Finding good employees has always been a challenge in the restaurant business. People come and go quickly, and you often need to hire fast to keep things running smoothly. Posting jobs on different websites, going through emails, and trying to remember who applied where can take a lot of time. It's easy to miss out on great candidates just because the process is messy or slow.

That's where an applicant tracking system, or ATS, can really help. It's a tool that keeps all your job applications in one place. It lets you post jobs, review applications, schedule interviews, and talk to candidates - without jumping between different apps or papers. Many of these systems also let people apply from their phones, which is great since most job seekers are on mobile devices.

In 2025, more restaurant owners are turning to these systems because they save time, help hire better people, and make the whole process easier. Whether you run a small cafe or a chain of locations, using an ATS can help you keep up with hiring and reduce stress for you and your managers. This article will walk you through the top ATS options built with restaurant needs in mind.

An applicant tracking system, or ATS, is a tool that helps restaurant owners and managers organize and manage the hiring process. Instead of keeping track of resumes through emails, paper applications, or spreadsheets, an ATS puts everything in one simple system. You can post jobs, collect applications, sort through candidates, schedule interviews, and even send messages - all in one place.

For example, if you're hiring a line cook, a server, and a dishwasher, an ATS helps you list each job online and track the people who apply. When someone submits an application, you can see it right away, sort them by job position, and quickly spot the ones who are most qualified. Many systems will even let you add filters, so you can see which applicants have restaurant experience or are available during your needed shifts.

Another helpful feature is that applicants can often apply right from their phone. Since most restaurant job seekers are on the go, this makes it easier to get more applications faster. Plus, everything is stored in the system, so you and your managers won't lose track of someone's resume or forget to follow up.

An ATS is especially useful for restaurants that are always hiring or have multiple locations. Instead of dealing with paper stacks and missed messages, you get a cleaner, faster way to find and hire good people. It helps you stay organized and gives your applicants a better experience too.

Hiring in the restaurant world is fast-paced and unpredictable. Unlike office jobs that may take weeks to fill, restaurant roles often need to be filled within days - or even hours. This creates a few unique challenges that an applicant tracking system can help solve.

First, speed is one of the biggest needs. When a server quits or a cook calls out, you don't have time to waste. You need a system that helps you post jobs quickly, review applications right away, and schedule interviews without back-and-forth emails or missed calls.

Second, restaurant owners need simplicity. You and your managers are already juggling food orders, staff schedules, and customer service. A complicated hiring tool just adds more stress. That's why the best ATS platforms are designed to be simple and easy to use - so you don't need special training or tech knowledge to get started.

Third, mobile access is a must. Most restaurant workers don't have resumes saved on their computers. They use their phones to look for jobs and apply. If your application process isn't mobile-friendly, you'll miss out on a lot of potential hires. A good ATS makes it easy for people to apply from their phones in just a few minutes.

Lastly, keeping everything organized matters. When you're hiring for several positions at once, it's easy to lose track of who's applied, who you've messaged, or who's scheduled for an interview. An ATS helps keep all that info in one place, so you can stay on top of every step.

Not all applicant tracking systems are created equal, especially when it comes to the needs of restaurant owners. When choosing the right system, it's important to focus on features that make your life easier, save time, and help you stay organized. Here are the key things to look for when evaluating ATS platforms in 2025.

First, make sure the system is easy to use. You and your managers don't have hours to spend learning complicated software. A good ATS should have a simple layout, clear buttons, and step-by-step instructions. It should also be quick to set up, so you can start posting jobs and reviewing applications right away.

Second, look for mobile-friendly features. Most restaurant applicants are applying from their phones. If your system isn't built for mobile users, you could lose out on great candidates. The best ATS tools allow mobile applications, text message updates, and mobile interview scheduling.

Third, the ATS should allow for custom workflows. This means you can set up different hiring steps for different jobs - like hosts, bartenders, or line cooks. You can choose which roles need interviews, which need background checks, and which just need a quick chat.

Another useful feature is integration with other tools you already use, such as payroll software or restaurant scheduling platforms. When your ATS works smoothly with your existing systems, it saves time and prevents mistakes - especially when hiring new staff and adding them to the schedule right away.

Lastly, look for automation. Some ATS platforms can send automatic replies, sort applicants by experience, and remind you to follow up. These features help you move faster and avoid missing out on top candidates.

With so many applicant tracking systems available today, it's important to find one that fits the specific needs of a restaurant. While many ATS platforms are built for general business use, only a few truly understand the fast-moving pace of food service hiring. Here are some of the top applicant tracking systems for restaurants in 2025 - and why one stands out among the rest.

1. Altametrics is quickly becoming the go-to ATS for restaurant owners. Designed specifically for the hospitality industry, Altametrics makes it easy to create job postings, track applications, and schedule interviews - all from one place. What sets it apart is how well it integrates with other tools restaurants already use, including restaurant scheduling and on-boarding systems. You can even generate QR codes for your job listings, making it easy to attract walk-in applicants. Altametrics keeps everything organized and saves managers time, which is critical during busy shifts.

2. ADP is another strong option, especially for businesses already using it for payroll. It offers solid applicant tracking features, though it can feel more tailored to corporate environments than restaurants. Still, it's a reliable platform for multi-location operations.

3. Workday is known for its wide range of HR features. While powerful, it may be more than most independent restaurants need. It's best suited for large chains that want to combine hiring with a full human resources system.

4. Workable offers a simple and modern interface with helpful hiring tools, making it a good choice for smaller restaurants. However, it may require more setup and customization to match the flow of a restaurant's daily operations.

If you're looking for an ATS built with restaurant owners in mind, Altametrics stands out as a smart and practical choice in 2025.

Running a restaurant means managing a lot of moving parts, and hiring can easily become one of the most time-consuming tasks. That's where using an applicant tracking system (ATS) makes a real difference. It helps take the pressure off by organizing the hiring process and saving you and your managers valuable time.

One of the biggest benefits of an ATS is speed. You can post jobs to multiple sites with just a few clicks, instead of logging into each job board separately. You can also view all applications in one place, making it easier to spot the best candidates quickly. Some systems even rank applicants based on experience or availability, helping you decide who to interview first.

An ATS also improves communication. Instead of calling or texting each applicant manually, you can send messages right through the system. You can confirm interviews, follow up with reminders, or let candidates know when a position has been filled - all without losing track.

Another major benefit is organization. Everything related to hiring - applications, resumes, notes, and interview times - is stored in one easy-to-access location. No more searching through email threads or sticky notes.

Plus, using an ATS gives applicants a better experience too. They can apply faster, track their application, and stay informed along the way. That small improvement can make your restaurant more appealing to quality candidates.

Once you've chosen the right applicant tracking system, the next step is getting it up and running smoothly in your restaurant. Good implementation makes all the difference - if it's done right, your team will be using the system with ease in no time.

Start by evaluating your current hiring process. Write down the steps you take from the moment you post a job to when you make a hire. This helps you understand where things can be improved and what features your new ATS needs to handle first.

Next, take time to set up the system properly. Create clear job descriptions for each position - like server, line cook, or cashier - so you don't have to write new ones every time. Add pre-screening questions if your ATS supports them, to help weed out unqualified applicants before the interview stage.

Train your managers and shift leaders on how to use the system. Choose one or two team members to act as the main users at each location. Keep the training short and practical, focusing on tasks they'll do every day - like reviewing applications, sending interview invites, or updating hiring status.

Don't forget about system integration. If your ATS can connect with your restaurant scheduling software or payroll system, take advantage of it. This saves time when moving a new hire into your schedule or setting them up for payment.

Lastly, monitor how things are going. Ask your team for feedback and look for ways to fine-tune the system. With a little effort upfront, you'll build a smoother, faster, and more reliable hiring process.

Hiring the right people is one of the most important parts of running a successful restaurant. With the fast pace of the industry, you can't afford to spend days sorting through applications or trying to schedule interviews through texts and emails. That's why using an applicant tracking system in 2025 isn't just a nice-to-have - it's a smart move for restaurant owners who want to stay ahead.

An ATS helps take the guesswork out of hiring. It organizes all your job listings, applications, and interviews in one place, so you're not juggling paperwork or forgetting to follow up with candidates. It also makes applying easier for job seekers, especially those using their phones, which means more people will apply and you'll have a better chance of finding the right fit.

There are many options out there, but not all are designed with restaurants in mind. Systems like Altametrics stand out because they're built to support the specific needs of restaurant owners - from quick job posting to system integration with restaurant scheduling tools. Choosing a system that understands your business can save you time and help you make better hires.

In the end, the goal is simple - hire faster, hire smarter, and build a stronger team. With the right applicant tracking system in place, you'll spend less time on hiring tasks and more time focusing on your customers and operations. That's a win for your restaurant and your peace of mind.