White Paper: Ending Lines and Offsetting Labor Shortages in Quick Service Restaurants

For quick-service restaurants (QSRs), efficiency and convenience are essential elements of the customer experience. However, long lines and labor shortages have emerged as significant barriers to providing efficient service. Through the adoption of self-service ordering kiosks, QSRs can overcome these challenges, enhancing customer experiences and driving increased sales. This white paper explores the transformative impact of self-service ordering kiosks on addressing long lines and labor shortages in QSRs.

This is a summary of the full white paper which explores how self-service kiosks in quick-service restaurants can solve labor challenges and end long wait times. Get the full white paper now.

The Problem: Long Lines and Labor Shortages

Long lines are a prevalent issue in QSRs, leading to customer dissatisfaction and potential loss of business. According to Waitwhile’s 2022 survey, 74% of customers abandon their purchases due to lengthy waits. Additionally, labor shortages in the restaurant industry, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, compromise service quality and operational efficiency. The National Restaurant Association’s 2021 survey highlighted staffing as the primary challenge for restaurant operators, leading to reduced services and operational constraints.

The Solution: Self-Service Ordering Kiosks

Self-service ordering kiosks offer a viable solution to mitigate long lines and labor shortages at QSRs. These kiosks empower customers to independently place orders and process payments without the need for cashier assistance, significantly reducing wait times and enhancing operational efficiency. QSR Magazine reports that 60% of customers prefer restaurants offering self-service ordering options, indicating strong customer demand for this innovative solution.

Benefits of Self-Service Ordering Kiosks

Implementing self-service ordering kiosks provides numerous benefits for QSRs:

• Improved Customer Experience: Self-service kiosks streamline the ordering process, reducing wait times and enhancing customer satisfaction. Positive experiences lead to increased customer loyalty and willingness to pay more for superior service.
• Increased Capacity and Sales: By expediting order processing, self-service kiosks enable QSRs to serve more customers efficiently, ultimately driving higher sales. Personalized offers and promotions further boost revenue, with reports of up to 30% sales lift attributed to self-service kiosks.
• Cost Savings: Self-service kiosks reduce labor costs by minimizing the need for staff to handle order-taking and payment processing. This cost-saving measure can translate to significant monthly savings for QSRs, enabling them to allocate resources strategically.

Self-service ordering kiosks represent a forward-thinking investment for QSRs seeking to optimize operations and profitability. By enhancing customer experiences, increasing capacity, and reducing operational costs, these kiosks offer a comprehensive solution to long-standing challenges in the industry. Embracing automated ordering and checkout solutions is essential for QSRs looking to thrive in a competitive landscape and meet evolving customer expectations.

Self-service technology represents a strategic investment for enterprises seeking to optimize operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer experiences. Interested in learning more? Download the full white paper to explore the transformative role of self-service technology and discover actionable insights to optimize your operations: