A second ordering lane for the rush, without changing how your team makes food.
How a Self-Ordering Kiosk Changes Your Restaurant
A self-ordering kiosk fundamentally changes the flow of your restaurant during busy periods. Instead of funneling every customer through a single cashier, you create a parallel ordering channel that works independently. Customers who know what they want can walk up to the kiosk, place their order, pay, and step aside — all in under two minutes.
For your existing cashier, this means shorter lines, less pressure, and more time to handle complex orders or provide customer service. For your kitchen, it means a steadier flow of clearly formatted tickets instead of a chaotic burst of orders during peak periods.
The most common concern restaurant owners have is whether customers will actually use a self-ordering kiosk. In practice, the adoption rate in quick-service environments is high — especially among younger demographics who are already comfortable with touchscreen interfaces. When customers see that the kiosk line is shorter than the counter line, the choice is obvious.
Benefits of Self-Ordering Kiosks
Faster Ordering
Customers browse, customize, and pay in under 2 minutes. No waiting for a cashier to become available.
Higher Ticket Sizes
Kiosks consistently present upsell and cross-sell options that cashiers may skip during busy periods. Industry studies suggest a 15–30% increase in average order value.
Better Labour Allocation
Redirect staff from taking orders to preparing food, managing the floor, or providing hospitality. The kiosk handles the transaction layer.
Order Accuracy
Customers enter their own orders, eliminating miscommunication. Every modification is captured exactly as requested.
Modern Experience
Offer the same technology-forward experience that major chains provide, adapted for your independent restaurant's unique menu.
Data & Insights
Track ordering patterns, popular items, and peak-hour metrics. Make data-driven decisions about menu design and staffing.
Self-Ordering Kiosks for Every Type of Quick-Service Restaurant
Self-ordering kiosks aren't one-size-fits-all. The kiosk experience needs to match the ordering flow of your specific restaurant type. Relay is customized for each concept:
Shawarma & Mediterranean
Build-your-wrap flows with protein selection, toppings, sauces, and sides. Every modifier mapped to your actual prep process. Learn more about shawarma kiosks →
Burrito & Tex-Mex
Step-by-step bowl and burrito builders with protein, rice, beans, toppings, and extras. Customers control every layer. Learn more about burrito kiosks →
Poke & Bowl Concepts
Base, protein, topping, and sauce selection flows. Visual menu presentation that guides customers through customization. Learn more about poke kiosks →
Bubble Tea
Drink selection with ice level, sugar level, toppings, and size options. Perfect for the highly customizable nature of bubble tea orders. Learn more about bubble tea kiosks →
Fried Chicken
Combo meals, piece counts, side selections, and drink pairings. The kiosk presents meal deals and family packs prominently. Learn more about chicken restaurant kiosks →
Related Articles
How Self-Ordering Kiosks Help Restaurants Handle Rush Hour
Strategies for deploying kiosks during your restaurant's busiest periods.
How to Deliver a McDonald's-Style Ordering Experience
Bring enterprise-level ordering technology to your independent restaurant.
Restaurant Kiosks
Everything you need to know about adding kiosks to your restaurant.
Restaurant Self-Ordering Systems
A complete guide to self-ordering systems for quick-service restaurants.
Self-Ordering Kiosk FAQ
Ready to add a second cashier to your restaurant?
Join the growing number of Ontario quick-service restaurants using Relay to handle rush hour, reduce lineups, and increase order value.