Square vs. Toast POS: Why More Independent Restaurants Are Choosing Square with Coastal Payment Systems

Introduction

Whether it’s your first or fiftieth restaurant, you’ve seen enough POS systems to think they’re all the same. And the costs? Processing rates are just part of the picture. Let’s compare two plans to anticipate total costs before you start or switch.

Here's how the two compare.

1. Lower Upfront and Ongoing Costs

One of the biggest differences is cost.

Toast often involves:

• Higher software subscription costs

• Additional feature fees

• Hardware purchases

• Installation costs

• Add-on modules for advanced functionality

Square allows restaurants to start with a lower investment and add features as their business grows. Coastal Payment Systems lowers processing costs to almost zero with cash discount.

Winner: Square

2. No Long-Term Commitment

Restaurant owners value flexibility.

Depending on the agreement selected, Toast customers may be subject to service contracts and early termination fees if they cancel before the end of the term.

Square generally offers month-to-month software with no long-term commitment for many services, giving businesses more flexibility as their needs change. (Contract terms vary by product and payment processing arrangement.)

Winner: Square

3. Faster Setup

Toast implementations can involve:

• Hardware ordering

• Professional installation

• Configuration

• Training

• Longer deployment timelines

Square can often be configured much faster, allowing many restaurants to begin accepting orders in a shorter timeframe.

Winner: Square

4. Local Support Makes the Difference

This is where Coastal Payment Systems stands apart.

Ordering directly from an online provider often means relying on phone, email, or chat support.

When you work with Coastal Payment Systems, you receive:

• Local sales consultation

• Hardware recommendations

• Installation assistance

• Staff training

• Payment processing expertise

• Ongoing local support

Technology matters—but so does having a trusted local partner when you need help.

Winner: Coastal + Square

5. Simple, Modern Restaurant POS

Square offers features including:

• Tableside ordering

• Kitchen Display System

• Online ordering

• QR code ordering

• Gift cards

• Loyalty programs

• Inventory tracking

• Employee management

• Reporting

• Mobile ordering

Many restaurants find Square delivers the functionality they need without the complexity or higher costs that can come with enterprise-focused systems.

Which Restaurants Benefit Most from Square?

Square is a great fit for:

• Quick-service restaurants

• Cafés

• Coffee shops

• Pizza restaurants

• Food trucks

• Bars

• Breweries

• Small to mid-sized full-service restaurants

• Multi-location restaurants seeking a flexible platform

The Coastal Difference

Anyone can purchase POS hardware online.

Working with Coastal Payment Systems gives you:

✓ Local experts

✓ Personalized recommendations

✓ Professional setup

✓ Employee training

✓ Ongoing support

✓ Payment processing guidance

Instead of managing everything on your own, you have a local partner invested in your restaurant's success.

Final Thoughts

Toast may be a strong option for some larger restaurant organizations with highly specialized operational needs. However, many independent restaurants find that Square provides the features they need with lower costs, greater flexibility, and a simpler experience.

When you choose Square through Coastal Payment Systems, you get more than a POS system—you gain a local partner who helps you implement, optimize, and support your restaurant technology for the long term.

Contact Coastal Payment Systems today to schedule your complimentary POS consultation and discover which restaurant POS system is right for your business.

LEARN ABOUT SQUARE

Call or Text 228-203-3315