Toast vs Lavu
Toast has better marketing and a larger ecosystem. Lavu has similar core features with some strengths in delivery and franchise management. Toast is the safer choice. Lavu might offer better value for specific use cases.
Our Verdict
Toast wins overall—better brand, larger ecosystem, more resources. Lavu wins for pizza delivery, franchise operations, or restaurants who prefer an underdog with competitive pricing.
Best for:
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Toast | Lavu | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand recognition | High | Low | Toast |
| Starting price | $0 (Starter) | $59/mo | Toast |
| Delivery management | Good | Excellent | Lavu |
| Franchise tools | Good | Excellent | Lavu |
| Hardware | Proprietary, excellent | iPad-based | Toast |
| Online ordering | Excellent | Good | Toast |
| Ecosystem/integrations | Large | Moderate | Toast |
| Support | 24/7 available | Business hours + emergency | Toast |
Toast
Pros
- ✓Larger ecosystem
- ✓Better marketing/brand
- ✓More integrations
- ✓Restaurant-grade hardware
Cons
- ✗Can be expensive
- ✗Locked to Toast processing
- ✗Less delivery-focused
Lavu
Pros
- ✓Strong delivery features
- ✓Good franchise management
- ✓Competitive pricing
- ✓Driver dispatch built-in
Cons
- ✗Smaller brand
- ✗Fewer integrations
- ✗Support less robust
- ✗Smaller community
In-Depth Analysis
The Delivery Difference
Lavu was built with delivery in mind—driver dispatch, delivery zones, driver tracking. Toast added delivery features later. If you're a pizza shop or delivery-focused operation, Lavu's native delivery workflow might fit better.
Franchise Management
Lavu has strong franchise features—central menu management, location reporting, franchisee permissions. Toast has these too, but Lavu built them earlier for franchise clients. Both work, but Lavu's franchise DNA shows.
The Ecosystem Factor
Toast has more partners, more integrations, more content, more community. Lavu is smaller. If you value ecosystem and resources, Toast's momentum matters. If you just need core POS, Lavu works fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why haven't I heard of Lavu?
Lavu spends less on marketing than Toast. They've grown through word-of-mouth and direct sales. Smaller brand doesn't mean worse product—just different go-to-market strategy.
Is Lavu going to be around long-term?
Lavu has been operating since 2010 and serves 10,000+ restaurants. They're established but smaller than Toast. No obvious risk factors, but Toast's scale provides more stability.