5 best restaurant payroll software

We’ve put together a list of some of the best restaurant payroll software options available, including a look at key features and some pros and cons to consider as you figure out which solution will help take your business to the next level.

1. ADP
2. Gusto
3. Paychex
4. Homebase
5. Dolce

1. ADP

ADP offers restaurant owners and operators access to an impressive suite of tools that encompasses everything from scheduling and calculating tip payouts to tax credits and pay-related communication with employees. One of the platform’s biggest draws is that it’s fully scalable – ADP works equally well whether you’re a mom-and-pop startup or opening your tenth store.

Key ADP features include:

• Comprehensive, accurate, and fast payroll processing
• Detail-oriented solutions for tracking minimum wage requirements and tip allocation
• Electronic payment options for employees
• Work opportunity tax credit integration
• Mobile access so employees can review pay and related info on the go

ADP offers four payroll packages to choose from: Essential, Enhanced, Complete, and HR Pro. To receive a quote, you’ll need to complete a short form with some basic information about your business. Currently, they are offering three months free when you sign up for payroll processing.

Learn about our ADP integration

2. Gusto

Gusto prides itself on providing an easy-to-use, high-functioning platform that empowers clients and their employees. The platform is equally effective for small businesses and companies with a multitude of locations, and clients can easily scale their plan and usage as their business grows.

Key Gusto features include:

• Hiring and onboarding tools such as offer letters, checklists, and software setup
• Unlimited and automated pay runs, including tax payments, filings, and year-end reports
• Assistance with tip compliance and pay adjustments under the FLSA
• Options for premade and custom reporting
• Free employee app to help employees manage their profiles

While there are limited reporting templates, clients can create custom reports to fit their needs. Also, to date, insurance features are only available in 39 states.

Pricing for Gusto starts at $40/month + $6/month per person. Higher-tier plans and custom packages are available as well.

Learn about our Gusto integration

3. Paychex

Paychex was designed to meet the ever-changing needs of modern workplaces where employees may be onsite, remote, or hybrid. The platform can handle payroll and benefits, as well as HR functions, all wrapped up in a user-friendly platform with round-the-clock support.

Key Paychex features include:

• Fast, accurate payroll processing
• Ability to import payroll data to your accounting software (e.g. QuickBooks Online and Xero)
• Experts who can help clients understand ever-changing employment laws and regulations
• Option to set up and manage 401(k) accounts for you and your employees
• Partnerships with top-tier national/regional insurance carriers
• 24/7 access to platform support
• Free mobile app for clients and their employees

To receive a quote, you’ll need to complete a brief form about your business.

Learn about our Paychex integration

4. Homebase

In addition to comprehensive payroll capabilities, Homebase can assist with job postings and tax filings. This one-two punch makes Homebase particularly useful for restaurants interested in a combined payroll and HR solution.

Top Homebase features include:

• Time tracking and scheduling tools
• Unlimited pay runs with automated tax payments/filings
• Overtime and wage calculations, multiple wage rates, and bonus/commission payments
• Employee app that offers access to scheduling, wages, and more

Homebase Payroll starts at $39/month plus an additional $6/month per active employee. However, clients using Homebase Payroll must also sign up for one of Homebase’s core scheduling and time-tracking packages. Those plans start at $0/month for a basic account with one location and unlimited employees. Higher-tier accounts run from $20-$80 per month per location. Extras such as live chats with HR Pro advisors and job posting boosts cost extra.

Learn about our Homebase integration

5. Dolce

Dolce streamlines client workflow by putting scheduling, timekeeping, payroll, and POS integration all in one place. Clients can manage all these functions from a single screen in their Labor Center. There are also options to monitor sales in real-time and generate projected and actual labor analytics.

Other Dolce features include:

• Report generation
• One-click payroll solutions
• Track punch-ins/punch-outs and all scheduling
• Manage multiple locations using a single account
• Mobile app for employee accessibility
• Handle tip distribution and PTO, breaks, and other areas of compliance specific to the restaurant industry

Reviews applaud Dolce’s ease of use, but some report that the platform can be slow to run and there may be some glitches when switching between desktop and mobile formats.

There are three pricing plans to choose from, ranging from $3 to $7 per user, with a minimum monthly charge of $75. Payroll integrations, custom payroll outputs, and setup fees may apply.

Learn about our Dolce integration

Process payroll easier with Clover

Deciding on the best payroll software for restaurants is ultimately about finding the right platform that can help you tackle crucial tasks such as tax management, employee payments, and even benefit administration. Whether you’re looking for basic assistance or an all-in-one platform with added perks, the options listed above are poised to help you streamline your workflow so you can get back to running your restaurant and doing what you love.

For more information on how these payroll platforms integrate with Clover restaurant POS systems, contact a Clover Business Consultant.

Editorial Team

Accounting, Coffee shops and cafes, Full Service Restaurants (FSR), Quick Service Restaurants (QSR), Run your business, Staffing

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