Restaurant Tools Lab
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Management & Operations

Tools for table planning, staff scheduling and the daily management of your business.

How we test: We test every tool for at least 14 days in real-world use, compare features, pricing structure and support, and update our findings regularly.

OUR PICK
Zenchef
Coming soon

Zenchef

Online reservations and table planning

Formed from the merger of Formitable, Zenchef and Resengo into one platform. Manages reservations, digital floor plans and guest communication with zero commission per booking.

from approx. €69/month (Essential), Premium from approx. €119/month

Partner link coming soon
Deputy
Free trial

Deputy

Staff scheduling and time tracking

Focused on shift scheduling, time tracking and compliance in shift-based work - widely used in hospitality and retail.

Plans from approx. $5 per user/month

Visit provider ->
TestGorilla
Free to use

TestGorilla

Pre-screening and skills tests for your team

Over 350 scientifically validated tests for objective candidate pre-screening - saves time in the recruiting process.

Free entry-level version, paid plans from approx. $140/month (billed annually)

Visit provider ->

How do these tools complement each other?

These three building blocks aren't competitors - they cover different stages of the business: TestGorilla helps with objective pre-screening of new hires, Deputy then handles shift scheduling and time tracking, and Zenchef takes care of what matters most in the end - online reservations, digital floor plans and direct guest communication. Together they cover the chain hiring -> scheduling -> reservations.

Product Strengths Value for money Unique selling point Why choose this
Zenchef ⭐
  • No commission per booking
  • Digital floor plans
  • Formitable, Zenchef and Resengo united
Fixed monthly price instead of commission per reservation Only solution in this comparison built specifically for online reservations - market leader in the DACH region When online reservations and table planning are the priority
Deputy
  • Simple shift scheduling
  • Good mobile app
  • Compliance features
Affordable entry, watch the minimum monthly spend Focused on shift work rather than general project management When shift scheduling and time tracking are the priority
TestGorilla
  • Large test library
  • Good anti-cheating features
  • Free to start
Higher entry price with annual contract Scientifically validated skills tests instead of resume screening When candidates need to be assessed objectively upfront

Bottom line: why the combination pays off

Zenchef is the centerpiece of this category - no other solution in this comparison covers online reservations and digital table planning as specifically, and as a merger of Formitable, Zenchef and Resengo it brings the combined experience of three established providers. TestGorilla alone helps with staff selection but covers neither reservations nor scheduling. Deputy alone organizes schedules but doesn't replace reservation management or candidate pre-screening. Only together do the three form a seamless chain from hiring through scheduling to reservations - without duplicate data entry or spreadsheets as a stopgap.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need all three tools?

Not necessarily - if you're not hiring right now, Deputy alone may be enough for scheduling. Once recruiting and broader project coordination come into play, the combination shows its value.

What if I only want to use one?

We recommend starting with the tool that solves your biggest current bottleneck - usually Deputy for scheduling.

How up to date are the prices?

We check prices regularly, but providers can change their rates at any time. The price on the provider's website is always authoritative.

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Prices as of July 2026, no guarantee - please check current prices and terms directly with the provider. Some links are affiliate links.