Square Kiosk: Transforming Self-Service Ordering in UK Restaurants

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Square has introduced its latest self-service ordering solution, Square Kiosk, to the UK market, offering a dynamic response to staffing shortages in the hospitality sector. Designed for high-paced and growing restaurants, Square Kiosk integrates software, hardware, and payments into one user-friendly system that facilitates seamless ordering, enhances customer experience, and supports efficient staff allocation.

Revolutionising Customer and Staff Experience in Restaurants

Amid ongoing staffing concerns, Square Kiosk steps in as an “extra pair of hands” for restaurants. With its sleek design and customisation features, the Kiosk allows customers to bypass queues, tailor orders, and complete transactions through embedded contactless and chip technology. Priced at only £1 a day, it not only minimises labour costs but also increases revenue opportunities by encouraging customers to explore add-ons and upgrades.

Samina Hussain-Letch, Square’s UK Executive Director, emphasised the importance of supporting the UK’s hospitality sector. “As the industry moves forward and businesses find new ways to become more efficient and profitable, solutions like Square Kiosk can really help business owners,” she stated. “Our job at Square is to provide the tools and technology to help businesses run, start, and grow.”

Square Kiosk offers a seamless and user-centric experience, empowering customers to place orders with ease. From selection to payment, every interaction is optimised for speed, accuracy, and satisfaction. Customers also benefit from the integrated Square Loyalty programme, which enhances customer retention by rewarding repeat visits. This feature, combined with easy customisation, aims to foster a relationship between restaurants and customers, encouraging loyalty and return visits.

Seamless Integration into Square’s Ecosystem

Square Kiosk works in sync with the Square for Restaurants platform, providing restaurant owners with a flexible and cohesive system that integrates order processing, payments, customer engagement, and sales data tracking. The flexibility in hardware placement—from walls to counters—makes it adaptable for various spaces, helping restaurants maximise their real estate and avoid counter congestion. With real-time syncing, menu updates reflect instantly on the Kiosk, ensuring customers always have up-to-date information on available items and pricing.

Pricing and Accessibility

Square Kiosk’s pricing model offers an affordable entry point for restaurant owners. The software costs £35 per month, per device, while the kiosk hardware is available for £99 plus VAT. Additionally, a free trial until December 2024 allows businesses to experience the Kiosk’s benefits before committing to a subscription. In-person transaction fees apply, offering a scalable cost structure that grows with each restaurant’s usage.

Addressing a Growing Need in the UK Hospitality Market

With ongoing labour shortages, the UK’s hospitality industry continues to face unique challenges. Square Kiosk positions itself as a strategic tool that enables restaurants to maintain service quality while addressing staffing limitations. By automating the ordering process, the system allows businesses to reallocate staff to other essential tasks, improving operational efficiency and customer experience.

Square has long been a leader in providing accessible, integrated financial solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. With the introduction of Square Kiosk, it aims to transform how UK restaurants approach self-service and manage customer flow, making it easier for operators to streamline their services and enhance profitability during peak times.

The Square Advantage: More Than Just Payments

Square’s suite of products offers end-to-end support for businesses, from order processing to inventory management. Beyond payments, Square’s ecosystem supports e-commerce, staffing, and customer engagement, ensuring that businesses have a comprehensive set of tools to thrive. For restaurants, Square Kiosk brings this ecosystem to life, enabling smooth service delivery and giving restaurants a competitive edge in an increasingly digital marketplace.

In conclusion, Square Kiosk represents a step forward for UK restaurants, equipping them with technology to improve service, enhance efficiency, and support sustainable growth. By addressing key challenges in the industry, Square Kiosk offers a powerful solution for restaurant owners looking to adapt and thrive in today’s fast-evolving market.