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Is TouchBistro the Right POS System for Your Restaurant?

Name: TouchBistro
Item: TouchBistro
Rating: 4
Author: Phillip Parker

Author: Phillip Parker

Updated: September 28, 2025

Maintained Since: May 14, 2014

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All mentions of rate and fee costs are estimations based on publicly available information and client feedback. Actual costs may vary based on a variety of factors unique to your business.

TouchBistro

Rating

4/5

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Pros

24/7 support

Restaurant-specific features

Offline functionality available

Flexible processor options

Tableside ordering capability

Cons

Automatic contract renewal

Internet-dependent

Limited hardware compatibility

Inconsistent customer support

Contract cancellation penalties

Overview

In this TouchBistro review, we’ll explore their point-of-sale (POS) system tailored for restaurants, covering features like table management, order processing, and inventory control. We’ll highlight which types of dining or food service operations are most likely to benefit, while also diving into customer reviews to uncover common compliments and concerns. Then we’ll examine pricing models, contract terms, and standout tools so you know what to expect. By the end, you’ll be able to decide whether TouchBistro is the right POS solution for your restaurant’s needs.

About TouchBistro

Screen Capture of TouchBistro Homepage — TouchBistro Homepage

TouchBistro FAQ

Launched in 2011, TouchBistro is an iPad-based point-of-sale (POS) system designed specifically for the merchant accounts in the restaurant industry. TouchBistro operates on a local wireless network and can run on either a single iPad or on multiple iPads connected to a local server, which can be an iMac or a MacBook. TouchBistro is partnered with Moneris, Chase Paymentech, Square, Worldpay , iZettle, Tyro, Premier Payments, PayPal Here, and RBC Caribbean as its preferred payment processors, so it appears that merchants will need to open a merchant account through one of these companies in order to use TouchBistro at this time.

Is TouchBistro a good company to work for?

Employee reviews are generally positive and customers of TouchBistro appear to be satisfied with the company’s employees. It appears that it is a good company to work for.

Does TouchBistro have gift cards?

Yes, TouchBistro has a full gift card program that allows customers to purchase gift cards directly from your restaurant for later redemption by a customer.

Does TouchBistro integrate with Quickbooks?

Yes, the company claims to integrate with Quickbooks. However, exact details regarding which versions of Quickbooks can be integrated and how such integrations take place have not been published openly by TouchBistro

Is TouchBistro cloud based?

Yes, most of POS System functionality is handled in the cloud. This means that a reliable internet connection will be necessary to use TouchBistro.

Is TouchBistro a public company?

No, currently TouchBistro is privately owned and has not announced any plans to go public.

Products & Merchant Services

POS System

The TouchBistro POS system is specifically designed for restaurants, bars, and cafes. It features tabletop systems, digital menu boards, customer-facing displays, self-serve kiosks, kitchen display systems, online ordering and reservations, and gift and loyalty programs.

Integration with Multiple Payment Processors

TouchBistro is compatible with various payment processors, allowing merchants to select a provider that best meets their needs. This integration enables the processing of credit card transactions directly through the TouchBistro POS system.

Mobile Payments and Tableside Ordering

The TouchBistro POS system supports mobile payments and tableside ordering. Servers can take orders and process payments directly at the table using the iPad-based system.

Customizable Payment Settings

TouchBistro’s credit card processing services are customizable to meet the specific needs of each business. Merchants can adjust settings such as tip suggestions, receipts, and tax calculations to align with their operational requirements.

Secure and Compliant Payment Processing

TouchBistro emphasizes security and compliance, adhering to industry standards like the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). The system uses end-to-end encryption and tokenization to protect sensitive customer data and minimize fraud risks.

Customer Reviews & Sentiment

User Reviews of TouchBistro

Numerous TouchBistro reviews have been located, providing a mixed perspective valuable for POS System evaluation. The app currently holds a rating of 2.4 out of 5 stars in the iTunes App Store, a slight decrease from a previous 2.8 rating. Negative reviews frequently mention hardware and software issues, limited features, challenging customer support experiences, and problems with syncing and updates. On the positive side, many reviewers commend TouchBistro for its user-friendly interface, affordability, and effective customer support. We encourage you to add your own TouchBistro review in the comments below to contribute to the discussion.

TouchBistro Lawsuits

Our research indicates no outstanding class-action lawsuits or Federal Trade Commission (FTC) complaints against TouchBistro. Merchants who prefer a non-litigious approach to resolving issues with the company may consider reporting to relevant supervisory organizations.

Industry Scores & User Ratings

Online Ratings Summary
PaymentPop	1
BBB Rating	1
Trustpilot	3.4
Google Maps	1.3
Average Rating	1.9

PaymentPop Rating for TouchBistro

Negative Feedback

This company is extremely problematic. From day one I quickly realized my mistake in signing on with them. Glitchy software have caused unending delays in service at my bar and their tech support is not able to solve even the most basic issues. My credit card processors recently stopped working all but halting service during the holidays. They found a new processor that they say will work but I had to fight with them for a half hour for them to agree to replace them free of charge. Im stuck in a 3 year contract with zero recourse, lawyer is next…

Positive Feedback

There are no positive reviews published about TouchBistro on the PaymentPop website.

TouchBistro BBB Rating

TouchBistro currently has an “F” rating with the Better Business Bureau on one profile and an “F” on another, and it has not received BBB accreditation. Across the 2 profiles, there are 23 complaints. TouchBistro has a 1 out of 5 star rating based on 9 user reviews on the Better Business Bureau website.

What Business Owners Say

TouchBistro has also received 5 negative informal reviews on its BBB profile. The negative review describes issues with charges and customer service:

We signed up to use Touch Bistro beginning April of 2020 then the pandemic hit and we were forced to close. We attempted on multiple occasions to put a hold on the charges and the representatives kept telling us they would but never did and ended up charging us $9,000 in a little over a year. We have still not reopened and we ended up having to close our card that they were charging the fee to just to get them to stop. Good luck ever actually speaking to anyone at this company who can help you with anything. This company should be investigated.

Excellent customer service can help users better understand how to effectively integrate their merchant account services into their business. This is especially true for POS systems which require often include expensive setup fees.

An “A” Performance

In light of this information, we agree with the BBB’s rating for the purposes of this review, but business owners should be aware that there are valid reasons to be skeptical of the BBB’s reviews.

Trustpilot Rating for TouchBistro

Touchbistro has a 3.4 out of 5 star rating based on 307 user reviews on Trustpilot.

Positive Feedback

Their Customer service is excellent, customers are well taken care of. Happy with the hardware and services and would refer them to others in the future.

Negative Feedback

If I could give Touchbistro a starless rating I would….by far the worst Pos system I have ever used…. From the moment we began using it was a disaster…. Do yourself a favour and stay away from this system at all costs…. Customer service is non existent…. Menu never synced…. The list goes on and on…. Stay away !

Google Maps Rating for TouchBistro

TouchBistro has a 1.3 out of 5 star rating based on 4 user reviews on Google Maps.

Negative Feedback

What we were sold is not what we got. We can’t do deferred orders, tips are a mess, I can’t log in remotely to do things like payroll. We have been down a handful of times within a few short weeks of being on TouchBistro. Customer support is slow and our sales person wants nothing to do with helping me resolve issues. I would not recommend. A very expensive disappointment.

Positive Feedback

There are no positive reviews published about TouchBistro on Google Maps.

Processing Rates & Fees

TouchBistro Pricing Plans

TouchBistro offers pricing starting at $69 per month, with plans that include customized flat monthly pricing when billed annually. These plans can be for software licenses only or bundled options that also include hardware.

The software license fee does not cover the costs associated with credit card processing through TouchBistro Payments or its partner processors, which offer tailored rates. Business owners are advised to discuss all potential fees, as terms may vary significantly depending on the chosen processing partner. While Worldpay and Moneris, known partners of TouchBistro, are not typically considered low-cost merchant account providers and may impose early termination fees, they might offer special conditions for TouchBistro clients. TouchBistro incorporates a $200 setup fee for new accounts. Given the lack of specific complaints regarding contract terms from TouchBistro’s processing partners, it’s inferred that most clients are content with the pricing and fees offered. TouchBistro’s advertised partners include Chase Paymentech, TSYS, and WorldPay, with the referenced rates pertaining to Chase Paymentech as a primary partner.

Employee Reviews & Sales Practices

No Sales Complaints

TouchBistro primarily relies on conventional advertising and a network of resellers to market its services. The company hands over most of its credit card processing pricing to its payment partners and does not employ a team of independent sales agents. As a result, there is a very low likelihood of encountering unethical sales tactics from TouchBistro. This is confirmed by the overall lack of negative TouchBistro reviews related to the company’s salesforce.

No Misleading Advertising

We also have not found any misleading rate quotes or guarantees on the TouchBistro website or in its ads. It prominently displays its pricing on its website and offers transparency that compares TouchBistro favorably to top-rated iPad POS systems. We therefore will assign the company an “A” rating in this category.

TouchBistro Competitors

Compare TouchBistro to competitors that earned top marks.

Pricing

Bottom Line

TouchBistro presents itself as a robust iPad POS solution tailored primarily for small to medium-sized restaurants, boasting an array of features that facilitate efficient front-end management. The platform’s pricing structure is competitive, offering a range of functionalities that enhance daily restaurant operations without imposing hefty fees. However, its current capabilities may not fully meet the demands of larger establishments, which might find the system’s administrative tools somewhat lacking for extensive operations.

Given that TouchBistro partners with various payment processors, the terms and conditions of these partnerships can significantly differ. Restaurant owners are thus advised to meticulously review any contracts to avoid unexpected terms and to ensure that the processor aligns with their operational needs and financial expectations. Comparing TouchBistro with other top-rated merchant services that offer specialized restaurant POS systems could provide additional value, ensuring that restaurant owners select a service that best aligns with the scale and scope of their business requirements.

Read Actual User Reviews

See User Reviews Write a Review

All user reviews have been moved to our partner, PaymentPop.com

Contact TouchBistro

Contact & Customer Support
Founder	Alex Barrotti
CEO	Samir Zabaneth
Headquarters	85 Richmond St W Suite 1100, Toronto, ON M5H 2C9, Canada
North America Toll-Free General Customer Service	(888) 342-0131
UK Support	+44 0800-051-3311
Rest of the World	+1 416-363-5252
Sales Inquiries	(855) 363-5252
Additional Support Channels	Online Contact Form
Website	touchbistro.com

About Us

CardPaymentOptions.com

Established 2009

My name is Phillip Parker, and I started this website back in 2009 as a simple blog to call out shady credit card processors that were taking advantage of small business owners. At the time, I had no idea this side project would grow into a leading voice pushing for transparency and integrity in the payment processing industry. I also didn't anticipate just how far some of these companies' owners would go to try to silence me.

I was recruited out of college for a sales role with a credit card processor. At the time, I didn't realize the “training” was really about tricking me... into selling business owners expensive processing with hidden fees and long-term service agreements. In my first few sales, I unknowingly cost friends and family thousands of dollars after they trusted me to switch their services. When it finally clicked that something was seriously wrong, I was furious. I quit immediately and made a promise to expose that company and any others operating the same way. That promise is what led to the creation of this website.

As I wrote about these processors, their tactics, and the people behind them, the articles started to spread among business owners. News organizations picked up the stories, readers shared them online, and traffic to the blog took off. Unsurprisingly, that also caught the attention of the companies and individuals I was exposing.

Over the last 17 years, I've received several anonymous death threats and defeated four lawsuits meant to intimidate me into taking my blog down. Their efforts to muzzle me only made my determination to expose them even stronger, leading me to work with state authorities to help shutdown some of the worst offenders.

I'm proud to say that of the millions of people who have read my work, thousands have taken the time to write and thank me for helping them narrowly avoid a very costly mistake. This blog has played a small role in pushing the industry toward more ethical practices - but there are still bad actors out there, which means the work isn't done.

If I can offer one piece of advice, it's this: get every promise in writing, and take the time to review contracts carefully. Tools like ChatGPT can help surface red flags and uncover expensive surprises buried in the fine print.

If you've made it this far, thank you for reading. I truly appreciate you being here, and I wish you every success with your business.

Our Research Methodology

Pricing & Fees

We analyze all costs including rate structures (interchange-plus, tiered, flat-rate, etc), monthly fees, equipment costs, early termination fees, and hidden charges. This data is gathered from service agreements, statements and client feedback.

Features & Technology

Evaluation of POS systems, e-commerce integrations, mobile capabilities, reporting tools, recurring billing..., and developer resources. When possible, we directly test services and hardware. Otherwise, we rely on client feedback and public information.

Customer Support

We evaluate availability across phone, email, chat, and social channels. Measuring hold times, night and weekend availability, and client feedback regarding effectiveness, professionalism, and resolution rates.

Contract Terms & Conditions

We review service agreements and equipment contracts for reasonability, transparency, and fairness. We focus on uncovering any predatory clauses, such as unjustified early termination fees, hidden costs, and unclear cancellation policies.

User Experience

We comb the internet and interview current and former clients to evaluate the overall user experience and identify any common pain points that may impact the user experience.

Sales & Marketing Practices

We evaluate sales tactics, marketing materials, and client feedback to determine the level of transparency and ethical nature of the provider's approach. Does the provider publicly disclose pricing? Do they use teaser rates? We score based on these and other factors.

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