Hiring in the restaurant industry is no easy feat. Between high turnover rates, seasonal swings, and the constant pressure to deliver exceptional guest experiences, finding and keeping great talent can feel like a full-time job in itself. That’s where an applicant tracking system for restaurants (ATS) can make all the difference.
Whether you run a single neighborhood café or a multi-location franchise, the right ATS can streamline your recruiting, simplify scheduling, and drastically cut hiring time—all without sacrificing candidate quality.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about restaurant applicant tracking systems, from how they work to which features actually make an impact.
What Is an Applicant Tracking System for Restaurants?
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software that automates and manages the hiring process—from job posting to onboarding. In the restaurant world, where staffing needs change frequently, an ATS is like a digital hiring manager that keeps your recruitment organized and efficient.
How It Works
- Job Posting: Instantly push your openings to multiple job boards, your website, and social media platforms.
- Application Management: Collect and sort applications in one place—no more messy email inboxes.
- Communication Hub: Send automated updates, interview reminders, and rejection notices to applicants.
- Analytics: Track time-to-hire, cost-per-hire, and applicant sources to improve future recruitment.
A restaurant-focused ATS like StaffedUp is built with hospitality in mind. It’s easy to use, mobile-friendly, and designed for busy operators who need to hire quickly—without adding extra work. Who wants to spend time on hiring when your to-do list is stacking higher?
Why Restaurants Need an Applicant Tracking System
Hiring in hospitality is unique. Roles are high-volume, turnover is constant, and managers often juggle multiple responsibilities at once.
1. High Turnover Rates
According to the National Restaurant Association, restaurant turnover often exceeds 70% annually. That means your hiring process needs to be fast, consistent, and repeatable.
2. Seasonal and Event-Based Hiring
Restaurant staffing fluctuates with tourism, weather, and events. An ATS helps you manage seasonal surges by building a candidate database you can quickly tap into. The ability to have a qualified applicant pool that can pulled from at any time can revolutionize the way hiring is done. This industry’s turnover rate isn’t going down.
3. Limited Time and Resources
Restaurant managers already wear too many hats—operations, inventory, and guest experience. Manual hiring adds another layer of stress. Automation frees up time for what really matters: your team and customers.
Key Benefits of Using a Restaurant Applicant Tracking System
1. Streamlined Hiring Process
An ATS automates repetitive tasks like posting jobs, sorting applications, and scheduling interviews. This ensures no candidate slips through the cracks and drastically reduces time-to-hire.
2. Better Candidate Quality
With pre-screening tools, knockout questions, and data-driven ranking, an ATS ensures you spend your time only on qualified applicants.
3. Enhanced Communication
Automation keeps candidates in the loop with branded, professional communication—improving your reputation as an employer.
4. Centralized Candidate Database
All your applicants are stored in one searchable system. If a great applicant doesn’t fit now, you can reach out later for new opportunities.
5. Data-Driven Insights
Analytics show which job boards deliver the best candidates, how long hiring takes, and which locations need the most support—helping you refine your strategy.
Key Features to Look for in an Applicant Tracking System for Restaurants
Not all ATS platforms are created equal. For restaurants, ease of use and mobile optimization are critical. Here’s what to prioritize:
1. Multi-Platform Job Posting
Push openings to Indeed, Google Jobs, social media, and your careers page in one click.
2. Mobile-Friendly Design
Most restaurant applicants apply from their phones. Choose an ATS that supports easy mobile applications.
3. Text-to-Apply and QR Code Features
Simplify the application process for walk-ins or customers interested in joining your team. Key here is to keep it present, often. No one should need to put much effort in to find your open roles.
4. Role-Based Access
Allow managers, HR teams, and owners to view and manage candidates for their specific locations.
5. Customizable Application Questions
Tailor applications for front-of-house, back-of-house, or management roles.
6. Reporting and Analytics
Track hiring metrics and identify where you can improve your recruiting funnel.
7. Integration with Payroll and Scheduling
A connected system saves time by automatically transferring new hire data to your HR tools. Connecting payroll + scheduling further saves your time on all HR-related tasks.
Pro Tip: Platforms like StaffedUp specialize in these restaurant-specific features—making it a true all-in-one hiring solution.
How an Applicant Tracking System Reduces Restaurant Turnover
One of the biggest pain points in hospitality is turnover. Every time someone leaves, you face costs for recruiting, onboarding, and training.
Here’s how an ATS helps reduce turnover:
- Improved Screening: Better matches from the start mean employees are more likely to stick around.
- Streamlined Onboarding: A smooth process helps new hires feel valued and prepared.
- Consistent Communication: Keeps candidates engaged and reduces ghosting.
- Data Tracking: Identifies hiring trends and helps address retention issues early.
Restaurants using applicant tracking systems often see a 30–50% reduction in time-to-hire and significant drops in turnover-related costs.
Comparing Traditional Hiring vs. Applicant Tracking Systems
| Feature | Traditional Hiring | With ATS |
| Job Posting | Manual, one platform at a time | One-click posting to multiple sites |
| Resume Sorting | Time-consuming, manual review | Automated filtering and ranking |
| Communication | Inconsistent, often delayed | Automated, branded updates |
| Data Storage | Scattered emails and notes | Centralized, searchable database |
| Time-to-Hire | 2–4 weeks | Often reduced by 50% |
| Candidate Experience | Limited and disjointed | Streamlined and professional |
How to Implement an Applicant Tracking System in Your Restaurant
Switching to an ATS doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth rollout:
Step 1: Define Your Hiring Goals
Clarify what you need: faster hires, better candidates, or centralized data.
Step 2: Choose the Right Platform
Look for a restaurant-specific solution like StaffedUp, designed for hospitality workflows.
Step 3: Set Up Your Branded Careers Page
Make a great first impression with visuals, testimonials, and easy navigation.
Step 4: Train Your Team
Host short training sessions to ensure everyone—from managers to HR—knows how to use the system effectively.
Step 5: Monitor and Refine
Use data and feedback to adjust your hiring strategy and maximize ROI.
| Platform | Target Audience | Core Features (Restaurant-Relevant) | Best For |
| StaffedUp | Restaurants & hospitality employers | Job posting to multiple boards, pre-filtering, mobile-friendly applications, centralized candidate inbox, time-to-hire analytics | Single-location to multi-location restaurants that want a hospitality-focused ATS |
| Harri | Hospitality operators (restaurants, hotels) | Talent sourcing, AI-driven candidate acquisition, forecasting, scheduling integrations, HCM features | Medium to enterprise hospitality groups needing forecasting + hiring in one platform |
| 7shifts (Hiring) | Restaurants focused on scheduling & hiring | Job posting, candidate review, integrations with scheduling and labor tools | Restaurants that already use 7shifts scheduling and want integrated hiring |
| Snagajob | Hourly employers (restaurants heavily represented) | Large hourly job board, employer tools for job posting and candidate outreach, mobile applications | Quick, high-volume hiring for hourly and shift-based roles |
| Hireology | Multi-location retail & hospitality | Job distribution, candidate communication (SMS), referral programs, hiring workflows, background checks | Franchise groups and brands needing structured hiring processes and compliance |
| Workable | General SMBs and enterprises | End-to-end ATS: sourcing, screening, interview scheduling, analytics, AI tools | Operators seeking a full enterprise-grade ATS (less restaurant-specific) |
Real Example: How a Multi-Location Restaurant Improved Hiring with StaffedUp
A growing regional restaurant group struggled with high turnover and inconsistent hiring across its 10 locations. Managers were manually posting jobs, sorting through hundreds of emails, and losing candidates in the shuffle.
After implementing StaffedUp’s restaurant applicant tracking system, they saw:
- 48% faster hiring time across all locations
- Improved communication with candidates and managers
- Consistent branding across all job postings
- Reduced turnover in key hourly positions
By automating their recruiting and centralizing data, the restaurant cut administrative work in half—freeing up managers to focus on operations and guests.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using an Applicant Tracking System
- Ignoring Mobile Applicants
If your application takes longer than 3 minutes on a phone, you’re losing candidates. - Overcomplicating the Process
Too many screening questions can scare off quality applicants. - Not Following Up Quickly
Speed matters—hospitality applicants often accept the first offer they get. - Skipping Analytics
Data shows you what’s working; ignoring it leaves money on the table. Let data be your best friend, not your biggest headache.
Why StaffedUp Is the Best Applicant Tracking System for Restaurants
When it comes to restaurant hiring, StaffedUp stands out as the platform built specifically for the hospitality industry.
Here’s why employers trust StaffedUp:
- Designed for restaurants: Built by people who understand hospitality hiring.
- All-in-one platform: Post, track, and hire—all in one dashboard.
- Automated communication: Keeps applicants engaged from start to finish.
- Multi-location management: Perfect for franchises and restaurant groups.
- Mobile-first design: Make hiring easier for today’s workforce.
👉 Start hiring smarter today. Learn how StaffedUp can transform your restaurant’s recruiting process. Visit StaffedUp to schedule a demo.
Conclusion
A modern applicant tracking system for restaurants is more than just hiring software—it’s a growth tool. It saves time, reduces turnover, and helps you attract the right people who keep your guests happy and your business thriving.
If your team is still juggling spreadsheets, job boards, and overflowing inboxes, it’s time to upgrade your process. With the right ATS, you’ll spend less time hiring and more time delivering the exceptional dining experiences that make your restaurant stand out.
Ready to simplify your hiring process? Try StaffedUp, the hospitality hiring platform built to help restaurants hire faster, smarter, and better.
