Toast vs MarketMan: Complete Restaurant Inventory Comparison 2025

Updated: October 20, 2025

Choosing between Toast and MarketMan for your restaurant's inventory management? Both platforms are excellent choices, but they serve different needs. Toast offers an all-in-one POS and inventory solution, while MarketMan specializes in deep inventory and procurement features.

In this comprehensive comparison, we'll break down the features, pricing, pros and cons of each platform to help you make the right decision for your restaurant in 2025.

Quick Comparison Overview

What is Toast?

Toast is a cloud-based restaurant POS system that includes integrated inventory management capabilities. It's designed as an all-in-one solution that handles everything from taking orders to tracking inventory and processing payments.

Toast Key Features

1. Integrated POS and Inventory

• Real-time inventory updates with every sale
• Automatic deduction from stock levels
• Seamless integration between front and back of house
• No need for separate systems or manual syncing

2. xtraCHEF Invoice Automation

• OCR technology scans and processes invoices automatically
• Extracts line items, prices, and vendor information
• Compares actual costs to theoretical costs
• Identifies pricing discrepancies and overcharges

3. Recipe and Menu Management

• Build detailed recipes with ingredient-level tracking
• Calculate theoretical food costs per menu item
• Menu engineering insights to optimize profitability
• Portion control and plate cost analysis

4. Multi-Location Management

• Centralized dashboard for all locations
• Transfer inventory between locations
• Location-specific reporting and analytics
• Consolidated purchasing across properties

5. Advanced Reporting

• Real-time sales and inventory reports
• Variance analysis (theoretical vs. actual usage)
• Prime cost tracking (food + labor)
• Custom report building

Explore more about Toast's inventory features and see how it compares to other solutions.

What is MarketMan?

MarketMan is a dedicated inventory management and procurement platform designed specifically for restaurants, hotels, and foodservice operations. It focuses exclusively on back-of-house operations without POS functionality.

MarketMan Key Features

1. Comprehensive Inventory Management

• Detailed ingredient and product tracking
• Recipe costing with real-time cost updates
• Perpetual and periodic inventory counts
• Shelf-to-sheet mobile counting

2. Advanced Procurement Tools

• Multi-supplier order management
• Purchase order creation and tracking
• Vendor price comparison across suppliers
• Automated reordering based on par levels

3. Invoice Processing

• Built-in OCR invoice scanning
• Three-way matching (PO, invoice, receiving)
• Catch pricing errors and discrepancies
• Digital invoice storage and search

4. Budget and Cost Control

• Budget tracking by category or location
• Forecast food costs based on sales projections
• Waste tracking and analysis
• Detailed variance reports

5. Supply Chain Management

• Vendor performance tracking
• Lead time management
• Alternative supplier suggestions
• Price history and trend analysis

Learn more about MarketMan's capabilities in our detailed review.

Toast vs MarketMan: Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Inventory Tracking

Toast:

• Real-time automatic tracking tied to POS sales
• Ingredient-level depletion with recipes
• Good for restaurants prioritizing POS integration
• Less granular than dedicated inventory systems

MarketMan:

• Highly detailed ingredient and product tracking
• More advanced counting features (shelf-to-sheet)
• Better for complex multi-location operations
• Requires manual integration with POS systems

Winner: MarketMan for inventory depth; Toast for simplicity

Invoice Management

Toast (xtraCHEF):

• Excellent OCR technology
• Automated invoice processing
• Integrated with inventory and recipe costs
• Additional cost beyond base POS

MarketMan:

• Built-in invoice scanning (no extra charge)
• Three-way matching capabilities
• Vendor management tools
• More procurement-focused features

Winner: Tie - both offer excellent invoice automation

Recipe Costing

Toast:

• Recipe building with ingredient costs
• Automatic cost updates with invoice changes
• Menu engineering insights
• Theoretical vs. actual variance reports

MarketMan:

• Comprehensive recipe management
• Sub-recipe support for complex dishes
• Real-time cost updates across all recipes
• More detailed costing breakdowns

Winner: MarketMan for depth; Toast for ease of use

Multi-Location Management

Toast:

• Centralized management for all locations
• Transfer inventory between locations
• Location-specific menus and pricing
• Unified reporting dashboard

MarketMan:

• Designed for multi-location operations
• Cross-location purchasing optimization
• Location-specific suppliers and pricing
• Centralized budget management

Winner: MarketMan for complex multi-location needs

Mobile Capabilities

Toast:

• Excellent mobile app for managers
• Access reports and inventory on-the-go
• Make menu changes from anywhere
• Mobile POS for tableside ordering

MarketMan:

• Robust mobile app for inventory counts
• Shelf-to-sheet counting feature
• Approve purchase orders remotely
• Receipt photo capture

Winner: Tie - both have strong mobile apps

Integration Capabilities

Toast:

• Seamless POS integration (built-in)
• QuickBooks and Xero accounting integration
• Third-party delivery platforms
• Labor management systems

MarketMan:

• Integrates with major POS systems (Square, Toast, Lightspeed)
• QuickBooks and Xero accounting integration
• Broadline distributor integrations
• API available for custom integrations

Winner: Toast for integrated solution; MarketMan for flexibility

Pricing Comparison 2025

Toast Pricing

Starter Kit: $69/month per terminal

• Basic POS features
• Limited inventory capabilities
• Standard reporting

Point of Sale: $165/month per terminal

• Full inventory management
• Recipe costing
• xtraCHEF integration
• Advanced reporting

Build Your Own: Custom pricing

• Enterprise features
• Multi-location management
• Dedicated support

Processing Fees:

• 2.49% + 15¢ per transaction (standard)
• Flat monthly fee available with custom pricing

Total Cost Example (single location):

• 2 terminals: $330/month
• Processing fees: ~$500/month (on $20K sales)
• xtraCHEF: Included in Point of Sale plan
• Total: ~$830/month

MarketMan Pricing

Starter: $249/month per location

• Core inventory management
• Invoice scanning (limited)
• Basic reporting

Professional: $399/month per location

• Advanced inventory features
• Unlimited invoice scanning
• Purchase order management
• Budget tracking

Enterprise: Custom pricing

• Multi-location volume discounts
• Advanced procurement tools
• Dedicated account manager
• API access

Total Cost Example (single location):

• Professional plan: $399/month
• No transaction fees
• No hardware costs
• Total: $399/month

Note: MarketMan is significantly cheaper if you already have a POS system you're happy with.

Cost Comparison Calculator

Use our Inventory ROI Calculator to determine which solution offers the best return on investment for your specific restaurant.

Toast vs MarketMan: Pros and Cons

Toast Pros

✅ All-in-one solution (POS + inventory + payments)
✅ Seamless integration between systems
✅ Excellent customer support and training
✅ Strong mobile app for management
✅ Regular software updates
✅ xtraCHEF invoice automation included
✅ No need to manage multiple vendors

Toast Cons

❌ 3-year contract commitment
❌ Processing fees add up for high-volume restaurants
❌ Expensive if you only need inventory features
❌ Less deep inventory features than specialized platforms
❌ Upfront hardware costs
❌ Locked into Toast ecosystem

MarketMan Pros

✅ Deep, specialized inventory features
✅ No long-term contracts (monthly available)
✅ No processing fees
✅ Works with any POS system
✅ Superior procurement tools
✅ Excellent for multi-location operations
✅ Strong vendor management capabilities
✅ Built-in invoice scanning included

MarketMan Cons

❌ Requires separate POS system
❌ Higher base price per location
❌ Manual integration setup with POS
❌ Learning curve for advanced features
❌ Not ideal for single-location restaurants with simple needs

Which Solution is Right for You?

Choose Toast If You:

• Need a new POS system along with inventory management
• Want an all-in-one integrated solution
• Prefer working with a single vendor
• Run a full-service or fast-casual restaurant
• Have 1-5 locations
• Want automatic inventory tracking tied to sales
• Value simplicity over advanced features

Best for: Restaurants starting fresh or replacing outdated POS systems who want everything in one platform.

Explore Toast solutions or read our complete Toast inventory guide.

Choose MarketMan If You:

• Already have a POS system you like
• Need advanced inventory and procurement features
• Run multiple locations (5+ properties)
• Have complex supply chain needs
• Want detailed cost control and budgeting
• Need sophisticated vendor management
• Prefer month-to-month flexibility

Best for: Multi-location restaurant groups with complex inventory needs who already have a POS system.

Discover more about MarketMan's features and see other alternatives.

Alternative Solutions to Consider

If neither Toast nor MarketMan seems like the perfect fit, consider these alternatives:

1. Restaurant365 - Combines inventory with accounting
2. WISK - Excellent for bar inventory management (read our WISK review)
3. Square for Restaurants - Free to start, simpler features (compare Square vs Toast)
4. BlueCart - Strong procurement focus

Browse our complete directory of restaurant inventory software to explore all options.

Implementation Timeline Comparison

Toast Implementation

Week 1-2: Hardware installation and setup
Week 3-4: Menu programming and recipe building
Week 5-6: Staff training and testing
Week 7-8: Go-live and optimization

Total Time: 6-8 weeks for complete implementation

Learn more in our Toast implementation guide.

MarketMan Implementation

Week 1: Initial setup and supplier configuration
Week 2: Menu and recipe building
Week 3: POS integration setup
Week 4: Staff training and go-live

Total Time: 3-4 weeks for basic implementation

Real User Experiences

Toast Customer Feedback

"Toast has been a game-changer for our three locations. Having POS and inventory in one system saves us hours every week. The xtraCHEF invoice scanning is incredibly accurate." - Sarah M., Restaurant Group Owner

"The 3-year contract was a concern, but the ROI made it worth it. We reduced food costs by 5% in the first six months." - David L., Casual Dining Restaurant

MarketMan Customer Feedback

"We already had a POS we loved, so MarketMan was perfect. The procurement features are more advanced than anything we've used before." - Jennifer K., Multi-Location Restaurant Group

"The month-to-month flexibility was important to us. We tested it for three months before committing long-term." - Michael R., Fine Dining Restaurant

Making Your Decision: Key Questions to Ask

1. Do you need a new POS system?

• Yes → Toast might be the better value
• No → MarketMan makes more sense

2. How many locations do you operate?

• 1-3 locations → Toast works well
• 5+ locations → MarketMan's multi-location features shine

3. What's your priority?

• Simplicity and integration → Toast
• Advanced inventory control → MarketMan

4. What's your budget?

• Can afford POS + processing fees → Toast
• Want to avoid transaction fees → MarketMan

5. How important is flexibility?

• Okay with 3-year commitment → Toast
• Need month-to-month option → MarketMan

Training and Support Comparison

Toast

• Dedicated implementation team
• Extensive video training library
• 24/7 phone and email support
• Online community forums
• On-site training available (additional cost)
• Regular webinars and updates

MarketMan

• Implementation specialists assigned
• Video tutorials and documentation
• Email support (phone for Enterprise)
• Knowledge base and FAQs
• Quarterly business reviews (Enterprise)
• Regular feature training webinars

Integration Ecosystem

Toast Integrates With:

• QuickBooks Online and Desktop
• Xero
• 7shifts (labor management)
• Delivery platforms (DoorDash, Uber Eats)
• Loyalty programs
• Reservation systems

MarketMan Integrates With:

• Most major POS systems (Toast, Square, Lightspeed, Upserve)
• QuickBooks Online and Desktop
• Xero
• US Foods, Sysco, other distributors
• Restaurant365
• Custom integrations via API

ROI and Payback Period

Toast ROI Expectations

• Food cost reduction: 3-8%
• Labor savings: 2-4 hours/week on inventory
• Invoice processing time: 15-30% reduction
• Payback period: 8-14 months
• Break-even: Usually after first year

MarketMan ROI Expectations

• Food cost reduction: 5-10%
• Procurement efficiency: 30-50% faster ordering
• Invoice processing: 60% time savings
• Payback period: 6-10 months
• Break-even: Usually within 6-9 months

Use our ROI calculator to estimate your specific savings.

Final Recommendation

Both Toast and MarketMan are excellent platforms, but they serve different needs:

Choose Toast if you want an all-in-one solution that handles POS, payments, and inventory management in a single integrated platform. It's ideal for restaurants that need to replace their entire system or are starting fresh.

Choose MarketMan if you already have a POS system you like and need advanced, specialized inventory and procurement features. It's perfect for multi-location operations with complex supply chain needs.

For most restaurants, the decision comes down to whether you need a POS system or not. If yes, Toast offers tremendous value as an integrated solution. If no, MarketMan provides superior inventory-specific features at a lower total cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use both Toast and MarketMan together?
Yes, MarketMan integrates with Toast POS. Some restaurants use Toast for POS operations and MarketMan for advanced inventory management, though this adds complexity and cost.

Which system is easier to learn?
Both have similar learning curves. Toast may be slightly easier if your staff is familiar with modern POS systems. MarketMan is intuitive if you focus on inventory management.

Do I need special hardware for either system?
Toast requires proprietary hardware (terminals, printers, kitchen display systems). MarketMan works on any device with a web browser or mobile app.

Can I switch from one to the other later?
Switching from Toast to another system can be difficult due to the 3-year contract and hardware investment. Switching away from MarketMan is easier due to month-to-month contracts.

Which has better customer support?
Toast is known for excellent 24/7 support. MarketMan offers strong support during business hours, with phone support for Enterprise customers.

Next Steps

Ready to choose between Toast and MarketMan?

1. Try the demo: Request demonstrations from both companies
2. Calculate your ROI: Use our inventory calculator
3. Compare more options: Check our complete software directory
4. Read implementation guides: Toast setup guide
5. Check alternatives: Browse other inventory solutions

Both platforms offer free trials or demos. Take advantage of these to test the systems with your actual menu and workflows before making a final decision.

Need help deciding? Explore our complete guide to implementing restaurant inventory software for more insights.