(RestaurantNews.com)  Quick-service and fast-casual restaurants face some of the toughest operational challenges in hospitality today – balancing speed with accuracy, managing slim margins, and meeting guest expectations for seamless service. A new, research-based eBook published by Starfleet Research, in partnership with Restaurant Technology News and with underwriting support from Square, reveals how leading operators are tackling these challenges head-on with handheld POS devices and self-service kiosks.

The 25-page report, The Future of Fast: How QSRs Are Scaling Smarter with Handheld Ordering and Self-Service Kiosks, is based on an in-depth survey of 264 restaurant professionals. The findings are clear: operators who adopt these next-generation technologies early are outperforming those who wait.

Key Takeaways from the Report Include:

• Handheld devices deliver immediate ROI. 68% of operators using handheld POS report shorter wait times, while 63% say average check sizes increased thanks to faster upsell prompts and table-side ordering.
• Kiosks are becoming non-negotiable. Among restaurants with kiosks, 76% reported reduced wait times, 67% saw increased ticket sizes, and 69% achieved greater order accuracy.
• Analytics drive smarter decisions. Operators using real-time performance dashboards to track KPIs such as throughput, upsell conversion, and menu performance are scaling faster and more profitably.
• Case studies prove the impact. From Taziki’s Mediterranean Café using handhelds to optimize patio, dining, and curbside service, to Uncle Sharkii Poke Bar making kiosks central to its franchise model, operators across the country are proving that handhelds and kiosks aren’t just add-ons – they’re competitive necessities.
• Training and infrastructure matter. The report highlights best practices for implementation, including pre-opening staff training and systems integration, to ensure restaurants avoid costly missteps.

A Playbook for Both New and Existing Restaurants

While the findings provide a clear roadmap for pre-opening operators, the report emphasizes that existing restaurants have just as much to gain. Whether looking to modernize guest service, expand revenue streams, or improve labor efficiency, handheld POS and kiosk technologies are proven tools for both single-unit operators and multi-location brands.

Complimentary Access for Industry Professionals

Made available as a complimentary resource, this eBook equips restaurant owners, operators, and decision-makers with practical insights to help them:

• Launch stronger and avoid first-month stumbles
• Streamline workflows and optimize staffing
• Drive higher revenue without adding headcount
• Deliver faster, more consistent guest experiences
• Build scalable foundations for long-term success

Download the eBook Now