In the battle of Lavu versus CAKE POS, both systems bring unique strengths to the table. Lavu is particularly strong for Quick-service restaurants, cafes, food trucks using Apple devices, while CAKE POS excels at US restaurants wanting reliable support and Sysco integration. Whether you prioritize 15-minute staff training or Sysco partnership, this comparison covers everything you need to know.
Quick Comparison: Lavu vs CAKE POS
| Feature | Lavu | CAKE POS |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Restaurant | Restaurant |
| Starting Price | $99/month (Starter) | $69/month |
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Target Business | Small Business | Small Business to Mid-Market |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Free Trial | Yes | No |
| Free Version | No | No |
| Best For | Quick-service restaurants, cafes, food trucks using Apple devices | US restaurants wanting reliable support and Sysco integration |
Lavu Overview
Lavu POS is an iPad-based point-of-sale system designed for restaurants, bars, cafes, and food trucks. Features customizable menus, dual pricing options, kitchen display systems, and offline capabilities. Staff can master the system in under 15 minutes.
Lavu is offered by Lavu Inc. (founded 2010) based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. The system focuses on Restaurants, Bars, Cafes, Food Trucks, Quick Service.
Key Features:
- Customizable iPad interface
- Dual pricing (cash/card)
- Kitchen display system
- Online ordering
- Self-ordering kiosks
- Inventory management
CAKE POS Overview
CAKE POS is a restaurant point-of-sale system designed for operational efficiency. Features online ordering, QR payments, and 24/7/365 US-based support. Originally launched by Sysco in 2011, acquired by Mad Mobile in 2020.
CAKE POS is offered by CAKE (Mad Mobile/Sysco) (founded 2011) based in Austin, TX. The system focuses on Full Service, Quick Service, All Restaurant Types.
Key Features:
- POS System
- Online Ordering
- Menu Management
- QR Code Payments
- Payment Processing
- Table Management
Feature Comparison
Lavu Features:
- Customizable iPad interface
- Dual pricing (cash/card)
- Kitchen display system
- Online ordering
- Self-ordering kiosks
CAKE POS Features:
- POS System
- Online Ordering
- Menu Management
- QR Code Payments
- Payment Processing
When comparing features, Lavu stands out with 15-minute staff training, while CAKE POS differentiates itself with Sysco partnership. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | Lavu | CAKE POS |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $99/month (Starter) | $69/month |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Price Range | Mid-range | Mid-range |
| Free Trial | Available | Not available |
| Free Version | No | No |
Both systems offer competitive pricing for their respective feature sets. Consider the total cost of ownership including hardware, processing fees, and add-on modules when making your decision.
Pros and Cons
Lavu
Pros:
- Easy to learn (15 minutes)
- iOS/Apple integration
- Highly customizable
- Offline capabilities
- Dual pricing saves on processing
Cons:
- No free plan
- Cannot cancel before term
- Hardware dependent on Apple
- Price increases reported
CAKE POS
Pros:
- 24/7/365 US-based support
- Reduces wait times
- Increases table turnover
- Apple Pay/Google Pay support
Cons:
- Add-ons can be expensive
- Time tracking/scheduling extra
- US-only availability
Who Should Choose Lavu?
Lavu is ideal for Quick-service restaurants, cafes, food trucks using Apple devices. The system is particularly well-suited for Restaurants, Bars, Cafes, Food Trucks, Quick Service.
However, Lavu may not be the best fit for Businesses without Apple hardware, those needing free options.
Who Should Choose CAKE POS?
CAKE POS is ideal for US restaurants wanting reliable support and Sysco integration. The system is particularly well-suited for Full Service, Quick Service, All Restaurant Types.
However, CAKE POS may not be the best fit for International restaurants, those needing all features in base price.
Our Recommendation
Both Lavu and CAKE POS are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose Lavu if you’re Quick-service restaurants, cafes, food trucks using Apple devices. Choose CAKE POS if you’re US restaurants wanting reliable support and Sysco integration. Lavu has a higher user rating (4.3 vs 4.0). We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.