Restaurant Point of Sale Terminal Market

Market Overview

The global restaurant point of sale terminal market size was valued at USD 21.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach a value of USD 51.5 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 10.1% during the forecast period (2024-2032). Restaurant point of sale (POS) terminal market share is determined by technological innovation, vendor reputation, and customer happiness, which determine restaurant operators' adoption and desire for POS solutions.

A restaurant point of sale (POS) terminal is a specialized hardware and software system that allows restaurants, cafes, bars, and other food service facilities to handle transactions, manage orders, and streamline operations. It often includes a combination of hardware components, such as touchscreen displays, cash registers, card readers, printers, and software applications tailored to restaurant administration.

Furthermore, they are responsible for payroll administration, inventory control, sales data tracking, and billing to ensure the seamless operation of the business. POS terminal systems are linked to online ordering, e-wallets, table reservations, loyalty programs, and other features. This element significantly influences the growth of the restaurant point-of-sale terminal market. However, the high acquisition prices and security issues associated with POS terminals impede the development of the restaurant POS terminal industry. 

On the contrary, technological advances in POS terminals, such as machine learning (ML) and automation, will drive the restaurant point-of-sale terminal market in the coming years. Furthermore, restaurants' rising deployment of POS terminals to streamline operations will likely give attractive market growth potential.

Highlights

• Mobile accounts for the largest share of the market by product.
• Hardware led the market by component.
• On-premise influenced the market by deployment.
• Front End dominates the market by application.
• FSR is the major end-user of the market.

Market Dynamics

Global Restaurant Point of Sale Terminal Market Drivers

Shift Towards Digital Payments

In recent years, the restaurant industry has seen a dramatic move toward digital and cashless payments, driven by various causes, including changing consumer tastes, developments in payment technology, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurants increasingly use POS systems with integrated payment processing capabilities to suit consumer demands for convenience, security, and efficiency.

According to Statista, the value of digital payment transactions is predicted to increase by 11.8% annually between 2023 and 2027. In 2023, the overall volume of digital payment transactions in India was 13,462 crore, up 45% from 2017-18. In the first half of 2023, UPI transactions climbed from 4.6 billion in January 2022 to 9.3 billion in June 2023, with a transaction value of 14.7 trillion in June 2023. Also, According to 2023 research, 37% of restaurant patrons utilized debit cards, and 33% used credit cards. However, credit card transactions accounted for USD 29.8 billion in restaurant sales, while debit card purchases accounted for USD 25.3 billion. 

Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed contactless and mobile payments in restaurants as customers emphasize sanitation and safety. According to McKinsey & Company, the pandemic has resulted in a 10% increase in contactless payments worldwide, with many restaurants installing touchless payment solutions to reduce physical interaction between employees and customers.

As a result, the restaurant industry's adoption of POS terminals with integrated payment processing capabilities is driven by the growing demand for digital payments such as credit/debit cards, mobile wallets, and contactless payments. Restaurants that provide several payment alternatives and frictionless transaction experiences are better positioned to attract consumers, increase revenue, and prosper in a digitally transformed dining environment.

Global Restaurant Point of Sale Terminal Market Restraints

High Initial Investment

The considerable upfront investment required is one of the most significant barriers to adopting the restaurant POS system. Purchasing POS gear, software licensing, and implementation services can be expensive, especially for small and independent businesses with limited funds. Some firms may hesitate to use advanced POS solutions due to high initial expenses, particularly in budget-constrained countries. A restaurant point-of-sale (POS) system might cost USD 50 to USD 250 per month for software and USD 700 or more for hardware. Hardware costs may include a terminal, case, stand, credit card reader, receipt printer, cash drawer, and cabling.

Additionally, many small and independent restaurant operators need help to justify the initial investment in POS systems, particularly when faced with conflicting needs such as rent, labor costs, and inventory charges. As a result, some restaurants may postpone or cancel POS system updates, preferring to continue utilizing old systems or manual operations despite their limitations.

As a result, the high initial investment costs associated with restaurant POS systems can be a substantial barrier to adoption for small and independent businesses, limiting their potential to modernize operations, increase efficiency, and improve the customer experience. Vendors who solve these pricing issues and provide reasonable, scalable solutions may have a better chance of capturing market share and supporting the restaurant industry's digital transition.

Global Restaurant Point of Sale Terminal Market Opportunity

Focus on Cloud POS

Cloud-based POS solutions are scalable, flexible, and cost-effective for restaurants of all sizes, providing real-time data, remote management, and seamless changes. The migration to cloud-based POS systems allows providers to offer subscription-based services, software-as-a-service (SaaS) models, and value-added features like analytics, loyalty programs, and online order integration. Vendors who invest in cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data privacy compliance may meet the rising demand for secure and dependable cloud-based POS solutions.

Furthermore, cloud-based POS systems are typically less expensive and need fewer upfront fees than their traditional counterparts. Back-office servers for storing legacy data can cost up to USD 50,000. However, this cost is avoided when data is hosted in the Cloud. Further, SaaS POS systems operate on a "pay as you go" subscription model with no long-term obligations.

Moreover, a cloud-based platform allows you to access data from anywhere and anytime. Restaurants are becoming more data-driven because restaurant POS data can manage everything from customer connections to financial reporting and current food supplies, according to the 2019 Toast Restaurant Success Report.

Regional Analysis

North America Dominates the Global Market

The global restaurant point of sale terminal market analysis is conducted in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

North America is the most significant global restaurant point-of-sale terminal market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9.9% over the forecast period. North America is the largest market for restaurant POS systems, accounting for a sizable proportion of the global market. The region's growth is fueled by widespread technological adoption and the presence of several established market participants. The United States is the region's largest market, followed by Canada. The North American market is distinguished by several large restaurant chains that require complex POS systems to run their operations. These huge chains are increasingly adopting cloud-based POS solutions, which provide several benefits, including real-time reporting and analytics, multi-location administration, and simpler inventory management. 

In addition to substantial restaurant chains, small and medium-sized eateries in North America are increasing their use of POS systems. Many of these businesses are implementing mobile POS solutions, which provide flexibility and mobility by allowing servers to take orders and process payments from any location in the restaurant. 

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 10.4% over the forecast period, owing to rising demand for automation and the popularity of online food delivery services. The region is home to several growing economies, such as China and India, which are seeing strong restaurant sector growth. One of the primary drivers of the Asia-Pacific market is the growing use of cloud-based POS solutions, which provide numerous benefits such as cost-effectiveness, scalability, and real-time reporting. These solutions especially appeal to the region's small and medium-sized eateries, which account for most of the business.

Another significant development in the Asia Pacific market is the growing popularity of online meal delivery services, which drives demand for POS systems that can interact with these platforms. Many restaurants are now using POS systems to automate online orders' ordering and payment processes, decreasing the need for manual intervention while enhancing productivity. 

Europe's restaurant point-of-sale market is expected to increase significantly throughout the forecast period. The existence of different quick-service restaurants in the region has contributed to market expansion, with some transitioning to mobile POS systems. This is projected to open up attractive growth potential in the European restaurant point-of-sale terminal sector. Government authorities in the United Kingdom actively promote the adoption of restaurant point-of-sale systems. Thus, shops nationwide employ EPOS systems to differentiate between goods sold at different VAT rates. As a result, the restaurant point-of-sale market in the United Kingdom is expanding rapidly.

Segmental Analysis

The global restaurant point-of-sale terminal market is segmented based on product, component, deployment, application, and end-use.

The market is further segmented by product into Fixed, Mobile.

Mobile terminal demand is expected to grow at a considerable CAGR over the projection period. Mobile POS terminals are portable systems that allow restaurant personnel to conduct transactions, accept orders, and serve clients from anywhere on the restaurant grounds. These terminals are often handheld devices, including POS software and card readers, such as smartphones, tablets, or wireless terminals. Increased table turns, greater service levels, lower operating costs, correct dish information, suggestive selling, and consumer mobility contribute to the expansion. The affordability of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, as well as the advancement of wireless technology, have all contributed to a surge in the usage of mPOS terminals among restaurant operators. 

Furthermore, restaurateurs have been driven to use restaurant POS terminals due to the higher long-term return on investment (ROI) and extra insights to enhance order accuracy, change menus based on client preferences, increase sales and profitability, and simplify order processing. 

The fixed product segment is divided into three subsegments: cash counter terminals, self-service kiosks, and vending machines. The fixed product segment held the most significant market share in 2023. The market size increased mainly due to the adoption of point-of-sale terminals in increasingly famous restaurants with many customers and several outlets to handle. 

Based on components, the market is fragmented into Hardware and software.

The hardware segment has the most significant market share, topping 70% in 2023. The hardware section is separated into three categories: swipe card machines, touchscreen/desktop devices, and others. Restaurant POS systems require additional hardware, such as a touchscreen monitor or tablet, EFTPOS, cash drawer, and receipt printer. The advent of OLED displays and touch screens, thermal receipt printers, and touch payment EFTPOS systems, among other developments, is expected to drive industry growth. 

The software category is expected to grow rapidly. The POS system's hardware is supplemented by specialized restaurant point-of-sale software, which helps with business operations management. The requirement to match customer expectations regarding the security of their card and identity information, payment methods, and rewards is projected to increase demand for POS software. Furthermore, the necessity for software specific to the type of restaurant is driving demand for customized POS software.

Based on deployment, the market is categorized into Cloud and on-premise.

The on-premise segment led the market, accounting for 70% of revenues. On-premise deployment remains a popular solution for eateries concerned about data protection. The previous POS system saved information on the nearest server or local database, similar to a computer drive, limiting access when the device is not present. On-premise deployment is still favored since it provides complete system control, the ability to customize, and no downtime due to the lack of an internet connection. Furthermore, the system is acquired with a permanent, non-exclusive license for installation and use.

The cloud category will have the fastest CAGR throughout the projection period. Cloud-based deployment provides enterprises with better data visibility, mobility, improved data security, less downtime during upgrades, and consolidated information across various sites. Cloud-based POS's security, economic, and operational benefits have become evident for quick-service restaurateurs looking to elevate culinary experiences. 

The market can be bifurcated by application into Front End and Back End.

The front-end segment dominated the market, accounting for more than 70%. The front-end application of a POS system includes customer-facing services such as ordering, payment, and service in restaurant operations. The primary function of a restaurant POS terminal is to handle front-end functions such as meal ordering, billing, sales tracking, payment processing, order management, customer interaction, reporting, and marketing. Furthermore, the demand to monitor food usage, establish sequential orders, and gather information about the most popular menu item is expected to boost the expansion of bar and restaurant point-of-sale systems. 

The back-end segment had the fastest CAGR during the projection period. Adopting a POS system is critical for controlling the front End of restaurants since it ensures proper order preparation on time. A back-office POS system increases operational efficiency by eliminating administrative functions from the front-end POS terminal. The demand for back-end restaurant POS systems has been spurred partly by a desire to preserve management's privacy and limit employee access to critical company data in case of a data breach.

The market is further classified by end-use into FSR, QSR, and Institutional.

The FSR category dominated the market in 2023, accounting for more than 45% of worldwide revenue share. Full-service restaurants, sometimes called sit-down restaurants, provide dine-in service, with guests seated at tables and serviced by waitstaff. These places often offer a diverse menu selection, table service, and an upgraded eating experience. The casual dining market is the most significant revenue contributor due to economical and quick eating options and rising casual dining companies like Pizza Hut, McDonald's, Wendy's, and Dunkin' Donuts, which have rapidly embraced POS terminals for their numerous locations. 

The Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) segment is predicted to expand at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Quick-service restaurants, commonly known as fast-food or fast-casual restaurants, offer quick, fast-paced dining experiences with short wait times. These places often provide counter service, self-service kiosks, or drive-thru alternatives to let consumers place and get orders quickly.

Furthermore, QSRs must serve more customers regularly in a short period, necessitating using POS systems to assess consumer demands, accept quick orders, reduce order turnaround time, and deliver speedier customer service.

Recent Developments

• January 2024- ParTech, Inc., a restaurant POS provider, launched the PAR Wave, an all-in-one touch panel designed as a hardware component for the hospitality industry. PAR's Wave blends performance, security, functionality, and a new design to fulfill the needs of the restaurant business.
• March 2024- The Epos Now app will be used on mobile and laptop devices to access the front till. A web browser for reporting and product creation can still be used to access the back office.
• April 2024- Toast (NYSE: TOST), the digital platform designed specifically for restaurants, announced the release of its new Restaurant Management Suite.