8.20.2025
Starfleet Research has released a new eBook, The Future of Fast: How QSRs Are Scaling Smarter with Handheld Ordering and Self-Service Kiosks. The free, research-driven guide, independently produced by Starfleet Research and underwritten by Square, was published in partnership with Restaurant Technology News, the industry’s leading source for restaurant technology insights.
Built on input from 264 qualified quick-service and fast-casual restaurant professionals, the 25-page eBook examines how handheld POS devices, self-service kiosks, and real-time data dashboards are transforming operations, boosting profitability, and reshaping the guest experience.
Key Insights from the Research
The study confirms that handheld POS and kiosk adoption is no longer an experiment but, rather, a strategic necessity for modern QSRs. Among the findings:
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68% of QSRs now use handhelds for line-busting or table-side ordering, with 42% deploying them curbside or in drive-thru lanes.
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82% of operators reported a positive impact on service speed, while 63% saw higher check sizes from upsell prompts.
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76% of kiosk-enabled restaurants reduced wait times, 67% increased check sizes, and 69% improved order accuracy.
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77% of handheld users integrate directly with kitchen display systems, cutting prep time and reducing errors.
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79% of QSR operators consider real-time performance data essential to daily operations, yet more than 25% still lack visibility into key KPIs like order time or upsell conversions.
Case Studies: From Setup to Scale
The eBook also highlights real-world examples of how QSR brands are leveraging technology to scale smarter:
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Taziki’s Mediterranean Café deployed handheld POS devices to meet guests wherever they are—patio, dining room, or curbside—integrating orders directly into the kitchen and analytics stack. The results: faster table turns, stronger guest retention, and improved throughput.
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Ggiata Deli in Los Angeles scaled from a single ghost kitchen to multiple storefronts in under three years thanks in part to handhelds that integrate loyalty programs, real-time reporting, and kitchen display systems.
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Uncle Sharkii Poke Bar is using self-service kiosks as a cornerstone of its franchise model, reducing labor costs while giving guests control over customizable bowls and drinks. The kiosks deliver real-time insights into sales and menu performance, ensuring consistency and efficiency as the brand expands nationally.
Beyond Ordering: The Power of Analytics
A major focus of the new eBook is the role of data and dashboards in modern QSR operations. The research shows that top performers are using real-time analytics to:
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Optimize staffing through predictive scheduling based on sales patterns and events.
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Improve menu performance by testing limited-time offers and dynamic pricing.
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Increase loyalty engagement—one QSR found that kiosk-linked loyalty scans boosted spend per order by 21% and overall loyalty engagement by 31%.
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Identify bottlenecks in kitchen throughput and adjust workflows, reducing prep time by as much as 17%.
A Playbook for Growth
Whether planning a new restaurant opening or looking to modernize an existing operation, the eBook provides operators with a comprehensive playbook on how to:
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Deploy handhelds and kiosks to serve more guests with fewer errors.
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Boost revenue through intelligent, context-aware upselling.
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Improve labor productivity and reduce training times.
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Deliver personalized service through loyalty integration and guest recognition.
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Centralize performance visibility to accelerate growth across multiple locations.
The Future of Fast: How QSRs Are Scaling Smarter with Handheld Ordering and Self-Service Kiosks is available now as a complimentary download, courtesy of Restaurant Technology News.
