Category Archives: A-Restaurant

Restaurant Technology

Restaurants today rely on a variety of technology solutions to enhance their operations and improve guest experiences. The majority these days are cloud-based, which comes with its positives and negatives. Here are some essential types of restaurant technology:

  • Touchscreen Point of Sale (POS) Terminals: Modern POS systems with intuitive interfaces allow efficient order-taking, payment processing, and tracking. Some even have guest-facing screens for a seamless experience
  • Self-Order Kiosks: These interactive kiosks enable guests to place orders directly, reducing wait times and streamlining the ordering process
  • Kitchen Display Screens: These screens display incoming orders in the kitchen, helping chefs manage preparation efficiently and ensuring timely service
  • Printers for Restaurant: Printers are essential for generating order tickets, receipts, and kitchen chits
  • Cash Drawers: Secure storage for cash transactions at the point of sale
  • Integrated Online Ordering Solutions: Seamless integration with online platforms for delivery and takeout orders 1.
    Payroll Solutions: Streamline payroll management for restaurant staff
  • Scheduling Software: Efficiently manage employee schedules and shifts
  • Inventory Management Software: Helps track inventory levels, reduce waste, and optimize stock
  • Reservation Software: Facilitates table reservations and guest management
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Tools to manage customer data, loyalty programs, and feedback
  • Digital Menu Design Tools: Create visually appealing digital menus for guests
  • Online Ordering & Delivery Platforms: Enable online ordering and delivery services

Restaurant POS ROI — Reduced Labor, More Profit and More Sales

restaurant roi nanonation clover samsung

Case Study of Three Example Restaurants Before and After “Elevating Restaurant Finances: The Transformative Power of Self-Ordering Kiosks,” presents a detailed study on how self-ordering kiosks can dramatically improve financial outcomes for independently owned counter-service restaurants.​ Editor Note — Nanonation AI offers a “suggestive selling” AI tool that recommends the best combinations based on learning from orders over… Read More »

2025 State of Restaurant Industry

state of restaurant industry national restaurant association 2025

National Restaurant Association Report 2025 The State of the Restaurant Industry 2025 report by the National Restaurant Association provides a comprehensive outlook on restaurant performance, sales forecasts, workforce developments, technology adoption, and consumer behavior patterns shaping the year ahead. Overview The report is based on surveys from operators and consumers across six key categories—family dining, casual dining, fine dining, quick… Read More »

Top 50 Point-of-Sales Systems Market Data Report

TIG Analysis – Self-Service “Hooks”, experiments and functions the POS supports The restaurant technology landscape is undergoing a major transformation driven by the rapid evolution of point-of-sale (POS) systems. As the operational hub of modern dining, POS platforms have moved far beyond simple transaction processing to become integrated ecosystems powering every aspect of service delivery, customer engagement, and… Read More »

AI & the New Era of Intelligent Kiosks – WIP

AI and Intelligent Kiosks

AI and Kiosks Article Preview – WIP We don’t usually do this but here is the preliminary outline for our upcoming article AI and Intelligent Kiosks. Comments and suggestions are welcome. craigkeefner@pm.me We have a new columnist coming on board with market research experience and input and interviews are always helpful I. Introduction – The New Intelligence Behind… Read More »

McDonald’s Kiosk – Top Three Questions

mcdonalds digital sales

Why Did They Introduce? Fewer Employees?  Higher Sales? Updated Feb 2026 — new 2025 McDonalds digital revenue number + reference links + table 1. Why did McDonald’s introduce kiosks? People wonder whether kiosks are meant to replace workers or just improve speed and accuracy. The answer usually highlights customer convenience, higher order accuracy, increased upselling, and the ability… Read More »

Custom Kiosk Enclosure Design – Branding

Custom Kiosk design enclosure design

Why Custom Kiosk Enclosure Design Matters Understanding kiosk enclosure design — The difference between a kiosk that thrives and one that fails often comes down to design. Expert kiosk designers don’t just design kiosks that work—they design kiosks that delight, inspire confidence, and deliver results. It takes years of trial and error to understand the nuances of kiosk design. … Read More »

Best Restaurant POS For Small Restaurants

top three restaurant POS systems

Consensus Recommendations for Feature-Rich and Cost-Effective Restaurant POS We will eliminate the suspense here and let you know off the bat that TOAST and Aloha/NCR/whatever are not on the list. They are in our reading material for sure (thanks for the input Jordan). Usual dollar-driven media rarely cover the small restaurant and the “smallest” restaurant. Not profitable for… Read More »

Popeyes Kiosks in Travel Center

popeyes kiosk

TravelCenters of America Enhances Dining Experience with Popeyes Kiosks TravelCenters of America (TA) is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Popeyes, aimed at revolutionizing the dining experience for travelers. TA would also like to recognize Tillster for their instrumental role in this initiative, noting the positive feedback from TA Groups on their experience working with the Tillster… Read More »

2025 Restaurant Tech Report Canopy

Canopy restaurant report

What Customers Want From QSR Technology and Where Brands Fall Short The 2025 Restaurant Tech Report by Canopy provides a nuanced look at how technology is shaping customer experiences in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector, highlighting both benefits and ongoing challenges. Canopy, a provider of remote monitoring and management (RMM) software for connected products, recently released a report… Read More »

LG’s Next-Gen Kiosks Advance a “Better Life for All”

The Industry Group Kiosks and Digital Signage

Designing Accessibility into Everyday Interactions This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the landmark legislation that transformed public spaces, workplaces and digital platforms in the United States by protecting the rights of people with disabilities. This milestone is ushering in a new generation of B2B technology that is reshaping the way accessibility… Read More »

McDonald’s Kiosk – Magnification and Reach Mode Accessibility

McDonald's Kiosk Accessibility ADA

Extending Accessibility to Kiosks and Online From McDonald’s — Accessible to Everyone – Including Online! At McDonald’s®, we believe it’s important that all our customers feel welcome and comfortable – both in our restaurants and online. That’s why we’ve improved our digital channels and technologies to make them more accessible to everyone. We aim to ensure that everyone… Read More »

Ingenico Newsletter Payments

ingenico payments kiosk

MWAA 2025, SoftPOS transforming Androids & Palm Vein Cielo interview Newsletter on LinkedIn September 5, 2025< Welcome to the twenty-third edition of The Ingenico Newsletter. Today, we’ll talk about MWAA 2025, SoftPOS transforming Androids & Palm Vein Cielo interview. 📖 Make yourself comfortable to enjoy your reading! 📅 MWAA 2025 – Event Recap MWAA 2025 was an incredible… Read More »

Self-Ordering Kiosk LG Announcement – Hands Free too

LG kiosk Mike

Accessibility From The Start – Designed, Configured and Tested This is the first kiosk designed from the ground up for accessibility. TFA is known for its work with Southwest Airlines and their check-in units.  This is the first AI-assist for conversational AI voice kiosk we have seen. Not surprised to see Soundhound in the mix. Starting at $2667. … Read More »

Zebra Buys Elotouch

A black Pac-Man shape faces right, appearing to eat two logos: one saying ZEBRA with a zebra head icon, and the other saying ēlo with a macron over the e—symbolizing the recent news that Zebra buys Elo Touch. The background is white.

What Next For the Self-Service Industry? We heard about it last week and noted it on the homepage. Zebra has a knack for this. Think Motorola for example. Rumors were that Crestview wasn’t entirely happy with the results at Elo.  Rumors of the sale were at RetailNOW.  We are sad to see Elotouch, once again, sold off. They… Read More »

SoundHound AI and Acrelec Partner

Logos of SoundHound and Acrelec partner, separated by a vertical line, on a solid purple background. Acrelec’s logo includes the text “a GLORY company” underneath.

Next Generation of AI-Powered Drive-Thrus SoundHound AI and Acrelec announced a strategic partnership to bring advanced, voice-enabled drive-thru systems to restaurants worldwide. When we saw the nice Burger King drive-thru demo with Acrelec it was clear that they had gotten it right.  There are competitors to Soundhound for sure (Sodaclick e.g.). Acrelec has some nice videos. Not surprisingly,… Read More »

Benefits of Restaurant Kiosks by Acrelec Video

A woman in an orange shirt speaks into a microphone. Text reads: The hidden benefits of self-order kiosks and digital signage for restaurants. Acrelec and GLORY company logos appear at the bottom right. The background features a restaurant setting.

The Hidden Benefits of Self-Order Kiosks Nice video by Acrelec covering main benefits of self-order kiosks. Self-order kiosks have become a  familiar sight in restaurants, offering convenience and efficiency to  customers. But beyond the obvious advantages, these kiosks bring several hidden benefits  that can transform operations and elevate the dining experience. Let’s uncover what makes  self-order kiosks a game-changer for restaurants.… Read More »

EAA Compliance – Acrelec Video Demonstation

EAA Compliance Acrelec

Acrelec EAA ADA Demonstration Good to see clear video demonstrating accessibility as mandated by new EAA.  Words can be difficult to judge. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) The European Accessibility Act (EAA) significantly impacts self-ordering in restaurants, particularly for those operating in or serving customers within the European Union. Starting June 28, 2025, all new consumer-facing digital devices—including self-service kiosks, table… Read More »

Request Information

Request for Information Thanks for visiting and we are happy to help.  Typically we distribute your request to all of the members and they will respond to you.  Craig can respond personally if you prefer. craigkeefner@pm.me craig.keefner@gmail.com You can text Craig at 720-324-1837 Top Ten Self-Service Products Our Members Provide Kiosk Enclosures – indoor, outdoor, standard, custom Kiosk… Read More »

Starbucks Kiosk – Rumors are South Korea and Japan Coming

A news video screenshot shows the Starbucks logo on a storefront. The headline reads: Starbucks Korea, Japan to roll out self-order kiosks in tourist-heavy locations across South Korea and Japan. Korean text appears beneath the logo.

Starbucks Kiosk Starbucks announced on Monday a plan to implement the coffee franchise’s first self-order kiosks in select stores across tourist-heavy areas in South Korea and Japan. The kiosks are aimed at enhancing the customer experience by reducing wait times and streamlining the ordering process. In South Korea, the kiosks will debut at the Starbucks Korea branch in… Read More »

AI, Connectivity, Robotics And Data Spur Self Service On Multiple Fronts

AI Connectivity Robotics and Data in Self-Service

AI, Connectivity, Robotics In Self-Service It would hardly be an overstatement to say that artificial intelligence computing, in combination with more powerful connectivity, robotics and an explosion of data, has jump-started innovation in most industries. For the self-service industry, the technology has unleashed opportunities to boost customer experiences, oftentimes in a more economical manner. Such advancements have fostered… Read More »

Restaurant Accessibility Blind and Low Vision Customers

Illustration of a person standing in front of a large computer screen with chat bubbles, reaching up to interact with the display. The word Accessibility is written at the top, highlighting inclusive Web Services against a blue background.

Restaurant Accessibility Survey Download Restaurant Accessibility Survey — Customer loyalty is crucial for any organization, including the restaurant industry. How a restaurant treats customers with disabilities can significantly affect that loyalty and have a lasting impact on their business. Between February and March 2024, Vispero and TPGi surveyed over 600 blind and low-vision people about their experiences accessing… Read More »

AI Connect Bar – Conversational AI Audio Gets a Leg Up

A black rectangular soundbar speaker with rounded edges and a perforated front grille, shown at an angle on a white background. An orange, abstract shape appears above the speaker, hinting at conversational technology and AI advancements inside.

Audio in High Noise Environments with AI The first unified communications product designed to leverage the full power of Conversational AI. The new AI Connect Bar combines the industry’s best microphones with a tuned, amplified speaker system into one sleek peripheral with a single USB connection to seamlessly attach to most All-in-One (AiO) touchscreen computers and kiosks. If… Read More »

Restaurant Report on Self-Service – Tillster

Collage of various fast food restaurant interiors and digital menu displays. Images showcase colorful menu boards, ordering kiosks enhanced by ACRELEC AI Voice technology, and seating areas with bright signage, highlighting different meal offerings in a modern setting.

Review 2025 Tillster Phygital Index Report The “2025 Tillster Phygital Index Report” is a comprehensive analysis of consumer behaviors and preferences related to digital and physical ordering experiences in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) and fast-casual sectors in the United States. The report is confined to US-based consumers, based on a survey of 1,005 diners conducted in February 2024.… Read More »

Apex Pickup Lockers Solutions Pittsburgh Zoo

A restaurant wall features an Apex Pickup Solutions self-service kiosk on the left and cubbies labeled “Pick Up Here” on the right for food order pickups; part of a menu and a plant are partially visible.

Lockers Pickup Solutions in Pittsburgh Latest deployment from Apex. Just so happens to include Olea Kiosks too. Last week we ran story on Applebee’s pickup food lockers from Apex From LinkedIn Less time in lines = More time with lions 🦁 That’s the experience guests are getting at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, where we partnered with SSA Group… Read More »

National Restaurant Preview – Press Release

Promotional image for the National Restaurant Association Show, May 17-20, 2025, at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL. Features a bright orange background, people interacting with kiosks on a screen, and the text Step Into The Future of Foodservice.

National Restaurant Association Show 2025 and Kiosk Association Visit Booth 8030 for Kiosks and Digital Signage at National Restaurant Association Show — As seen on APnews and also PRnewswire WESTMINSTER, Colo., April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Come see Kiosk Manufacturer Association (KMA) in booth 8030 (NRA site). Self-order kiosks and smart food vending will be highlighted, implementing interactive and static digital signage… Read More »

Acrelec Rebrands

KFC kiosk Acrelec

Acrelec Unveils Rebrand as Company Continues Market Expansion March 27, 2025 — From CityBiz — It’s been clear for awhile that Acrelec is the leader in restaurant kiosks, and a lot more. Editors Note: The Acrelec logo communicates a sense of modernity, innovation, and technological sophistication. The stylized “A” design resembles a sleek, curved shape, suggesting dynamism and… Read More »