Best Restaurant Scheduling Software in 2025

You didn't open a restaurant to spend hours rebuilding schedules every week. But here you are—texting staff at midnight, scrambling to cover Friday dinner rush, and watching overtime costs creep higher while your team burns out.

No-shows happen. Last-minute callouts happen. What shouldn't happen is you spending half your week fixing the schedule instead of running your business.

The best restaurant scheduling software stops the chaos. It cuts no-shows, prevents overtime before it happens, and keeps your team in sync without endless group texts. Your staff knows when they work. You know shifts are covered. Your customers get consistent service.

Here are the top restaurant scheduling tools to find what actually works for small restaurant teams. No fluff, no features you'll never use—just the platforms that save you time and keep your operation running smooth.

Time to fix scheduling for good.

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TL;DR: Best restaurant scheduling software in 2025

Short on time? Here are the top restaurant scheduling apps:

Top picks by use case:

1. Homebase – Best overall for small to mid-size restaurants (free for up to 10 employees at one location)
2. 7shifts – Best for labor cost control and compliance
3. Sling – Best for lean teams prioritizing communication
4. Deputy – Best for managing complex shifts across locations
5. When I Work – Best mobile-first scheduling and coordination
6. ZoomShift – Best budget pick for simple scheduling
7. BambooHR – Best when HR matters more than restaurant-specific features

Must-have features to look for:

• Mobile app access with shift notifications
• Shift trading and availability tracking
• POS integration for labor cost forecasting
• Compliance alerts and overtime tracking
• Time clocks that sync with schedules

Most restaurant scheduling apps offer free plans or trials so you can test before you commit.

What is restaurant scheduling software?

Restaurant scheduling software helps you build, publish, and manage employee work schedules from one digital platform. Instead of rebuilding schedules in spreadsheets every week, you get tools to create shifts, track availability, and handle time-off requests. Your team accesses everything from their phones.

For restaurants, this means coordinating front-of-house and back-of-house staff without the chaos. Your servers, bartenders, cooks, and dishwashers see their schedules instantly. When someone needs to swap a shift, they handle it in the app—no more endless group texts at 2 AM asking who can cover Saturday brunch.

The best restaurant employee scheduling software also tracks labor law compliance. It flags overtime before it happens, ensures required breaks get scheduled, and keeps records you need for audits. Plus, it connects with your time tracking and payroll systems, so hours worked flow straight to paychecks without manual entry.

Bottom line: it replaces paper schedules, spreadsheets, and scattered text threads with one system that actually works.

Why restaurant staff scheduling software matters

Manual scheduling doesn't just waste time. It costs you money, burns out your team, and drives customers away.

The daily chaos of restaurant staffing

No-shows during Friday dinner rush leave your team scrambling to cover tables. Last-minute callouts on game day mean you're calling everyone at 4 PM begging for help. Overtime hits because you didn't catch someone at 39 hours until it's too late.

Coordinating front-of-house and back-of-house schedules feels impossible when you're rebuilding everything from scratch every week. You need more servers, but you also need prep cooks, and the schedule never lines up right.

What poor scheduling actually costs

According to the National Restaurant Association, labor represents 30-35% of restaurant operating costs. When your schedule is a mess, that percentage climbs fast.

Good employees quit when schedules feel chaotic or unfair. You're stuck constantly hiring and retraining, which eats more time and money.

Compliance and customer impact

Missed breaks and overtime violations trigger penalties and lawsuits. One mistake can cost thousands in fines and back wages.

Understaffed shifts mean slow service and mistakes. Customers notice, and they don't come back.

Restaurant staffing apps prevent these problems before they happen.

7 best restaurant scheduling software tools in 2025

Shift swaps, payroll prep, labor costs—the right restaurant scheduling software handles it all. Here's how the top platforms stack up for small restaurant teams.

1. Homebase: Best all-in-one restaurant scheduling software for hourly teams

Homebase combines scheduling, time tracking, team messaging, and task management in one platform built for hourly teams. The free plan covers small teams. Paid plans unlock unlimited employees and advanced features.

Pros:

• Free for up to 10 employees at one location.
• Unlimited employees on all paid plans.
• Time clocks, shift swaps, and team messaging included.
• Task management integrates directly with scheduling.
• Labor compliance alerts prevent overtime and break violations.
• Payroll add-on available for timesheet-to-paycheck processing.

Cons:

• Payroll and HR features require paid plans.
• Per-location pricing adds up for multi-site operators.

Best for: Small to mid-size restaurants wanting scheduling, time tracking, messaging, and optional payroll in one platform.

Pricing: Basic (free), Essentials ($24.95/month/location), Plus ($59.95/month/location), All-in-One ($99.95/month/location). Payroll: $39/month + $6 per employee.

"Schedule communication with the employees works flawlessly with Homebase and that's a big plus. We publish the schedule and the employee gets the information on their phone. We very rarely have an employee tell us that they didn't know that they were supposed to work that day." — Keith Zimmerman, Owner, Plum Creek Farm

Want scheduling that actually works? Try Homebase free and see why over 100,000 small businesses rely on it to keep their teams running smoothly.

2. 7shifts: Best for labor cost control and compliance

7shifts focuses specifically on restaurant operations. Labor forecasting, POS integration, and compliance tools built for hospitality.

Pros:

• Restaurant-specific features like tip management and shift feedback.
• Labor forecasting connects with POS for data-driven scheduling.
• Real-time sales integration helps control labor costs.
• Strong compliance tools for breaks and overtime.

Cons:

• Free plan limited to 15 employees at one location.
• Advanced features locked in higher-tier plans.
• No built-in payroll.

Best for: Restaurants prioritizing labor cost optimization and needing deep POS integration for forecasting.

Pricing: Comp (free for up to 15 employees), Essentials ($39.99/month/location), Pro ($79.99/month/location), Premium ($134.99/month/location).

3. Sling: Best for lean teams who prioritize communication

Sling offers free basic scheduling with built-in team messaging. Solid choice for small teams that need simple coordination tools.

Pros:

• Free plan includes basic scheduling and team messaging.
• Built-in announcements and group chat.
• Shift swapping and availability tracking.
• Labor cost tracking available in paid plans.

Cons:

• Time clock features limited in free version.
• Lacks restaurant-specific features like POS integration.
• Reporting tools are basic.

Best for: Small restaurants and food trucks prioritizing communication over advanced labor management features.

Pricing: Free (basic scheduling and messaging), Premium ($2/user/month), Business ($4/user/month).

4. Deputy: Best for managing complex shifts across locations

Deputy handles complicated scheduling scenarios. Smart automation, compliance tracking, and multi-location management tools.

Pros:

• Smart scheduling based on availability and labor laws.
• Time tracking with meal and break compliance alerts.
• Forecasting tools align labor with expected demand.
• Strong multi-location controls and reporting.

Cons:

• Interface can feel overwhelming for smaller teams.
• No built-in payroll.
• Advanced features require higher-tier plans.

Best for: Multi-location restaurants or operations with complex shift patterns and compliance requirements.

Pricing: Scheduling ($4.50/user/month), Premium ($6/user/month), Enterprise (custom pricing).

5. When I Work: Best mobile-first scheduling and team coordination

When I Work prioritizes mobile experience. Real-time updates, team chat, and flexible shift management for on-the-go teams.

Pros:

• User-friendly mobile app for managers and staff.
• Built-in team chat for quick communication.
• Shift bidding lets employees claim open shifts.
• Works well for rotating schedules and part-time teams.

Cons:

• Reporting features less robust than competitors.
• Limited customization for larger operations.
• Time tracking costs extra in some plans.

Best for: Restaurants with mobile-first teams that rely on real-time scheduling updates and flexibility.

Pricing: Essentials ($2.50/user/month), Pro ($5/user/month), Premium ($8/user/month). 14-day free trial available.

6. ZoomShift: Best budget pick for simple shift scheduling

ZoomShift strips away complexity to focus on core scheduling features at an affordable price point.

Pros:

• Straightforward, easy-to-learn interface.
• Drag-and-drop schedule builder.
• Time clock with geolocation tracking.
• Shift swap support with manager approval.

Cons:

• No built-in messaging or team communication.
• Lacks hiring, onboarding, or payroll features.
• No POS integrations for restaurant-specific needs.

Best for: Budget-conscious restaurants needing basic scheduling without advanced features.

Pricing: Starter ($2/active user/month), Premium ($4/active user/month).

7. BambooHR: Best when you prioritize HR over restaurant-specific features

BambooHR offers comprehensive HR tools with basic scheduling. Ideal for restaurants that need hiring, onboarding, and performance management.

Pros:

• Full-service HR platform with applicant tracking.
• Strong hiring and onboarding workflows.
• Performance reviews and employee data management.
• Mobile app for schedule viewing and time-off requests.

Cons:

• Scheduling tools are basic and not restaurant-specific.
• No built-in time tracking or payroll in base plan.
• Custom pricing may be cost-prohibitive for smaller restaurants.

Best for: Restaurants prioritizing comprehensive HR management over restaurant-specific scheduling features.

Pricing: Custom pricing (no public rates). Contact for quote.

Homebase vs 7shifts for restaurant scheduling

Choosing between scheduling platforms? Here's how these two popular options stack up for restaurant teams.

Homebase advantages:

• Free plan for up to 10 employees at one location (vs 7shifts: 15 employees).
• Unlimited employees on paid plans (vs 7shifts: tiered by employee count).
• All-in-one platform: scheduling + hiring + onboarding + task management.
• Built-in payroll option.
• Lower starting price ($24/location vs $39.99/location).

7shifts advantages:

• Built specifically for restaurants.
• Labor forecasting with POS integration.
• Real-time sales data integration.
• Shift feedback and engagement tools.

When to choose Homebase:

You want an all-in-one platform for scheduling, time tracking, hiring, and payroll. You need a free plan or want unlimited employees on paid plans. You want task management integrated with scheduling. You're a small to mid-size restaurant prioritizing ease of use.

When to choose 7shifts:

You need deep labor forecasting tied to sales. You're focused specifically on labor cost optimization. You want restaurant-specific engagement tools. You're comfortable with employee limits per tier.

Both platforms offer free trials. Test them with your actual team to see which fits your workflow better. The right choice depends on whether you prioritize an all-in-one system or restaurant-specific labor optimization tools.

What to look for in restaurant employee scheduling software

Scheduling software should do more than fill shifts. It should save you time, cut no-shows, and keep your team in sync without constant phone tag.

Must-have features:

• POS integration. Match staffing to sales trends and control labor costs without guesswork.
• Schedule creation. Build schedules digitally with templates and drag-and-drop tools.
• Shift trades. Let employees swap shifts with manager approval.
• Task management. Assign prep lists and closing duties beyond just shifts.
• Time clock. Digital time tracking that syncs with payroll.
• Mobile access. Staff check schedules and trade shifts from their phones.
• Onboarding. Set up new hires quickly with digital paperwork.
• Messaging. Built-in communication reduces no-shows and keeps everyone connected.
• Reporting. Track labor costs, overtime, and scheduling trends.
• Employee availability. Staff input availability to prevent scheduling conflicts.

Most online scheduling software for restaurants focuses on just building schedules. Better platforms combine multiple features so you're not juggling separate apps for time tracking, payroll prep, and team communication.

Start with what you need now. Basic scheduling works fine until your team grows. Then you'll want time clocks, reporting, and payroll integration without switching systems.

The best restaurant employee scheduling software grows with you. Comprehensive platforms handle everything from day one—even free plans for small teams.

Free restaurant scheduling apps worth trying

Not ready to spend money yet? Good call. Try free plans first and see what actually makes your life easier.

Homebase gives you the most without paying a dime. Ten employees at one location get scheduling, time tracking, team messaging, and reporting. No credit card needed. Sign up, build your schedule, and see if it works for you.

Sling works for tiny teams—up to 30 people—when you care more about messaging than fancy features. Free restaurant scheduling software that keeps everyone talking. Time tracking is pretty basic though.

7shifts covers 15 employees at one spot. You get a free scheduling app for restaurants that handles the basics. Want labor forecasting or POS connections? You'll need to pay for those.

Free gets you schedule building, mobile apps, shift alerts, and simple swaps. Need time clocks, labor reports, POS hookups, payroll, or more locations? Time to upgrade.

Start free. Pay later when you actually need the extra stuff.

Simplify restaurant scheduling with Homebase

The best restaurant scheduling software doesn't just fill shifts. It gives you back hours every week, keeps your team from burning out, and ensures customers get consistent service.

Managers using Homebase save 5+ hours weekly. Employees stick around longer with predictable schedules. Customers notice when your team shows up ready to work. Your bottom line improves with smarter labor controls.

"Before Homebase, we were printing out timesheets and manually calculating hours. To keep up with the times, we have switched to Homebase, and it has made our lives so much more efficient!" — Ashley Ortiz, Owner, Antique Taco

Homebase handles more than just restaurant scheduling software. Hire staff. Onboard them digitally. Track hours. Run payroll. Stay compliant. Everything lives in one place.

No more spreadsheets. No more group text chaos. No more paper time cards scattered across your office.

Try Homebase free and see why 100,000+ businesses trust us to handle their schedules, timesheets, and team management. Your first schedule takes minutes to build.

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Frequently asked questions about restaurant scheduling software

What's the best scheduling app for restaurants?

Homebase works best for small to mid-size restaurant teams. You get scheduling, time tracking, team messaging, and task management in one place. Free for up to 10 employees. Paid plans start at $24.95/month per location with unlimited employees.

Need restaurant-specific labor forecasting? 7shifts specializes in tying schedules to POS sales data. Want something dead simple and cheap? ZoomShift does basic scheduling without the bells and whistles.

Pick based on what matters most: all-in-one convenience, restaurant-specific forecasting, or bare-bones simplicity.

Is there free restaurant scheduling software?

Yes. Homebase gives you the most for free—up to 10 employees at one location get scheduling, time tracking, and messaging. No credit card needed.

Sling offers free scheduling for 30 users. 7shifts has a free plan for 15 employees at one location.

Free plans cover schedule building, mobile apps, and shift alerts. Want labor forecasting, POS connections, or payroll? You'll need to pay for those.

What features should restaurant scheduling software have?

You need digital schedule building, mobile apps for your team, shift trading, availability tracking, and automatic reminders.

Restaurant-specific stuff matters too. POS integration tracks labor costs against sales. Task management assigns prep work and closing duties. Time clocks sync with schedules. Compliance alerts catch overtime and missed breaks before they cost you. Team messaging cuts down on group text chaos.

Best platforms connect scheduling to time tracking and payroll. Hours flow straight to paychecks without copying numbers between systems. Homebase includes everything, even on the free plan.

Can restaurant scheduling software integrate with my POS system?

Yes. Most platforms connect with Toast, Square, Clover, and Lightspeed.

POS integration pulls your sales data in automatically. You can see which hours are slammed and which are dead. Schedule more staff for Friday dinner rush. Cut back Tuesday lunch when nobody shows up. No more guessing.

You'll spot patterns fast. Labor costs running too high on Mondays? Adjust before it becomes a habit. Homebase syncs with major POS systems so you can build schedules based on what actually happens, not what you hope will happen.

How does scheduling software help control restaurant labor costs?

It stops overtime before it happens. You see exactly who's approaching 40 hours while building the schedule, not after payday when it's too late.

Real-time tracking shows labor costs as you go. Set a target—say 30% of sales—and get alerts when you're going over. Schedule adjustments take seconds instead of rebuilding everything.

Forecasting uses past sales to recommend staffing levels. Homebase shows labor costs while you build schedules. Catch problems before they hit your bank account.