Self-ordering kiosks have become one of the most impactful shifts in the restaurant industry over the past few years. What began as an efficiency tool is a key driver of operational strategy, positive experience, and revenue growth, especially in quick-service and fast-casual settings.
What’s driving this shift? A mix of rising labor costs, changing customer habits, and the growing need to streamline service without sacrificing quality. Diners today want to browse the menu at their own pace, customize their order during the ordering process, and skip the line, without feeling rushed or misunderstood. Kiosks check all those boxes, and adoption — and the numbers this year show how quickly they’re being embraced.
This blog looks at the key self-ordering kiosk restaurant statistics in 2025: where adoption is growing, how consumer preferences are evolving, and what this technology means for the future of restaurant operations.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Self-ordering kiosks are scaling fast, with global installations expected to double by 2028.
- Customers increasingly prefer kiosks for speed, control, and easy customization.
- Restaurants see higher order values because kiosks consistently drive add-on purchases.
- Installing kiosks at restaurants helps reduce the pressure on staff to manage customers at the counter, manage labor gaps, and increase average order time during peak hours.
- Kiosks also offer access to built-in data, which helps restaurants improve menus, accuracy, and overall efficiency.
Self-Ordering Kiosk Growth and Adoption in 2025
Self-ordering kiosks aren’t new, but their presence in restaurants has grown dramatically over the last few years. Between 2021 and 2023, the number of restaurant kiosks worldwide surged by 43%, reaching nearly 350,000 installations.
This growth trajectory will continue, with projections indicating that the number of kiosks will double by 2028, reaching approximately 700,000 units globally. But that’s not it.
Here’s what the growth and adoption look like for self-ordering kiosks in 2025-
- The global self-service kiosk market size was estimated at $34,358.2 million in 2024 and is expected to grow at a rate of 10.9% from 2025 to 2030.
- The self-service kiosk market in the U.S. is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.3% between 2023 and 2030, and reach a revenue of $12,848.2 million.
- In 2024, North America accounted for 33% of the global self-service kiosk market share, driven by increasing demand for touchless services and early adoption of technology.
- In terms of revenue, the U.S. makes up 21.2% of the global digital kiosk market in 2024.
- Fast-food giants like McDonald’s, Burger King, and KFC are expanding their use of self-ordering kiosks to enhance efficiency and customer experience.
EXPERT OPINION
Chris Allen, Research Director at RBR Data Services, says, “With hospitality overheads continuing to skyrocket globally and minimum wage increases planned in many developed countries, restaurant chains of all sizes will introduce kiosks or expand existing rollouts as a way of rationalizing their operations and boosting transaction values.”
Self-Ordering Kiosk in Restaurants Statistics 2025: Consumer Preferences and Trends
One of the most compelling aspects of implementing self-ordering kiosks in restaurants is the convenience and quality of service they allow operators to offer. For tech-savvy customers who value autonomy, self-service kiosks have become a key trend in restaurants.
These statistics highlight how customers’ preferences and trends are shaping the future of kiosks in restaurants-
- A study found that 66% of U.S. consumers prefer using self-service kiosks over interacting with staff, citing speed and reduced stress as primary reasons.
- 82% of Gen Z consumers and 86% of consumers aged between 25 and 34 find self-service kiosks more convenient for choosing what they want.
- Tillster’s 2025 Phygital Index Report indicates that 61% of users want more kiosks available in restaurants, up from 57% in 2024 and 36% in 2023.
- An evaluation by InTouch Insight found that 98% of guests could easily customize their orders using kiosks, highlighting the user-friendly nature of these systems.
- McDonald’s reported a 30% rise in average order value after introducing kiosks.
- According to data from Appetize, self-service kiosks in quick-service restaurants reduce total order time by nearly 40%. This encompasses the entire process from when a customer begins ordering to when the items are ready for pick-up, dine-in, or delivery.
- A study reveals that customers would prefer to order from a self-service kiosk rather than a cashier if the line length is longer than four people.
Benefits of Self-Ordering Kiosks for the Restaurant Industry
It’s 2025, and customers are used to relying on technology to make their lives easier. Within the restaurant industry, this means they often make digital payments, prefer online ordering through apps, or book reservations.
Kiosks are simply an extension of this growing tech adoption among consumers, encouraging self-checkout and service. Some of the most notable benefits of kiosks include-
1. Lower labor costs
According to a report by the NRA, 45% of operators don’t have enough employees to meet their current customer demand. Self-ordering kiosks reduce the need for extensive front-of-house staff, leading to substantial labor cost savings.
For instance, a three-location ramen restaurant saved approximately $1,050 per week per location after implementing kiosks.
In fact, major chains like Burger King have accelerated kiosk installations across the country. A California franchisee expedited the rollout of self-service kiosks across 140 locations in response to rising labor costs.
2. Promotes Upselling
Equipped with intuitive interfaces, kiosks are effectively programmed to promote add-ons and premium items, leading to higher average order values. Since customers don’t have to deal with the pressure of talking to a cashier, they are more likely to add that extra drink or dessert.
For perspective, McDonald’s reported that customers using kiosks spent nearly one dollar more per order, resulting in a 30% rise in average check size.
3. Collects Customer Data
Restaurant kiosks help collect valuable data on customer preferences and ordering habits, enabling restaurants to effectively tailor their menus and marketing strategies. This data-driven approach, enhanced by customer feedback, facilitates personalized promotions and inventory management, contributing to increased profitability.
4. Enhanced Order Accuracy and Customization
Allowing customers to input their orders directly minimizes miscommunication, leading to more accurate orders and reduced food waste. Self-service technology contributes to a 99% order accuracy rate, reducing wait times and improving guest satisfaction, which is crucial for restaurants operating under tight margins.
In addition, approximately 47% of quick-service restaurants utilize self-order kiosks to enable customers to customize their orders, ensuring quicker and more accurate order processing.
5. Increased Operational Efficiency
Self-ordering kiosk technology eliminates the bottleneck at the counter, allowing many customers to place their orders simultaneously. This speeds up service during peak hours and improves overall output.
Restaurants using kiosks can effectively drop average service time by 40%. At the same time, a study even suggests that reducing a customer’s wait time by just 7 seconds can result in increased sales and a 1% revenue increase, especially for high-volume quick-service restaurants.
The result is a better customer experience, improved order accuracy, and more efficient staffing—all of which help restaurants boost performance without overextending their workforce.
Conclusion
By now, it’s clear that self-ordering kiosks have moved past the point of being a novelty. They’re helping restaurants serve more customers, boost check sizes, reduce pressure on counter staff, and even gather useful data, without compromising the guest experience.
And in a year where operational efficiency and digital convenience are everything, that kind of impact matters. The statistics make it clear: adoption among QSRs and fast casual restaurants is growing, reflecting emerging trends, and consumers are actively preferring self-ordering kiosks over interactions with cashiers, making the technology an absolute necessity for restaurants seeking customer satisfaction and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
The global self-service kiosk market is projected to reach $37.2 billion in 2025, up from $34.4 billion in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9% expected through 2030.
Implementing self-service kiosks can lead to a 10% to 30% increase in average order value in quick-service restaurants.
Self-service kiosks enhance customer satisfaction by providing convenience, reducing wait times, and allowing for personalized experiences. They also enable businesses to collect valuable customer data, leading to improved service strategies and increased operational efficiency.
Customers tend to spend more at kiosks due to the autonomy and control they offer, allowing for easier customization and exploration of menu options. The absence of social pressure and the presence of visual prompts encourage additional purchases.
