By RTN staff - 8.21.2025
A new eBook, Raising the Bar: How Bars, Taprooms, and Brewpubs Are Scaling Smarter with Handheld Ordering and Streamlined Service, has just been released, offering operators timely insights into the role of next-generation technology in high-volume beverage service. Produced independently by Starfleet Research with underwriting support from Square, the 25-page guide explores how handheld POS devices, mobile tab management, smart inventory systems, and guest engagement tools are reshaping the bar industry.
Based on in-depth market research involving 256 bar, taproom, and brewpub operators and team members, the eBook provides a timely look at how technology is helping high-volume beverage venues boost efficiency, improve guest satisfaction, and strengthen profitability at a time when margins remain razor thin and staffing continues to pose challenges.
Among the key research findings:
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64% of operators now use handheld POS devices for on-floor service, eliminating bottlenecks and increasing order throughput during peak hours. Nearly three in four handheld users reported a significant improvement in service speed and efficiency.
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59% of handheld users saw an increase in average tab size, driven by upsell prompts, item suggestions, and timed promotions surfaced in real time.
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71% of operators support mobile tabs and contactless payments, reducing bottlenecks at closing time, improving sanitation, and driving higher gratuities. In fact, 61% of respondents said contactless payments correlated with higher average tips.
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72% of venues rely on digital inventory tools, with many tying depletion tracking directly into POS data to reduce waste, improve purchasing accuracy, and ensure compliance with alcohol excise reporting.
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74% of operators use digital scheduling and staff management platforms, often integrated with POS data, to better align staffing with real-time demand and reduce labor inefficiencies.
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62% of respondents have integrated digital loyalty programs, with 74% of those reporting an increase in repeat visits and nearly 60% seeing higher average checks among loyalty members.
The eBook also includes case studies from operators such as Ghost Town Brewing in Oakland and Scaffidi’s Restaurant & Tavern in Ohio, demonstrating the real-world impact of handheld POS adoption on sales, staff efficiency, and guest satisfaction.
Raising the Bar is currently available for complimentary download, made possible with underwriting support from Square.
