Research: Technology-Driven Growth Fuels 8% Profit Gains for Quick Service Restaurants |

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Research indicates technology-driven growth has led to an 8% profit increase for quick service restaurants (QSRs). A report by PAR Technology highlights significant rises in digital transactions: kiosk usage up 27% yearly, mobile orders up 21%, and delivery volumes surged 383% since 2020. Despite rising labor costs, QSRs benefitted from digital engagement and integrated tech platforms, with recommendations to invest in first-party delivery and automate labor to enhance efficiency and profitability.

https://restauranttechnologynews.com/2025/05/research-technology-driven-growth-fuels-8-profit-gains-for-quick-service-restaurants/

From QSR to Fine Dining: How Restaurants Are Adapting to Self Ordering Systems

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Restaurants are evolving with self-ordering systems, moving from fast food to fine dining. Kiosks, tablets, and apps allow guests to independently place orders, enhancing accuracy and speed while addressing staffing shortages and customer demand for convenience. Fast food chains pioneered this trend, but now casual and fine dining venues also utilize technology to improve service without detracting from personal interactions. Though these systems offer many benefits, such as increased order accuracy and customer satisfaction, challenges include costs, maintenance, and ensuring accessibility for all patrons.

https://techbullion.com/from-qsr-to-fine-dining-how-restaurants-are-adapting-to-self-ordering-systems/

Self-service QSR Kiosks Enhance Speed, Customization, but Lower Friendliness Scores

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Self-service kiosks improve speed and customization in QSRs but reduce perceived friendliness, according to an Intouch Insight study. Voice AI drive-thrus are faster and friendlier, though some orders still need human help. The study emphasizes blending efficiency with human connection for better customer experiences.

https://www.kioskmarketplace.com/news/self-service-qsr-kiosks-enhance-speed-customization-but-lower-friendliness-scores/

An Intouch Insight Report on Emerging Restaurant Experiences

Intouch Insight’s 2025 Emerging Experience Study analyzes the impact of new technologies like Voice AI, kiosks, and mobile ordering on the restaurant industry, utilizing mystery shoppers for data collection. Key findings show Voice AI enhances speed at drive-thrus, while mobile ordering reduces wait times significantly. Kiosks offer customization but decrease friendliness scores. The report aims to guide restaurants in improving customer experiences.

https://www.intouchinsight.com/resources/studies/future-of-restaurants/

Beyond the Counter: How Kiosks Are Revolutionizing the Fast Food Experience

Kiosks are transforming the fast food industry, shifting from traditional counters to self-service options that enhance customer experience. The 2025 Phygital Index Report reveals 61% of diners prefer more kiosks, driven by demand for personalization and convenience. Kiosks not only facilitate ordering but also utilize loyalty systems to provide tailored suggestions, thereby increasing engagement and revenue. This technology is essential for QSRs and fast-casual restaurants to adapt to evolving consumer expectations and foster lasting loyalty through enhanced experiences.

https://www.kioskmarketplace.com/articles/beyond-the-counter-how-kiosks-are-revolutionizing-the-fast-food-experience/

ABB and BurgerBots Unveil Robotic Burger-making to Revolutionize Fast Food Prep

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ABB and BurgerBots introduce an innovative automated burger-making restaurant in Los Gatos, California, featuring robots like IRB 360 FlexPicker® and YuMi®, which enhance meal assembly speed and hygiene. A survey shows strong support for automation in hospitality as a solution to labor challenges, with robots taking over repetitive tasks to improve employee focus on customer service. The BurgerBots concept promises consistent, efficient food service with real-time inventory management, paving the way for broader robotic adoption in the industry.

https://new.abb.com/news/detail/125513/prsrl-abb-and-burgerbots-unveil-robotic-burger-making-to-revolutionize-fast-food-prep

Voice of the Consumer Survey 2024

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PwC’s 2024 Voice of the Consumer Survey reveals a growing consumer trust gap in brands amidst escalating financial, ecological, and technological disruptions. Companies must focus on six key imperatives to build trust: connect with eco-conscious consumers, reflect wellness desires in products, balance social media engagement with credibility concerns, safeguard personal data, meet value expectations amidst inflation, and responsibly incorporate AI. The survey, involving over 20,000 consumers globally, highlights increased environmental awareness, the need for transparency in food and product choices, and the rising expectation for brands to act responsibly for both society and the environment. Trust is increasingly viewed as essential for growth and market share in an expanding consumer class.

https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/issues/c-suite-insights/voice-of-the-consumer-survey.html

Why Regional Leadership Is Key to QSR Growth

QSR leaders are shifting to regional matrix models for improved efficiency and innovation, consolidating operations to make quicker decisions and enhance collaboration amid industry challenges like labor shortages and inflation. This approach allows for rapid initiative rollout, stronger supplier relationships, and better data-driven decision-making. It necessitates new leadership skills focused on cross-cultural management, talent diversity, digital transformation, and balancing efficiency with local market needs. Overall, regional models are becoming crucial for operational excellence and innovation in the evolving QSR landscape.

https://www.qsrweb.com/blogs/why-regional-leadership-is-key-to-qsr-growth/

Square Debuts Restaurant Kiosk For Self-Serve Ordering

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Square has launched the Square Kiosk, a self-service ordering tool for fast food restaurants, integrating software, hardware, and payment solutions. This kiosk allows diners to customize orders directly sent to kitchens, reducing wait times and improving order accuracy, while helping restaurants manage rising labor costs. Research indicates strong consumer preference for self-service in quick-service settings compared to full-service restaurants.

https://www.pymnts.com/restaurant-innovation/2024/square-debuts-restaurant-kiosk-for-self-serve-ordering

Fiserv Debuts Restaurant Kiosks as Self-Service Gains Ground

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Fiserv launched a new self-service restaurant solution, the Clover Kiosk, aimed at improving order management and reducing costs amidst rising self-service trends in the food industry. The initiative supports restaurant operators in adapting to efficiency challenges while enhancing customer experiences. With increasing labor shortages and costs, self-service solutions are becoming essential, although some customers still prefer human interaction over technology in dining settings.

https://www.pymnts.com/restaurant-technology/2024/fiserv-debuts-restaurant-kiosks-as-self-service-gains-ground

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