If you run a restaurant, grocery store, café, pharmacy, or manage retail operations, this blog is for you.
Because the way customers place orders has changed. Fast.
Long queues, misheard orders, and overworked cashiers? They’re not just inconvenient anymore — they’re bad for business.
In 2025, customers expect quick, easy, self-directed service. And that’s exactly why self-service kiosks are becoming a must-have — not a nice-to-have.
In this blog, you’ll learn how self-service kiosk software works, where it’s making the biggest impact, and why now is the right time to adopt it in your business.
Let’s unpack why.
Why Businesses Are Switching to Kiosks
Your customers are busy. They don’t want to wait in line or repeat their order twice.
They want to walk in, tap a few buttons, pay, and go. Simple.
And businesses like yours are catching on.
Using self-service kiosk software, you can streamline service, free up staff, and serve more customers per hour — all while improving order accuracy.
It’s not about replacing people. It’s about upgrading the experience.
More importantly, kiosks increase upselling, reduce human error, and make regular orders lightning-fast for returning customers.
That’s real operational efficiency.
→ Now that you know why kiosks are being adopted quickly, let’s look at what’s actually powering them.
How Self-Service Kiosks Work Behind the Counter
On the surface, customers see a touchscreen that’s easy to navigate. But what’s happening in the background is more impressive.
When a customer places an order, the kiosk software connects instantly with your point-of-sale system (POS), kitchen display screen (KDS), and payment processor.
The result?
Orders are automatically routed to the right station — whether it’s the grill, the espresso bar, or the pharmacy counter.
You get fewer order mistakes, faster turnaround times, and a smoother workflow between front and back of house.
Kiosks also support:
- Loyalty programs
- Multiple languages
- Cashless and digital wallet payments
They’re not just smart screens. They’re an integrated part of your digital ordering system.
→ So, where exactly are these kiosks being used today?
Where They’re Winning Right Now
Think kiosks are only for fast-food chains?
Think again.
Right now, businesses across the world are using restaurant ordering kiosk software and self-service kiosk systems to serve more customers with less friction.
Let’s look at some examples:
- Quick-service restaurants (QSRs): Speed up lunch rush, increase order volume
- Cafés & coffee shops: Let customers build their drink while baristas stay focused
- Grocery & convenience stores: Enable self-checkout for baskets under 10 items
- Pharmacies: Reduce wait times for OTC or repeat prescriptions
- Retail outlets: Offer in-store browsing, promotions, and fast checkouts
In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, kiosks are rapidly being adopted in pharmacies and food outlets — driven by growing on-demand delivery expectations and customer preference for fast, touchless service.
Even small and mid-size businesses are catching up — thanks to flexible platforms like elowXpress that offer ready-to-launch solutions.
→ But what real impact do these kiosks have on businesses like yours?
What’s In It for Your Business?
Let’s talk outcomes.
Here’s what our clients report after switching to kiosk-based ordering:
- Shorter queues during peak hours
- Fewer staff needed at the front counter
- Higher average order value (thanks to automated upselling)
- More accurate orders
- Better data on customer preferences
Customers love the freedom. Your staff appreciates the reduced pressure.
And your business becomes faster, leaner, and more scalable — without cutting corners.
→ These aren’t just claims. Let’s take a look at what businesses are doing in the real world.
Real-World Proof It Works
You don’t have to take our word for it.
- Shake Shack uses kiosks to reduce bottlenecks during lunch and dinner rush
- Independent cafés are adding tablet kiosks to streamline espresso orders
- Grocers are installing self-checkouts in deli and bakery sections
- Pharmacies in MENA are rolling out kiosks for loyalty cards and refills
Across the board, these businesses are seeing faster service, lower wait times, and better customer feedback — without hiring more staff.
→ Want to see what the numbers say?
Stats That Seal the Deal
The global self-service kiosk market hit $34.36 billion in 2024 and is growing at 10.9% CAGR. Source: Grand View Research
The UAE’s digital ordering and food delivery market is expected to exceed $2.5 billion by 2026.
And businesses adopting self-ordering kiosk software today are getting ahead of the curve — while others are still figuring it out.
Want more proof? 👉 Read our full blog on the rise of contactless and self-service tech
→ Now, let’s wrap this up with a clear takeaway.
Final Thoughts
Self-ordering kiosks are not a luxury.
They’re a logical, affordable way to serve more customers with less hassle — while giving people what they want: speed, accuracy, and control.
If you’re in food, retail, or healthcare, this is your moment.
Kiosks won’t just help you keep up. They’ll help you lead.
Because in 2025, the winners are those who make ordering feel effortless.
And self-service kiosk software is how you do it.
