Food Service
Best POS Systems for Food Trucks
Food trucks need POS systems that work anywhere—with spotty WiFi, in any weather, and with fast checkout for long lines. The right system is mobile-first, has reliable offline mode, and handles tips gracefully.
Common Challenges
•Unreliable internet at events
•Battery life concerns
•Weather and durability
•Speed for high-volume service
•Tip handling for staff
•Portability between locations
•Simple menu changes
Must-Have Features
- ✓Strong offline mode
- ✓Mobile/portable hardware
- ✓Long battery life
- ✓Fast checkout
- ✓Tip prompts
- ✓Simple menu setup
Nice-to-Have Features
- ○Pre-ordering for events
- ○Location-based reporting
- ○Inventory tracking
- ○Customer loyalty
- ○Social media integration
Top Picks for Best POS Systems for Food Trucks
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best POS for food trucks with bad WiFi?
Square works well with phone hotspot and has decent offline mode. Toast has better offline capability if that's critical. Always have a mobile hotspot as backup.
Do I need a dedicated terminal or just my phone?
You can start with just Square on your phone + $49 reader. For higher volume, the Square Terminal ($299) is self-contained with better battery. iPad setups work but need power.