Toast vs Stove: Questions to Ask Before You Commit
Operators don’t need more buzzwords—they need fewer surprises, clearer numbers, and smoother shifts.
What’s really going on
- Comparisons matter most when you ask workflow questions, not feature questions.
- Fees, contracts, add-ons, and support shape the real experience.
- Back-office depth is the long-term difference.
Common mistakes
- Comparing only headline monthly price.
- Not asking about online ordering fee structures.
- Ignoring migration and support details.
What a better approach looks like
- Ask for total cost model at your volume.
- Validate inventory + labor workflows in the demo.
- Clarify contract terms and exit paths.
- Confirm offline behavior.
Bottom line
The goal isn’t more software—it’s clearer visibility and fewer surprises.
Soft CTA: If you’re evaluating systems, prioritize visibility across POS + inventory + labor + reporting. The faster you can spot issues, the easier they are to fix.