AI Index / Payroll software for restaurants

Best Payroll software for restaurants

What AI assistants actually recommend when buyers ask about payroll software for restaurants — measured weekly across 4 engines, published as open data.

Updated 2026-08-14 · 72 sampled answers · rolling 4-week window · methodology

Rankings are measured from sampled AI answers — never editorial, never paid. Orbator builds AI-visibility tooling; when Orbator itself appears in any category, it is measured by the same rules as everyone else.

Updated weekly72 samples4 enginesmethodology

Sample: 72 AI answers · Window: Jul 17, 2026Aug 14, 2026 (4-week rolling) · trend vs prior 4 weeks (39 answers)

Samples by engine: GEMINI 24 (last run Aug 1, 2026) · PERPLEXITY 24 (last run Aug 1, 2026) · CLAUDE 16 (last run Aug 2, 2026) · CHATGPT 8 (last run Aug 1, 2026) · GROK 0 (last run Jul 13, 2026 — stalest)

How these numbers are made: sampling design · prompt provenance · what counts as a mention · what we cannot see

On the record: This ranking is frozen as a dated snapshot every day. View this category's history to see what entered and left the ranking and when, or read what the engines actually said on a given day.

What is the best payroll software for restaurants?

Across 72 sampled AI answers from 4 engines, Gusto is recommended most often — appearing in 54.2% of recommendations, followed by Netchex (51.4%) and Square (51.4%).

This is a measurement of share of voice across 4 AI engines — not an editorial pick. See the full ranking below.

recommendedlistedneutral mentionwarned againstRecommendation share counts answers that recommend or list it — neutral mentions and warnings shown for transparency
#ProductShareTrendEngines
1
Gusto

gusto.com

Best for: AI recommends Gusto most when buyers ask alternatives to generic payroll platforms that do not handle restaurant tipping or tip pooling well (100% of those answers)

54.2%

95% CI 42.765.2%

39 mentions · avg pos 7.4

first pick 10.3%

GEMINI 75%CHATGPT 37.5%CLAUDE 18.8%PERPLEXITY 62.5%
Claim
2
Netchex

netchex.com

Best for: AI recommends Netchex most when buyers ask top restaurant payroll platforms that integrate with scheduling and point-of-sale systems (88.9% of those answers)

51.4%

95% CI 40.162.6%

37 mentions · avg pos 3.6

first pick 18.9%

GEMINI 75%CLAUDE 31.3%PERPLEXITY 58.3%
Claim
3
Square

square.com

Best for: AI recommends Square most when buyers ask top restaurant payroll platforms that integrate with scheduling and point-of-sale systems (100% of those answers)

51.4%

95% CI 40.162.6%

37 mentions · avg pos 7.6

first pick 8.1%

GEMINI 75%CHATGPT 75%CLAUDE 25%PERPLEXITY 37.5%
Claim
4
Toast Payroll Suite

pos.toasttab.com

Best for: AI recommends Toast Payroll Suite most when buyers ask alternatives to generic payroll platforms that do not handle restaurant tipping or tip pooling well (100% of those answers)

50%

95% CI 38.761.3%

36 mentions · avg pos 5.2

first pick 16.7%

GEMINI 29.2%CHATGPT 75%CLAUDE 50%PERPLEXITY 62.5%
Claim
5
ADP

adp.com

Best for: AI recommends ADP most when buyers ask best payroll software for restaurants and food service businesses (100% of those answers)

45.8%

95% CI 34.857.3%

33 mentions · avg pos 8

first pick 6.1%

GEMINI 66.7%CHATGPT 62.5%CLAUDE 12.5%PERPLEXITY 41.7%
Claim
6
7shifts

7shifts.com

Best for: AI recommends 7shifts most when buyers ask what payroll software should a multi-location restaurant group use (100% of those answers)

44.4%

95% CI 33.555.9%

32 mentions · avg pos 4.4

first pick 6.3%

GEMINI 45.8%CHATGPT 62.5%CLAUDE 25%PERPLEXITY 50%
Claim
7
Toast

toasttab.com

Best for: AI recommends Toast most when buyers ask alternatives to generic payroll platforms that do not handle restaurant tipping or tip pooling well (55.6% of those answers)

38.9%

95% CI 28.550.4%

28 mentions · avg pos 2.7

first pick 42.9%

GEMINI 50%CLAUDE 31.3%PERPLEXITY 45.8%
Claim
8
Clover

clover.com

Best for: AI recommends Clover most when buyers ask top restaurant payroll platforms that integrate with scheduling and point-of-sale systems (77.8% of those answers)

33.3%

95% CI 23.544.8%

24 mentions · avg pos 9.6

first pick 4.2%

GEMINI 54.2%CHATGPT 75%CLAUDE 12.5%PERPLEXITY 12.5%
Claim
9
Paycor

paycor.com

Best for: AI recommends Paycor most when buyers ask best payroll tool for restaurants that handles tipped employees and variable hours (66.7% of those answers)

31.9%

95% CI 22.343.4%

23 mentions · avg pos 6.1

first pick 0%

GEMINI 62.5%CLAUDE 6.3%PERPLEXITY 29.2%
Claim
10
Paychex

paychex.com

Best for: AI recommends Paychex most when buyers ask alternatives to generic payroll platforms that do not handle restaurant tipping or tip pooling well (66.7% of those answers)

31.9%

95% CI 22.343.4%

23 mentions · avg pos 8.2

first pick 4.3%

GEMINI 66.7%CHATGPT 25%PERPLEXITY 20.8%
Claim
11
Square Payroll

Best for: AI recommends Square Payroll most when buyers ask top restaurant payroll platforms that integrate with scheduling and point-of-sale systems (77.8% of those answers)

30.6%

95% CI 21.142%

22 mentions · avg pos 8.3

first pick 0%

GEMINI 41.7%CHATGPT 25%CLAUDE 12.5%PERPLEXITY 33.3%
Claim
12
Homebase

joinhomebase.com

Best for: AI recommends Homebase most when buyers ask best payroll tool for restaurants that handles tipped employees and variable hours (88.9% of those answers)

29.2%

95% CI 19.940.5%

21 mentions · avg pos 8.3

first pick 0%

GEMINI 33.3%CHATGPT 50%CLAUDE 18.8%PERPLEXITY 25%
Claim
13
OnPay

onpay.com

Best for: AI recommends OnPay most when buyers ask best payroll tool for restaurants that handles tipped employees and variable hours (66.7% of those answers)

27.8%

95% CI 18.839%

20 mentions · avg pos 7.7

first pick 5%

GEMINI 50%CLAUDE 6.3%PERPLEXITY 29.2%
Claim
14
MICROS

Best for: AI recommends MICROS most when buyers ask top restaurant payroll platforms that integrate with scheduling and point-of-sale systems (66.7% of those answers)

26.4%

95% CI 17.637.6%

19 mentions · avg pos 5.5

first pick 31.6%

GEMINI 54.2%CHATGPT 37.5%CLAUDE 6.3%PERPLEXITY 8.3%
Claim
15
Restaurant365

restaurant365.com

Best for: AI recommends Restaurant365 most when buyers ask alternatives to generic payroll platforms that do not handle restaurant tipping or tip pooling well (55.6% of those answers)

25%

95% CI 16.436.1%

18 mentions · avg pos 4.3

first pick 11.1%

GEMINI 37.5%PERPLEXITY 37.5%
Claim
16
QuickBooks

quickbooks.intuit.com

Best for: AI recommends QuickBooks most when buyers ask alternatives to generic payroll platforms that do not handle restaurant tipping or tip pooling well (66.7% of those answers)

25%

95% CI 16.436.1%

18 mentions · avg pos 7.9

first pick 0%

GEMINI 54.2%CLAUDE 6.3%PERPLEXITY 16.7%
Claim
17
Hybrid Payroll

hybridpayroll.com

Best for: AI recommends Hybrid Payroll most when buyers ask restaurant-specific payroll alternatives for owners tired of manual tip calculations in standard payroll tools (77.8% of those answers)

23.6%

95% CI 15.334.6%

17 mentions · avg pos 7

first pick 11.8%

GEMINI 41.7%CLAUDE 6.3%PERPLEXITY 25%
Claim
18
Rippling

rippling.com

Best for: AI recommends Rippling most when buyers ask alternatives to generic payroll platforms that do not handle restaurant tipping or tip pooling well (55.6% of those answers)

22.2%

95% CI 14.233.1%

16 mentions · avg pos 5.6

first pick 0%

GEMINI 41.7%PERPLEXITY 25%
Claim
19
Aloha

Best for: AI recommends Aloha most when buyers ask top restaurant payroll platforms that integrate with scheduling and point-of-sale systems (66.7% of those answers)

22.2%

95% CI 14.233.1%

16 mentions · avg pos 10.5

first pick 25%

GEMINI 50%CHATGPT 50%
Claim
20
Workstream

workstream.us

Best for: AI recommends Workstream most when buyers ask what payroll software should a multi-location restaurant group use (88.9% of those answers)

20.8%

95% CI 13.131.6%

15 mentions · avg pos 5.7

first pick 6.7%

GEMINI 33.3%CHATGPT 12.5%CLAUDE 6.3%PERPLEXITY 20.8%
Claim
21
TipHaus

tiphaus.com

Best for: AI recommends TipHaus most when buyers ask restaurant-specific payroll alternatives for owners tired of manual tip calculations in standard payroll tools (100% of those answers)

20.8%

95% CI 13.131.6%

15 mentions · avg pos 6.6

first pick 6.7%

GEMINI 20.8%CHATGPT 25%CLAUDE 12.5%PERPLEXITY 25%
Claim
22
Oracle MICROS

Best for: AI recommends Oracle MICROS most when buyers ask top restaurant payroll platforms that integrate with scheduling and point-of-sale systems (66.7% of those answers)

18.1%

95% CI 10.928.5%

13 mentions · avg pos 2

first pick 38.5%

GEMINI 45.8%PERPLEXITY 8.3%
Claim
23
Tip Pool

Best for: AI recommends Tip Pool most when buyers ask how do I manage tip reporting and overtime rules for restaurant staff in my payroll system (66.7% of those answers)

18.1%

95% CI 10.928.5%

13 mentions · avg pos 8.1

first pick 7.7%

GEMINI 33.3%CHATGPT 25%CLAUDE 6.3%PERPLEXITY 8.3%
Claim
24
Kickfin

kickfin.com

Best for: AI recommends Kickfin most when buyers ask alternatives to generic payroll platforms that do not handle restaurant tipping or tip pooling well (66.7% of those answers)

16.7%

95% CI 9.826.9%

12 mentions · avg pos 7.3

first pick 25%

GEMINI 25%CHATGPT 12.5%CLAUDE 12.5%PERPLEXITY 12.5%
Claim
25
Paylocity

paylocity.com

Best for: AI recommends Paylocity most when buyers ask top restaurant payroll platforms that integrate with scheduling and point-of-sale systems (77.8% of those answers)

16.7%

95% CI 9.826.9%

12 mentions · avg pos 10.3

first pick 8.3%

GEMINI 4.2%CHATGPT 12.5%CLAUDE 18.8%PERPLEXITY 29.2%
Claim
26
Oracle AI

oracle.com

Best for: AI recommends Oracle AI most when buyers ask top restaurant payroll platforms that integrate with scheduling and point-of-sale systems (66.7% of those answers)

13.9%

95% CI 7.723.7%

10 mentions · avg pos 1.6

first pick 40%

GEMINI 33.3%PERPLEXITY 8.3%
Claim
27
HotSchedules

Best for: AI recommends HotSchedules most when buyers ask top restaurant payroll platforms that integrate with scheduling and point-of-sale systems (44.4% of those answers)

13.9%

95% CI 7.723.7%

10 mentions · avg pos 9.6

first pick 0%

GEMINI 29.2%CHATGPT 25%PERPLEXITY 4.2%
Claim
28
PAR

Best for: AI recommends PAR most when buyers ask top restaurant payroll platforms that integrate with scheduling and point-of-sale systems (66.7% of those answers)

12.5%

95% CI 6.722.1%

9 mentions · avg pos 5.1

first pick 11.1%

GEMINI 25%CLAUDE 6.3%PERPLEXITY 8.3%
Claim
29
Revel

Best for: AI recommends Revel most when buyers ask top restaurant payroll platforms that integrate with scheduling and point-of-sale systems (44.4% of those answers)

8.3%

95% CI 3.917%

6 mentions · avg pos 3.2

first pick 50%

GEMINI 20.8%CHATGPT 12.5%
Claim
30
ADP Workforce Now

Best for: AI recommends ADP Workforce Now most when buyers ask top restaurant payroll platforms that integrate with scheduling and point-of-sale systems (33.3% of those answers)

8.3%

95% CI 3.917%

6 mentions · avg pos 6.7

first pick 0%

GEMINI 12.5%CHATGPT 25%PERPLEXITY 4.2%
Claim
31
Revel Systems

revelsystems.com

Best for: AI recommends Revel Systems most when buyers ask top restaurant payroll platforms that integrate with scheduling and point-of-sale systems (44.4% of those answers)

6.9%

95% CI 315.2%

5 mentions · avg pos 2

first pick 60%

GEMINI 20.8%
Claim
32
Upserve

Best for: AI recommends Upserve most when buyers ask best payroll tool for restaurants that handles tipped employees and variable hours (33.3% of those answers)

6.9%

95% CI 315.2%

5 mentions · avg pos 5.5

first pick 20%

GEMINI 16.7%CLAUDE 6.3%
Claim
33
Workforce.com

workforce.com

Best for: AI recommends Workforce.com most when buyers ask alternatives to generic payroll platforms that do not handle restaurant tipping or tip pooling well (33.3% of those answers)

6.9%

95% CI 315.2%

5 mentions · avg pos 6

first pick 0%

GEMINI 4.2%PERPLEXITY 16.7%
Claim
34
Instant

instant.co

Best for: AI recommends Instant most when buyers ask restaurant-specific payroll alternatives for owners tired of manual tip calculations in standard payroll tools (55.6% of those answers)

6.9%

95% CI 315.2%

5 mentions · avg pos 10

first pick 40%

GEMINI 8.3%CHATGPT 12.5%CLAUDE 6.3%PERPLEXITY 4.2%
Claim
35
Restaurant365

5.6%

95% CI 2.213.4%

4 mentions · avg pos 1

first pick 25%

CLAUDE 25%
Claim
36
R365

5.6%

95% CI 2.213.4%

4 mentions · avg pos 2.5

first pick 50%

GEMINI 12.5%PERPLEXITY 4.2%
Claim
37
SpotOn

spoton.com

Best for: AI recommends SpotOn most when buyers ask how do I manage tip reporting and overtime rules for restaurant staff in my payroll system (33.3% of those answers)

5.6%

95% CI 2.213.4%

4 mentions · avg pos 8.3

first pick 0%

GEMINI 8.3%CLAUDE 6.3%PERPLEXITY 4.2%
Claim
38
ADP Run

Best for: AI recommends ADP Run most when buyers ask restaurant-specific payroll alternatives for owners tired of manual tip calculations in standard payroll tools (33.3% of those answers)

5.6%

95% CI 2.213.4%

4 mentions · avg pos 23.3

first pick 25%

GEMINI 4.2%CHATGPT 12.5%CLAUDE 6.3%PERPLEXITY 4.2%
Claim
39
Dolce

2.8%

95% CI 0.89.6%

2 mentions · avg pos 3

first pick 0%

GEMINI 8.3%
Claim
40
Push Operations

2.8%

95% CI 0.89.6%

2 mentions · avg pos 3

first pick 0%

PERPLEXITY 8.3%
Claim
41
Worklio

worklio.com

2.8%

95% CI 0.89.6%

2 mentions · avg pos 4.5

first pick 0%

GEMINI 4.2%PERPLEXITY 4.2%
Claim
42
Form 941

2.8%

95% CI 0.89.6%

2 mentions · avg pos 5

first pick 50%

GEMINI 8.3%
Claim
43
SurePayroll

surepayroll.com

2.8%

95% CI 0.89.6%

2 mentions · avg pos 7

first pick 0%

GEMINI 8.3%
Claim
44
TipPay

gettippay.com

2.8%

95% CI 0.89.6%

2 mentions · avg pos 10

first pick 0%

CHATGPT 12.5%PERPLEXITY 4.2%
Claim
45
SpotOn Teamwork

spotonepos.com

2.8%

95% CI 0.89.6%

2 mentions · avg pos 11

first pick 0%

GEMINI 8.3%
Claim
46
iSolved HCM

isolvedhcm.com

Best for: AI recommends iSolved HCM most when buyers ask restaurant payroll software vs standard small business payroll tools — what compliance features matter (33.3% of those answers)

2.8%

95% CI 0.89.6%

2 mentions · avg pos 12

first pick 0%

GEMINI 4.2%PERPLEXITY 4.2%
Claim
47
PAR Pönix

paytronix.com

Best for: AI recommends PAR Pönix most when buyers ask top restaurant payroll platforms that integrate with scheduling and point-of-sale systems (33.3% of those answers)

2.8%

95% CI 0.89.6%

2 mentions

first pick 0%

PERPLEXITY 8.3%
Claim
48
SpotOn Teamw

1.4%

95% CI 0.27.5%

1 mentions · avg pos 3

first pick 0%

CLAUDE 6.3%
Claim
49
UKG

ukg.com

1.4%

95% CI 0.27.5%

1 mentions · avg pos 5

first pick 0%

PERPLEXITY 4.2%
Claim
50
Fourth

fourth.com

1.4%

95% CI 0.27.5%

1 mentions · avg pos 14

first pick 0%

CHATGPT 12.5%
Claim
51
Tip-Pooling

tip-pooling.com

1.4%

95% CI 0.27.5%

1 mentions · avg pos 25

first pick 0%

CHATGPT 12.5%
Claim
52
Altametrics

altametrics.com

Best for: AI recommends Altametrics most when buyers ask restaurant payroll software vs standard small business payroll tools — what compliance features matter (33.3% of those answers)

1.4%

95% CI 0.27.5%

1 mentions

first pick 0%

PERPLEXITY 4.2%
Claim
53
Back of House

backofhouse.io

1.4%

95% CI 0.27.5%

1 mentions

first pick 0%

PERPLEXITY 4.2%
Claim
54
Checkwriters

checkwriters.com

Best for: AI recommends Checkwriters most when buyers ask restaurant payroll software vs standard small business payroll tools — what compliance features matter (33.3% of those answers)

1.4%

95% CI 0.27.5%

1 mentions

first pick 0%

PERPLEXITY 4.2%
Claim
55
Crunchtime

crunchtime.com

1.4%

95% CI 0.27.5%

1 mentions

first pick 0%

CLAUDE 6.3%
Claim
56
Flipdish

flipdish.com

1.4%

95% CI 0.27.5%

1 mentions

first pick 0%

PERPLEXITY 4.2%
Claim
57
Horizon Payroll Solutions

horizonpayrollsolutions.com

Best for: AI recommends Horizon Payroll Solutions most when buyers ask how do I manage tip reporting and overtime rules for restaurant staff in my payroll system (33.3% of those answers)

1.4%

95% CI 0.27.5%

1 mentions

first pick 0%

PERPLEXITY 4.2%
Claim
58
IRS Form 1040-ES

irs.gov

Best for: AI recommends IRS Form 1040-ES most when buyers ask how do I manage tip reporting and overtime rules for restaurant staff in my payroll system (33.3% of those answers)

1.4%

95% CI 0.27.5%

1 mentions

first pick 0%

PERPLEXITY 4.2%
Claim
59
Paycom

paycom.com

1.4%

95% CI 0.27.5%

1 mentions

first pick 0%

PERPLEXITY 4.2%
Claim
60
SalaryBox

salarybox.in

1.4%

95% CI 0.27.5%

1 mentions

first pick 0%

PERPLEXITY 4.2%
Claim
61
SourceForge

sourceforge.net

1.4%

95% CI 0.27.5%

1 mentions

first pick 0%

PERPLEXITY 4.2%
Claim
62
UpToDate Expert AI

wolterskluwer.com

1.4%

95% CI 0.27.5%

1 mentions

first pick 0%

PERPLEXITY 4.2%
Claim

Reading the numbers: Share is a point estimate on 72 sampled answers, so each row also shows its 95% CI — the Wilson score interval around that share. When two products' intervals overlap, the gap between them isn't statistically meaningful at this sample size. First pick is the share of a product's recommending answers where it was named first, which separates “always mentioned” from “usually the top recommendation”. Full methodology.

Independence: Orbator customers are badged for disclosure. Customer status does not affect prompts, sampling, extraction, or ranking — see the methodology. Your product on this list? Claim it to see the prompts behind your rank and track it weekly.

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