Choosing between CAKE POS and Shift4 for your business? Both are popular restaurant solutions, but they serve different needs. CAKE POS starts at $69/month and is Restaurant POS by Sysco with 24/7 US-based support, while Shift4 starts at Contact for pricing and is Payment processing and POS technology company. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which POS system is the right fit for your operation.
Quick Comparison: CAKE POS vs Shift4
| Feature | CAKE POS | Shift4 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Restaurant | Multi-Industry |
| Starting Price | $69/month | Contact for pricing |
| Rating | 4.0/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Target Business | Small Business to Mid-Market | Small Business to Enterprise |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Quote-based |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Free Version | No | No |
| Best For | US restaurants wanting reliable support and Sysco integration | Businesses wanting integrated payment solutions |
CAKE POS Overview
CAKE POS is a restaurant point-of-sale system designed for operational efficiency. Features online ordering, QR payments, and 24/7/365 US-based support. Originally launched by Sysco in 2011, acquired by Mad Mobile in 2020.
CAKE POS is offered by CAKE (Mad Mobile/Sysco) (founded 2011) based in Austin, TX. The system focuses on Full Service, Quick Service, All Restaurant Types.
Key Features:
- POS System
- Online Ordering
- Menu Management
- QR Code Payments
- Payment Processing
- Table Management
Shift4 Overview
Shift4 is a payment processing and POS technology company serving hospitality, retail, and other industries. Owns POSitouch, Harbortouch, and other POS brands. Offers integrated payments and software.
Shift4 is offered by Shift4 (founded 1994) based in Allentown, PA. The system focuses on Hospitality, Retail, Entertainment.
Key Features:
- Payment Processing
- POS Systems
- Gift Cards
- Loyalty
- Analytics
- Enterprise Solutions
Feature Comparison
CAKE POS Features:
- POS System
- Online Ordering
- Menu Management
- QR Code Payments
- Payment Processing
Shift4 Features:
- Payment Processing
- POS Systems
- Gift Cards
- Loyalty
- Analytics
When comparing features, CAKE POS stands out with Sysco partnership, while Shift4 differentiates itself with End-to-end payments. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | CAKE POS | Shift4 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $69/month | Contact for pricing |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Quote-based |
| Price Range | Mid-range | Mid-range to Premium |
| Free Trial | Not available | Not available |
| Free Version | No | No |
Both systems offer competitive pricing for their respective feature sets. Consider the total cost of ownership including hardware, processing fees, and add-on modules when making your decision.
Pros and Cons
CAKE POS
Pros:
- 24/7/365 US-based support
- Reduces wait times
- Increases table turnover
- Apple Pay/Google Pay support
Cons:
- Add-ons can be expensive
- Time tracking/scheduling extra
- US-only availability
Shift4
Pros:
- Integrated payments
- Multiple POS brands
- Enterprise scale
- Payment innovation
Cons:
- Complex product lineup
- Custom pricing
- May be overkill for small businesses
Who Should Choose CAKE POS?
CAKE POS is ideal for US restaurants wanting reliable support and Sysco integration. The system is particularly well-suited for Full Service, Quick Service, All Restaurant Types.
However, CAKE POS may not be the best fit for International restaurants, those needing all features in base price.
Who Should Choose Shift4?
Shift4 is ideal for Businesses wanting integrated payment solutions. The system is particularly well-suited for Hospitality, Retail, Entertainment.
However, Shift4 may not be the best fit for Very small businesses wanting simple solutions.
Our Recommendation
Both CAKE POS and Shift4 are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose CAKE POS if you’re US restaurants wanting reliable support and Sysco integration. Choose Shift4 if you’re Businesses wanting integrated payment solutions. Shift4 has a higher user rating (4.1 vs 4.0). We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.