The Beat
A blog to check the pulse of bar & restaurant business
Real-world advice on choosing, implementing, and optimizing your point of sale system. No fluff, just actionable tips from industry consultants.
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Recent Articles
SmartTab vs SkyTab for Nightclubs: Which is Faster?
Speed matters when you're doing 500+ transactions an hour. Here's our head-to-head comparison.
7 POS Reports That Actually Help (And 5 That Don't)
Stop drowning in data. Focus on the reports that drive real decisions.
How to Stop Bartender Theft Without Being "That Owner"
Smart systems that catch problems without destroying trust or morale.
Restaurant Table Management: What Most POS Systems Get Wrong
Turn tables faster without rushing guests. The features that actually matter.
Toast POS Hidden Fees: What They Don't Tell You Before You Sign
A breakdown of the real costs behind that "free" hardware offer.
Bottle Service POS: Features That Actually Matter for Nightclubs
VIP tracking, pre-auth holds, and table minimums done right.
The Blueprint to Creating Million Dollar Restaurants
The 5-step system to build operations that are consistent, scalable, and predictable.
What It's Like Working With Pulse POS: Our 5-Step Process
From assessment to ongoing growth—here's exactly how we make POS transitions seamless.
The 3 Types of Restaurant Owners: Which One Are You?
From the Idea Generator to the Hustler to the Systems Builder—discover your type.
POS System This or That: Making the Right Choices
Speed vs cost, cloud vs server, fixed vs variable—the key decisions explained.
Menu Market Fit: Why Your Menu Should Match Your Market
A great menu in the wrong market is a losing menu. Learn about menu-market fit.
Hospitality vs Service: The Difference That Transforms Your Restaurant
Service is what you do. Hospitality is how you make people feel.
5 Signs You Need a New POS System (And 2 Reasons to Stay)
Not every frustration means you need to switch. Here's how to know when it's time.
POS Strategy Guide: The 6-Phase Framework for Success
From assessment to optimization—the complete playbook for POS implementation.
My Pricing Philosophy: Why I Don't Compete on Price
The race to the bottom helps no one. Here's why value beats cheap every time.
Managing Pour Costs: The Complete Guide for Bar Owners
Master the formulas, benchmarks, and POS features that control your liquor costs.
Switching POS Doesn't Have to Suck: A Reality Check
Every fear about switching systems—debunked. It's easier than you think.
Why I Only Sell a Few POS Systems
Quality over quantity. Deep expertise over surface knowledge. Here's why less is more.
How to Calculate POS ROI: The Real Numbers
Stop guessing. Here's exactly how to measure if your POS investment is paying off.
Training Staff on a New POS: The 3-Day Method
Get your team confident and competent in just 3 days with this proven approach.
POS Payment Processing: What You're Really Paying
Credit card fees are confusing by design. Here's what actually matters.
Setting Up Happy Hour in Your POS: The Right Way
Automated time-based pricing that actually works. No more manual price changes.
POS Inventory Management: Do You Actually Need It?
The honest answer depends on your operation. Here's how to decide.
KDS Kitchen Display Systems: The Complete Guide
Ditch the paper tickets. Everything you need to know about kitchen displays.
POS Integrations: What Actually Matters
"500+ integrations" means nothing. Here's which ones you'll actually use.
Cash Handling Best Practices for Bars
Systems that keep your drawer balanced and your money where it belongs.
Handheld POS Tablets: Are They Worth It?
Tableside ordering can transform your service—if you do it right.
POS Security: Protecting Your Business
Security isn't sexy, but a data breach will ruin your week.
Server-Based vs Cloud POS: Which Is Right?
The old-school vs new-school debate. Here's what actually matters.
POS Offline Mode: When Internet Goes Down
It's Saturday night, you're packed, and the internet dies. Now what?
Choosing POS Hardware: What You Actually Need
Don't overpay for equipment you don't need. The essential hardware guide.
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