list of the 10 best restaurant scheduling software & apps in 2025 that will help you save time, reduce labor costs, and keep employees happy.

1. 7shifts

Overview:
7shifts continues to be a leader in the restaurant scheduling space in 2025, offering a robust platform designed specifically for the food and beverage industry.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop schedule builder with labor forecasting
• POS integrations (Toast, Square, etc.)
• Real-time shift swapping and availability managemen
• Compliance tools for labor laws and breaks
• Mobile app for staff communication and time tracking

Best For:
Restaurants of all sizes looking for an all-in-one scheduling, time tracking, and labor compliance tool.

2. HotSchedules (by Fourth)

Overview:
HotSchedules remains a popular choice for enterprise-level restaurants and franchises due to its powerful scheduling automation and forecasting capabilities.

Key Features:

• Auto-scheduling based on historical data and labor needs
• Integrated messaging and team communication
• Forecasting tools to align labor with sales trends
• Digital logbooks and labor law compliance
• Payroll and HR integration

Best For:
Large restaurant groups and franchises that need scalable scheduling and labor optimization.

3. Sling

Overview:
Sling stands out for its intuitive UI and affordability, making it an ideal choice for small to medium-sized restaurants.

Key Features:

• Free tier for basic scheduling and messaging
• Premium plans with time tracking and budgeting
• Task assignments and reminders
• Newsfeed for team-wide announcements
• Shift conflict resolution and alerts

Best For:
Independent restaurants or smaller chains seeking a budget-friendly, easy-to-use solution.

4. When I Work

Overview:
When I Work is a versatile scheduling platform with excellent employee engagement features and mobile-first functionality.

Key Features:

• Simple shift creation and management
• Clock-in/out with GPS verification
• Payroll integrations and export tools
• Time-off requests and availability settings
• In-app messaging for real-time updates

Best For:
Restaurants with a mobile workforce or fast-paced environments needing flexible, app-based scheduling.

5. Homebase

Overview:
Homebase combines team scheduling, time clocks, and hiring tools into one platform, tailored for hourly workers.

Key Features:

• Automatic schedule generation based on roles and availability
• Labor cost controls and compliance alerts
• Employee time tracking and wage calculations
• Built-in hiring and onboarding features
• Free plan available with essential scheduling tools

Best For:
Restaurants that want scheduling software with built-in hiring and payroll functionality.

6. ZoomShift

Overview:
ZoomShift offers a straightforward scheduling and time-tracking platform with excellent calendar views and shift planning.

Key Features:

• Visual scheduling calendar with templates
• Open shifts and team availability
• Drag-and-drop schedule builder
• PTO tracking and approval
• Budgeting tools to control labor costs

Best For:
Restaurants looking for a clean, visual scheduling experience with team collaboration features.

7. Buddy Punch

Overview:
While not restaurant-exclusive, Buddy Punch is a time tracking and scheduling app that suits restaurants needing clock-in/out accountability.

Key Features:

• GPS and webcam check-ins for staff
• Shift trades and availability requests
• Overtime alerts and payroll exports
• Detailed labor reports and analytics
• Mobile-friendly dashboard for managers and staff

Best For:
Restaurants seeking robust time-tracking combined with employee accountability tools.

8. Connecteam

Overview:
Connecteam is an all-in-one workforce management app with a strong focus on non-desk teams, including restaurant staff.

Key Features:

• Shift scheduling and GPS-verified time tracking
• Checklists and task management
• Digital forms for training or onboarding
• In-app chat and push notifications
• Audit logs and manager permissions

Best For:
Restaurants that want scheduling with added operational tools like checklists, forms, and training modules.

9. Planday

Overview:
Planday, now owned by Xero, integrates staff scheduling with payroll and communication tools, streamlining restaurant management from scheduling to paychecks.

Key Features:

• Automated schedule generation
• Labor cost tracking vs. budget
• Staff availability and absence tracking
• Messaging platform with group or individual chats
• Payroll-ready reporting

Best For:
Restaurants using Xero for accounting or looking for seamless labor and financial reporting.

10. Shiftboard

Overview:
Shiftboard is tailored for complex scheduling needs, often used by large enterprises and catering companies with variable labor demands.

Key Features:

• Intelligent workforce scheduling engine
• Role-based shift assignments
• Overtime management and forecasting
• Certifications and skill-based scheduling
• Advanced reporting for compliance and analytics

Best For:
Restaurants with fluctuating labor demands or those managing multiple venues or event-based staffing.

Key Features to Look for in Restaurant Scheduling Software

Choosing the right scheduling software requires understanding what features align with your business needs. Here are some must-have capabilities in 2025:

1. Ease of Use

Your managers and staff shouldn’t need extensive training to use the platform. Intuitive UI and drag-and-drop features are essential.

2. Mobile Access

Employees should be able to check schedules, swap shifts, and communicate through a mobile app. Mobile optimization is a non-negotiable.

3. Labor Forecasting

The ability to use historical sales and staffing data to predict future scheduling needs helps control labor costs and improve efficiency.

4. POS Integration

Connecting your scheduling app to your POS system can help align staffing with sales patterns and reduce overstaffing or understaffing.

5. Compliance Tools

Look for software that helps you comply with local labor laws—tracking breaks, overtime, minor laws, and fair scheduling practices.

6. Communication Tools

A built-in chat or messaging system helps avoid miscommunication and ensures everyone is on the same page.

7. Time & Attendance

Time tracking and geofenced clock-ins are important for managing punctuality and payroll accuracy.

Why It’s Important for Restaurants:

• Saves Time: Automates repetitive scheduling tasks.
• Reduces Errors: Prevents double-booking or understaffing.
• Improves Team Morale: Ensures transparency and flexibility for staff.
• Boosts Efficiency: Aligns labor with expected customer demand.
• Enhances Customer Experience: Well-staffed shifts lead to faster service and better dining experiences.

Final Thoughts

The restaurant industry in 2025 demands greater operational efficiency, and scheduling software plays a central role in making that possible. Whether you’re running a single café or a multi-location restaurant group, there’s a scheduling app tailored to your needs.

Tools like 7shifts, HotSchedules, and Homebase offer enterprise-grade features, while apps like Sling and ZoomShift are perfect for smaller, independent restaurants.

Ultimately, the best restaurant scheduling software is one that fits your budget, integrates with your systems, and empowers your team. With the right platform in place, you’ll not only reduce scheduling headaches—you’ll also boost team morale and service quality.