Running a restaurant today requires more than great food and service. It also means having reliable IT support to manage POS systems, reservations, digital menus, and cybersecurity.
With numerous IT support providers claiming to serve restaurants, selecting the right partner can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down the 5 best IT support companies that specialize in restaurant technology. We will compare their pricing models, areas of expertise, and what makes each one stand out. Whether you’re running a single location or managing multiple restaurant brands, you’ll find the information you need to make an informed decision about IT support your business needs.
Key takeaways:
- The best IT support companies for restaurants combine industry-specific expertise with 24/7 availability
- Pricing models vary (hourly, flat monthly retainer, managed services)
- Key factors: scalability, security, and integrations with the restaurant tech stack
- Pros and cons differ depending on whether you need on-site vs remote support
Top 5 IT Support Companies: Comparison Table
Here you can find the best IT support companies compared to each other ⬇️
| Company | Best for | Pricing model | Key features | Why do restaurants choose them |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SpecGravity | Complete restaurant IT solutions | Monthly retainer | POS integration, cloud hosting, 24/7 monitoring, cybersecurity, and national dispatch | Full-service approach with restaurant industry focus and multi-location expertise |
| Mirus IT | UK/EU restaurant chains | Managed services | Proactive monitoring, Microsoft Solutions Partner, security & compliance | 20+ years of experience supporting multi-site businesses across the UK markets |
| Kinettix | Field service & on-site support | Project-based | Nationwide dispatch network, installation services, and emergency repairs | Reliable on-site technicians for critical POS and network system maintenance |
| Auxis | Enterprise restaurant modernization | Managed services | Help desk, infrastructure management, cloud modernization, and cost reduction | Strategic IT outsourcing partner for scaling restaurant enterprises |
| Enitech Solutions | Independent restaurants | Hourly + managed options | POS integration, cybersecurity, flexible support, and budget-friendly pricing | Practical blend of general IT with restaurant-specific expertise |
What should restaurant owners look for when selecting IT support with strong cybersecurity and POS integration expertise?
The business comes first, IT follows. This simple principle should guide your search for restaurant IT support that actually works when you need it most.
- Industry expertise isn’t negotiable. Your IT provider needs to understand restaurant operations, not just generic business tech. They should know the difference between a kitchen display system going down versus a dining room tablet freezing, and why both require different response strategies. Skip providers who treat your POS system like any other computer.
- Response times separate the real players from the wannabes. A 4-hour response window means nothing when your credit card processing fails during Saturday night service. Look for providers offering true 24/7 support with technicians who understand that restaurant problems can’t wait for Monday morning.
- Scalability matters whether you’re planning your second location or your twentieth. The right IT partner grows with your brand without forcing expensive platform migrations or service interruptions. They should handle everything from single-store emergencies to multi-unit network management using the same team that knows your systems.
- Security compliance protects your business and your customers’ data. Your IT support must understand PCI DSS requirements inside and out, not just claim they’re “compliant.” They should proactively monitor for threats and handle security updates without disrupting operations.
- Pricing flexibility allows you to choose between hourly rates for occasional issues, monthly retainers for ongoing support, or comprehensive managed services covering your entire tech stack. The right model depends on your restaurant’s size, complexity, and internal IT capabilities.
- On-site vs remote support is essential. The best IT partners work with whatever systems you already have, whether that’s Toast, Square, Resy, or custom solutions. They don’t push unnecessary upgrades or force you to change platforms to work with them.
Pricing options & tiers
Restaurant IT support pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all, and anyone telling you otherwise doesn’t understand your business. Here’s what you’ll actually pay in the real world.
- Hourly support runs $100–$250 per hour for emergency fixes or one-time projects. This works for established restaurants with internal IT capabilities that occasionally need specialist help. Don’t expect relationship pricing or priority response times with this model.
- Monthly retainers range from $1,000–$3,500, depending on your restaurant’s size, location count, and coverage needs. Single locations typically fall on the lower end, while multi-unit brands with complex integrations hit the higher range. This model gets you dedicated support and faster response times than hourly arrangements.
- Managed services offer flat monthly fees between $2,000–$5,000 covering your complete IT infrastructure. This includes proactive monitoring, security management, vendor coordination, and unlimited support calls. Multi-location brands find this model eliminates surprise costs and provides predictable budgeting.
- Tiered packages typically break down as Basic (single location, business hours), Standard (multi-location, extended hours), and Premium (enterprise features, 24/7 coverage). Each tier adds devices, features, and support hours. The key is matching your actual needs to the right tier without paying for services you don’t use.
Smart restaurant owners budget 2-4% of gross revenue for technology support. A $2 million annual revenue restaurant should expect $3,000-$7,000 monthly for comprehensive IT management. Anything significantly below this range usually means compromised service quality or hidden costs.
What are the top-rated IT support providers for restaurants offering comprehensive solutions?
Finding reliable IT support means cutting through marketing noise and focusing on providers who actually understand restaurant operations. Here’s the real breakdown of companies that deliver real results.
SpecGravity
Pros: Complete IT department replacement for restaurants, 24/7 support with national dispatch coverage, flexible enough to work with many POS and reservation systems, and proven expertise in multi-location rollouts and new store buildouts.
Cons: Premium pricing reflects enterprise-level service quality
Best for: Multi-unit restaurant brands ready to eliminate IT headaches permanently
Client feedback:
Why restaurants choose them: They treat downtime as a business problem, aligning IT directly with operational needs to keep restaurants running without disruption.
Mirus IT
Pros: Strong managed IT services provider with 20+ years of experience, scalable support model, proactive monitoring, and Microsoft Solutions Partner accreditation.
Cons: Focused on UK/EU markets only, less suited for businesses needing international coverage. Not specialized in restaurants and hospitality.
Best for: UK-based restaurant and hospitality groups needing end-to-end IT support with security, cloud, and compliance expertise.
Client feedback:
Source: CloudTango
Why restaurants choose them: Their experience supporting multi-site businesses ensures restaurants get consistent IT services across all locations in the UK.
Kinettix
Pros: Specializes in restaurant IT field services, nationwide and global dispatch network, and proven expertise in multi-location rollouts.
Cons: More focused on field service delivery than full managed IT, so some restaurants may need additional vendors for strategic IT planning.
Best for: Restaurant chains that need reliable on-site technicians for installations, upgrades, and emergency fixes.
Why restaurants choose them: Kinettix’s strength is sending trained techs to any restaurant location quickly, keeping critical POS and network systems running smoothly.
Enitech Solutions
Pros: Combines managed IT, POS integration, and cybersecurity tailored to hospitality; responsive and flexible support praised by clients; cost-effective for independent operators.
Cons: Limited visibility into after-hours coverage and large-scale rollout experience.
Best for: Independent restaurants or small chains seeking a single partner for everyday IT and POS support.
Client feedback:
Why restaurants choose them: Enitech Solutions is a practical, budget-friendly choice that blends general IT with restaurant-specific expertise.
Auxis
Pros: Full restaurant IT support services, including help desk, infrastructure management, cloud, and modernization, with a strong focus on cost reduction and efficiency.
Cons: Auxis primarily serves mid-size to enterprise restaurants; smaller independent businesses may find services more than they need.
Best for: Growing or enterprise-level restaurant brands seeking modernization and end-to-end IT outsourcing.
Client feedback:
Source: Auxis Website
Why restaurants choose them: Their combination of IT outsourcing, modernization, and cost efficiency makes them a strategic partner for scaling restaurant enterprises.
Where can restaurant owners find the most reliable IT support services for managing their systems and networks?
Choosing reliable IT support makes the difference between smooth operations and costly downtime. Restaurant owners should focus on specific providers like Specific Gravity or Mirus IT, and avoid generic companies offering broad services. Platforms like G2 and Trustpilot offer reliable client reviews, which are crucial to look for before making a decision.
Look for flexible pricing models, 24/7 availability, and providers who work with your existing technology instead of pushing expensive changes.
Pro Tip: Get referrals from other restaurant owners and verify any provider’s restaurant experience before deciding.
Ready to eliminate IT headaches? Contact Specific Gravity today to learn how our restaurant-focused support keeps your technology running smoothly while you focus on what matters the most – serving customers.
FAQ
What are the top 10 IT companies?
The top 5 IT support companies for restaurants are SpecGravity, Mirus IT, Kinettix, Auxis, and Enitech Solutions.
Which company is best for restaurant IT support?
Specific Gravity ranks among the best restaurant IT support companies for multi-unit brands needing comprehensive technology management.
How much should you pay per hour for IT support?
Restaurant IT support typically costs $100-$250 per hour for emergency or project-based work. The best restaurant IT support companies often recommend monthly retainers ($1,000-$3,500) or managed services ($2,000-$5,000) for better value and faster response times.
How do you choose an IT support company?
Choose restaurant IT support by evaluating three key factors: 24/7 response times, restaurant-specific experience, and service flexibility. Test their response during peak hours and verify experience with your POS system. The best restaurant IT support companies work with existing technology rather than forcing platform changes.
What should I charge for IT services?
IT service providers typically charge restaurants $100-$250 per hour for break-fix support, $1,000-$3,500 monthly for retainer agreements, or $2,000-$5,000 for comprehensive managed services. The best restaurant IT support companies price based on location count, system complexity, and coverage requirements.
What is the average rate for IT services?
Average restaurant IT support rates range from $100-$250 hourly, $1,000-$3,500 monthly retainers, or $2,000-$5,000 for managed services.
How much should managed IT services cost?
Managed IT services for restaurants typically cost $2,000-$5,000 monthly, depending on location count and system complexity.
What is the 30/30/30 rule in restaurants?
The 30/30/30 rule suggests restaurants spend 30% on food costs, 30% on labor, and 30% on overhead (including rent, utilities, and technology). The best restaurant IT support companies help optimize the technology portion of overhead costs through efficient managed services.
What is the 5-5-5 rule in restaurants?
The 5-5-5 rule focuses on achieving 5% net profit margin, keeping food waste under 5%, and maintaining 5% or less staff turnover monthly.
Which company has the best tech support?
Among the best restaurant IT support companies, Specific Gravity leads for comprehensive multi-unit support with their “business first, IT follows” approach. Kinettix excels in technology integrations, while Auxis focuses on managed services solutions.
