In an evolving landscape where technology intersects with hospitality, Square has unveiled its latest solutions specifically designed for restaurants, promising to enhance efficiency and improve customer experiences. With its new hardware and software innovations, Square is taking significant steps toward empowering small food and beverage businesses with tools that not only streamline operations but also support growth in a competitive market.
Featuring the most powerful portable point-of-sale device it has ever developed, the Square Handheld is poised to revolutionize how restaurants manage orders and service. This compact device allows servers to take orders tableside or from a bar, effectively reducing wait times and improving service flow. As transactions become quicker, the potential for increased revenue rises. “Square Handheld is powerful, profitable, and predictable,” said Chad Sykora, CEO of Krootz Brewing Company. “It’s easy to be hands-free.”
Equipped with a spill- and splash-resistant touchscreen, a long-lasting battery, and a barcode scanner, the Square Handheld is built for durability and functionality, essential attributes for high-traffic establishments. The inclusion of a camera enables restaurants to showcase new offerings right from the device. The ability to avoid unnecessary trips back to a counter not only enables more attentive service but also aids in turning tables faster during peak hours.
The newly redesigned Square Point of Sale app complements the Handheld, allowing a cohesive transition between different revenue streams, whether in a full-service or quick-service environment. The app’s flexibility makes it easier for restaurants to adapt to evolving business models. With distinct modes tailored to various workflows, restaurant owners can seamlessly expand into new areas such as retail sales.
“The acceleration of our product velocity shows that Square is committed to meeting the needs of both new and existing sellers,” stated Ming-Tai Huh, Head of Food and Beverage at Square. This points to Square’s dedication to becoming a pivotal technology partner for restaurants, big and small.
Additional features introduced alongside the Square Handheld include a revamped Square Online Ordering page, which promises a more user-friendly experience. Restaurants can now benefit from built-in commission-free pickup and delivery options, potentially saving them significant amounts on operational costs. The new Square Dashboard app further aids restaurant management by allowing operators to handle payroll, schedules, and real-time cash flow updates directly from their phones—ideal for managers who may not always be at their desks.
For small business owners, the ability to bundle items for discounts and the upcoming implementation of item splits for larger groups streamline the checkout process, enhancing efficiency during busy service times. Moreover, an automatic surcharge feature will soon enable businesses to offset credit card processing fees, a valuable tool for improving profit margins.
Partnerships also play a crucial role in Square’s strategy. Its alliance with Sysco provides newly-transitioned restaurants up to $1,000 in grocery subsidies, a significant incentive given the rising costs of food and supplies. With integrations to services like Uber Eats and DoorDash, restaurants can manage online orders within the Square ecosystem, ensuring timely and accurate service while smoothing cash flow and access to earnings.
However, small business owners should remain cautious. While the integration of advanced technology can bolster efficiency and customer engagement, the initial investment in new hardware and training for staff may pose challenges. Additionally, as more features are rolled out, the learning curve associated with adopting a consolidated platform may require time and resources that some businesses might struggle to allocate.
In the face of both challenges and opportunities, the newest innovations from Square represent a significant leap forward in restaurant technology. With its robust offerings, including the Square Handheld and updated Point of Sale app, small business owners can look forward to enhanced operational efficiency and stronger customer relationships. Restaurants looking to stay competitive must consider how these tools can help them navigate the complexities of modern hospitality.
To experience these innovations firsthand, interested business owners can visit Square at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago from May 17-20, 2025. For additional details, readers can check the full press release here.
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