Choosing between Toast and CAKE by Sysco? Both are leading point of sale systems with unique strengths. This comprehensive 2025 comparison breaks down pricing, features, pros/cons, and real-world use cases to help you make the right decision for your business.
Toast: $0/mo | 4.7/5 rating | Best for Full-Service & QSR Restaurants
CAKE by Sysco: $69/mo | 4.1/5 rating | Best for Restaurants
Toast vs CAKE by Sysco: Quick Summary
| Feature | Toast | CAKE by Sysco |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0/mo | $69/mo |
| Best For | Full-Service & QSR Restaurants | Restaurants |
| Industry | Restaurant | Restaurant |
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Key Strength | Built specifically for restaurants | Backed by Sysco |
Toast Overview
Price: $0/mo | Rating: 4.7/5 | Best For: Full-Service & QSR Restaurants
Toast is a Restaurant POS system designed specifically for Full-Service & QSR Restaurants. Key benefits include: Built specifically for restaurants.
- Restaurant-specific POS
- Online ordering
- Kitchen display system
- Tableside ordering
- Payroll & team management
- Marketing & loyalty
CAKE by Sysco Overview
Price: $69/mo | Rating: 4.1/5 | Best For: Restaurants
CAKE by Sysco is a Restaurant POS system designed specifically for Restaurants. Key benefits include: Backed by Sysco.
- Guest management
- Online ordering
- Waitlist management
- Table management
- Reporting
- Sysco integration
Pros & Cons Comparison
Toast Pros
- ✅ Built specifically for restaurants
- ✅ Excellent hardware options
- ✅ Strong online ordering
Toast Cons
- ❌ Locked into Toast payments
- ❌ Can be expensive for small restaurants
CAKE by Sysco Pros
- ✅ Backed by Sysco
- ✅ Good guest management
- ✅ Waitlist features
CAKE by Sysco Cons
- ❌ Limited customization
- ❌ Sysco-focused ecosystem
The Verdict: Toast vs CAKE by Sysco
Choose Toast if you’re looking for a solution optimized for Full-Service & QSR Restaurants and value Built specifically for restaurants.
Choose CAKE by Sysco if your business focuses on Restaurants and you prioritize Backed by Sysco.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Let’s dive deeper into how Toast and CAKE by Sysco compare across key features that matter most to Restaurant businesses.
| Feature | Toast | CAKE by Sysco |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Excellent | Good |
| Hardware Options | Optional | Required |
| Target Business Size | Small Business | Small Business |
| Contract Required | Month-to-month available | Month-to-month available |
Who Should Choose Toast?
Toast is the ideal choice for:
- Full-Service & QSR Restaurants who need specialized features
- Businesses that prioritize Built specifically for restaurants
- Those who value Excellent hardware options
- Companies with budget around $0/mo per month
Who Should Choose CAKE by Sysco?
CAKE by Sysco is the ideal choice for:
- Restaurants who need specialized features
- Businesses that prioritize Backed by Sysco
- Those who value Good guest management
- Companies with budget around $69/mo per month
Real-World Use Cases
Toast vs CAKE by Sysco for Small Businesses
For small businesses with limited budgets, Toast ($0/mo) offers better value while still providing essential features like Restaurant-specific POS and Online ordering.
Toast vs CAKE by Sysco for Multi-Location Businesses
Multi-location businesses should consider scalability and centralized management. Both systems can scale to multiple locations with proper setup. Request a demo to see how each handles multi-store reporting and inventory sync.
Toast vs CAKE by Sysco for High-Volume Operations
High-volume operations need reliable, fast POS systems. Toast (rated 4.7/5) has proven reliability for busy Restaurant environments, especially for Full-Service & QSR Restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Toast or CAKE by Sysco?
The better choice depends on your specific needs. Toast (rated 4.7/5) excels for Full-Service & QSR Restaurants, while CAKE by Sysco (rated 4.1/5) is optimized for Restaurants. Consider your industry, budget, and required features when deciding.
How much does Toast cost compared to CAKE by Sysco?
Toast starts at $0/mo, while CAKE by Sysco starts at $69/mo. Both may have additional costs for hardware, payment processing, and add-on features. Request a custom quote for accurate pricing based on your business needs.
Can I switch from Toast to CAKE by Sysco?
Yes, switching POS systems is possible. Most providers offer data migration assistance and training. Consider contract terms, hardware compatibility, and staff training time when planning a switch.
What integrations do these POS systems offer?
Both systems offer integrations with accounting software, e-commerce platforms, and third-party apps. Toast features Restaurant-specific POS, Online ordering, Kitchen display system. CAKE by Sysco offers Guest management, Online ordering, Waitlist management.
Get a Free Quote
Still not sure which POS system is right for your business? Our experts can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs, budget, and growth plans.
Last updated: December 2025. Pricing and features subject to change.