Restaurant Kiosk, Vending and Digital Signage at NRA

By | April 11, 2022
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 Kiosk Trade Show

Are you looking for restaurant kiosk self-service technology? Here is our main NRA page and here is floorplan  #8030 at NRA show — Order station kiosks, menu boards, digital signage, POS payment options including biometrics and facial, lockers for hot or cold, EV charging, outdoor drive thru menu boards, regulatory ADA and ABA considerations, hardware, software, service and more. We are an association of over 50 companies and 700 listed companies with US, Europe and Asia coverage.

A collage of vending machine kiosks, highlighting self-service machines, a refrigerated drinks display with Grab & Go signage, and a digital kiosk featuring Windows and Android systems—all showcased at 9.00 as seen at the National Restaurant Associations event.

2025 Edition

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Benefits of Kiosks, Digital Signage, and Automated Vending in the Restaurant and Dining Industry

The adoption of kiosks, digital signage, and automated vending has transformed the restaurant and dining sector, delivering measurable advantages in efficiency, customer experience, revenue, and operational flexibility.

Self-Service Kiosks

  • Reduced Wait Times & Faster Service: Kiosks streamline the ordering process, allowing customers to order and pay independently, significantly reducing lines and wait times, especially during peak hours.
  • Improved Order Accuracy: Orders are entered directly by customers and sent to the kitchen, minimizing miscommunication and reducing errors, which leads to higher customer satisfaction and less food waste.
  • Labor Cost Savings: Kiosks automate routine tasks, enabling restaurants to operate with fewer front-of-house staff. Labor can be redeployed to higher-value roles, such as food preparation or customer assistance, optimizing workforce allocation and reducing overhead.
  • Increased Revenue Through Upselling: Kiosks consistently suggest add-ons, upgrades, and high-margin items, leading to higher average check sizes-often 10-30% more per transaction than traditional ordering.
  • Customization and Customer Control: Customers can browse menus, customize orders, and review allergen or nutritional information at their own pace, enhancing satisfaction and catering to dietary preferences.
  • Data Collection & Insights: Kiosks collect valuable data on customer preferences and purchasing patterns, enabling targeted marketing, menu optimization, and personalized promotions.
  • Flexible Integration: Kiosks can be adapted for quick-service, fast-casual, and even some full-service environments, offering options for self-ordering drinks or desserts, or serving as supplementary ordering points during busy periods.

Digital Signage

  • Dynamic Menu Management: Digital signage allows instant updates to menus, prices, and promotions across one or multiple locations, eliminating printing costs and ensuring customers always see current offerings.
  • Enhanced Customer Engagement: High-quality visuals, animations, and interactive elements attract attention, influence purchasing decisions, and keep customers entertained during wait times. Digital signage can display social media feeds, quizzes, or real-time order status updates, increasing brand loyalty and customer satisfaction.
  • Boosted Sales and Promotions: Digital signage is proven to increase sales by promoting add-ons, limited-time offers, and high-margin items. Studies show that digital menu boards influence nearly 30% of customers’ ordering decisions and can increase sales by up to 33% for brands using digital communication systems.
  • Operational Efficiency: Cloud-based digital signage enables remote management and real-time updates, streamlining workflows and reducing the need for manual tasks.
  • Accessibility and Multilingual Support: Digital displays can switch languages and include visual/audio enhancements, making them accessible to a broader customer base, including those with disabilities.
  • Consistent Branding and Marketing: Restaurants can maintain cohesive brand messaging, launch seasonal campaigns, and showcase customer testimonials easily and cost-effectively.
  • Compliance and Safety: Digital signage can broadcast health and safety updates, allergen information, and emergency procedures, supporting regulatory compliance.

Automated Vending

  • 24/7 Convenience: Automated vending machines offer round-the-clock access to food and beverages, catering to customers outside regular dining hours and in high-traffic locations like offices, schools, and hospitals.
  • Cost-Effective Operations: Vending machines reduce the need for physical stores or cafeterias, lowering overhead costs (rent, utilities, labor) and allowing for efficient resource allocation.
  • Minimal Staff Requirements: Machines can be remotely monitored and managed, requiring minimal on-site staff and maintenance, further reducing operational expenses.
  • Increased Revenue Streams: Vending machines generate steady income and can be placed strategically to maximize sales. Some are equipped with digital screens for advertising, creating additional revenue opportunities.
  • Product Variety and Health Options: Modern vending solutions offer a wide range of products, including healthier meal options, snacks, and beverages, appealing to diverse customer preferences and promoting wellness.
  • Inventory and Sales Management: Smart vending machines feature real-time inventory tracking, dynamic pricing, and expiry management, reducing waste and ensuring product freshness.
  • Enhanced Customer Experience: Quick, self-serve purchases and intuitive interfaces provide a hassle-free buying experience, increasing satisfaction and encouraging repeat business.

Solution Key Benefits

Self-Service Kiosks Faster service, order accuracy, labor savings, upselling, customization, data insights
Digital Signage Dynamic menus, customer engagement, sales boost, efficiency, accessibility, branding, safety
Automated Vending 24/7 access, cost savings, minimal staff, extra revenue, product variety, inventory control

Conclusion

Kiosks, digital signage, and automated vending collectively drive efficiency, cost savings, and revenue growth for restaurants. They enhance customer experience through speed, personalization, and convenience, while providing operators with powerful tools for marketing, data-driven decision-making, and operational flexibility. As technology continues to evolve, these solutions are becoming essential for restaurants seeking to stay competitive and meet modern consumer expectations.

More Restaurant Kiosk Resources

Assets

Full page ad for Restaurant News that runs all four days

Click for full size — Restaurant News that runs all four days

Here is foldout ad on front cover for Day 1

Here is foldout ad on front cover for Day 1