Beyond Faster Lines: The Real ROI of Restaurant Kiosks

The Changing Economics of Restaurant Operations

Digital ordering in restaurants is shifting from a novelty to a necessity — and not just because today’s customers increasingly expect this option. Rising labor costs and staffing shortages are pressing restaurant and QSR owners to rethink workflows. Labor remains the #1 operational challenge in both full-service and QSR environments. According to a 2024 National Restaurant Association report, 47% of operators anticipate that technology and automation will become increasingly common to address labor shortages.

Self-service kiosk solutions (for ordering, payment, or both) are becoming essential tools in any restaurant tech stack. Many people assume kiosks are just about faster service, and they certainly provide that. But their return on investment (ROI) runs much deeper. Today’s restaurant kiosk systems are far more than just queue busters — they’re revenue generators. Here’s a look at how full-service and QSR kiosks create a high ROI. 

The Tangible Financial Gains of Restaurant Kiosks

Self-service kiosks add value in many ways, increasing customer satisfaction and improving operational efficiencies while decreasing costs. Benefits include:

Increased Ticket Size

Studies show average order value increases by 15-20% when customers order via kiosk. One reason is that customers feel more comfortable ordering what they really want. Kiosk displays also have more room than traditional printed menus to provide tempting visuals and additional nutritional information. Perhaps the main reason for the bigger tickets is that upsells and modifiers are more consistent when handled through interface logic. The kiosk never forgets to suggest extra items or offer meal deals. 

Lower Labor Costs

Automated ordering and payment tasks save labor. A single restaurant kiosk can reduce front-of-house labor by 1–2 employees per shift. For QSRs, that equates to $25,000–$50,000 in annual savings, depending on region and minimum wage. Plus, the remaining staff can be reallocated to other essential tasks, such as food prep and customer service.

Improved Order Accuracy

Restaurant kiosks send orders straight from the customer to the kitchen, eliminating the “middleman” and thereby reducing the potential for human error. The improved accuracy saves money by decreasing food waste, comped meals, and unhappy customers.

Operational Wins That Impact the Bottom Line

Other operational advantages contribute to the ROI of full-service and QSR kiosks.

Shorter Training Times and Lower Turnover

Besides enabling staff reductions and reallocation, kiosks provide labor savings by requiring fewer staff for onboarding. Faster training can be a key advantage, especially during seasonal peaks. Easier workflows also lead to higher employee satisfaction and lower turnover rates. 

Smarter Data for Smarter Decisions

Modern restaurant kiosk systems offer deep customer and menu analytics that are invaluable to operators. Insights include:

• Peak hours
• Menu performance
• Customization trends

This information enables better inventory planning and real-time business decisions that help owners save money and maximize profits.

Guest Experience = Revenue

Repeat customers are a key revenue stream, and diners base their decisions to return not only on the quality of the food but also on the overall experience. Restaurant kiosks enhance the customer experience in several ways.

Control and Customization

Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, have grown to expect a digital-first experience. They prefer having full control over their orders. Guests can make their selections without feeling pressured or rushed, and they can be confident they will get exactly what they want, since they order it themselves.

Reduced Wait Times, Happier Customers

Multiple QSR kiosks can process more simultaneous orders than a single cashier. The shorter lines and wait times lead to:

• Higher throughput
• Increased customer satisfaction
• Repeat visits

And all of these results generate more revenue.

Accessibility and Language Options

Today’s restaurant kiosks offer multilingual interfaces that improve guest comfort in diverse communities. Inclusive ordering capabilities invite a broader customer base.

The Summit — A Restaurant Kiosk Designed for ROI, Flexibility, and Speed

For QSRs and full-service operations alike, kiosks are a strategic investment — not just a tech upgrade. They provide a high ROI through cost savings and revenue generation. The National Restaurant Association’s 2024 report revealed that 1 in 4 restaurant operators planned to invest in self-service tech such as kiosks in 2024. Those operators will have an advantage over 75% of their competitors. Will you be in that group for 2025?

If you’re ready to start exploring the benefits, let us introduce you to our latest state-of-the-art model: the Summit Kiosk. This purpose-built self-service solution is launching soon for QSRs and full-service restaurants. The Summit Kiosk offers flexible configurations to fit a range of front-of-house layouts and workflows. It’s designed to streamline operations, increase throughput, and elevate the guest experience — all of which will grow your bottom line. Stay informed about updates on the Summit Kiosk and other Touch Dynamic announcements by visiting our latest news page, or contact us to discuss your specific business needs.

Media Contact

Rachel Denton
Creative Marketing Director
(732) 382-5701 x136
rdenton@touchdynamic.com