The Demand for More Kiosks Is Surging
The quick-service restaurant (QSR) landscape is changing fast and so are customer expectations. Self-service kiosks, once a novelty, have quickly become a core part of the in-store experience for leading brands.
It’s not just about keeping up with technology trends. The data is clear. Self-service kiosks deliver measurable benefits for both guests and operators, from faster service to higher sales.
According to Tillster’s 2025 Phygital Index Report, 61% of consumers now say they want more kiosks in restaurants. This is up from just over a third in 2023. That’s a nearly 25% jump in just two years, driven by convenience, control, and the desire for a smoother ordering process.
This isn’t just a passing fad. It’s a shift in how customers want to interact with restaurants. Kiosks let guests browse the menu, customize orders, and avoid the pressure of a line. This makes it a more relaxed and accurate ordering experience.
Faster Service, Happier Guests
Speed matters in QSRs, and kiosks deliver. Research from Lavu shows self-service kiosks can reduce order wait times by up to 40%. That may result in shorter queues by 25–40%. And, even higher table turnover in hybrid service formats.
This isn’t just a benefit for customers, it’s an operational win. Faster order processing means more transactions per hour, which directly impacts revenue potential, especially during peak periods.
Bigger Orders, Increased Revenue
Perhaps the most compelling stat for operators: kiosk orders tend to be larger than counter orders. Research shows kiosk orders can be 10 to 30% higher in value than walk-up orders.
Why? It’s a combination of factors:
- Upselling prompts that highlight add-ons or upgrades.
- Visual menus that make premium items stand out.
- More time to browse, without the pressure of a line behind you.
For QSRs, that means kiosks can pay for themselves more quickly than many other technology investments.
Meeting Modern Expectations
Today’s consumers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are digital-first in nearly every aspect of their lives. They already use self-checkout at grocery stores, mobile ordering apps, and touchless payment systems.
Restaurants that don’t offer self-service options risk feeling outdated. On the flip side, brands that invest in kiosks signal innovation, efficiency, and a willingness to meet guests on their terms.
Beyond Ordering: Kiosks as a Strategic Tool
Self-service kiosks are more than a point-of-sale device. When integrated into a restaurant’s broader technology ecosystem, they can:
- Sync with loyalty programs to offer personalized deals.
- Provide real-time menu updates for out-of-stock items.
- Integrate with kitchen display systems to streamline prep and reduce errors.
- Collect valuable ordering data for menu optimization and staffing decisions.
In other words, kiosks can become a strategic hub for both guest engagement and operational intelligence.
Ready to Rollout?
Having the right kiosk technology is only half the equation. Success comes down to flawless deployment at scale, and that’s where TechLink comes in.
At TechLink, we make sure your solutions are implemented on spec, on time, and at scale. Whether you’re introducing kiosks for the first time or a technology provider delivering systems to multiple clients, we provide:
Maintain Standards
Nationwide, consistent rollouts so every location meets your brand standards.
Minimize Disruption
After-hours installations which help keep your stores running without disruption.
Management Hub
Centralized project management means you get clear communication and accountability.
Full Integration
Integrated deployments so kiosks, POS, networking, and digital signage work together.
We understand that your kiosk project isn’t just about putting hardware in place. It’s about delivering the customer experience you’ve promised and the ROI you expect.
The Bottom Line
The evidence is overwhelming:
- 61% of guests want more kiosks in restaurants.
- Self-service kiosks can cut order times by up to 40%.
- Average check sizes can be 10–30% higher at kiosks than at the counter.
For QSRs, these numbers point to one conclusion: self-service kiosks aren’t just a nice-to-have — they’re a competitive advantage.