8 Growth Insights from Using a Handheld Restaurant Order Taking System

Restaurants are constantly seeking new ways to boost table turnover, increase check averages, and enhance the guest experience, all while controlling costs.

One of the most impactful upgrades available? A handheld restaurant order taking system.

Handheld point of sales (POS) devices aren’t just mobile versions of legacy terminals. They’re powerful tools that modernize your front-of-house operations, empowering servers to take and process orders, split checks, and accept mobile payments without leaving the table.

Let’s explore eight key growth insights from implementing handheld restaurant POS systems.

1. Faster Table Turns With Tableside Ordering

Restaurants using handheld POS systems report faster table turnover because servers can take and send orders in real-time, without walking back and forth to stationary terminals. With less time spent in line at the POS, servers are more present with guests and ready to turn tables efficiently.

This speed is especially valuable during peak periods, where shaving even a few minutes off each turn can result in one or two extra seatings per shift, ultimately increasing revenue without needing to add more tables.

2. Improved Order Accuracy With Real-Time Entry

Handheld POS devices eliminate the need for handwritten notes or delayed entry, both of which are common sources of order mistakes. By inputting orders directly at the table and sending them straight to the kitchen, servers ensure accuracy and reduce costly food waste.

Many handheld systems also allow modifiers, allergy alerts, and item-specific notes to be added on the spot, ensuring kitchen staff have precise information in real time.

3. Reduced Wait Times for Guests and Staff

Guests appreciate fast and personalized service, and handheld POS solutions help deliver exactly that. With less running back and forth, servers can greet new tables quicker, submit drink and food orders without delay, and spend more time building rapport with diners.

For staff, shorter wait times mean less stress, more tips per shift, and fewer bottlenecks around traditional POS stations.

4. Lower Labor Costs Through Greater Efficiency

By streamlining the order-taking and payment process, handheld POS allows restaurants to operate with fewer front-of-house staff, especially during off-peak hours. Instead of assigning a food runner or cashier, restaurants can rely on servers equipped with handhelds to manage the full order and checkout experience.

This reduction in staffing needs doesn't just lower payroll expenses. It also helps mitigate the challenges of ongoing labor shortages in hospitality.

5. Higher Average Check Sizes From Faster Service and Upsells

Minimizing slow service with more time spent at the table means servers are better positioned to suggest upsells like appetizers, premium drinks, or desserts. Some handheld POS systems even offer upsell prompts during order entry, encouraging add-ons that increase revenue per guest.

According to restaurant industry data, handheld POS systems can increase average check sizes by up to 20% when combined with good training and upsell strategies.

6. Contactless Payments With Digital Wallets

Today’s diners expect mobile-friendly and hygienic payment options. Most handheld restaurant POS devices support contactless payments, including:

• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• Samsung Pay
• Contactless credit/debit card payments
• Digital wallets

This reduces checkout friction and speeds up payment time, especially helpful during lunch rushes or high-volume nights. Accepting modern payment methods also builds trust with younger demographics who increasingly prefer mobile and tap-to-pay solutions.

7. More Guest Personalization Through Immediate Data Access

Modern handheld systems are designed for real-world conditions—rugged hardware, intuitive software, and seamless integration with your existing POS platform make onboarding fast and scalable.

These upgrades align with broader operational strategies that focus on balancing reinvestment in technology with maintaining profitability, a principle explored in this industry piece on sustainable restaurant growth.

8. Simplified Split Checks and Payment Flexibility at the Table

Splitting the bill no longer needs to be a 10 minute ordeal. Handheld POS systems let guests:

• Split checks by seat or item
• Pay individually via card or phone
• Use different payment methods on the same bill

Servers can process everything at the table in a few taps, keeping the experience smooth and stress-free for everyone involved. This flexibility creates an enhanced customer experience and speeds up final table turnover.

What Is a Handheld Restaurant Order Taking System?

A handheld restaurant order taking system is a mobile extension of your restaurant’s point-of-sale (POS) platform. Unlike traditional POS terminals that are fixed to a counter, handheld POS systems empower staff to take orders and payments tableside using compact wireless devices.

These systems typically include features such as:

• Receipt printer integration for instant table receipts
• Mobile ordering interfaces designed for fast and easy use
• Secure payment processing for EMV, NFC, and card transactions
• Real-time connectivity with kitchen display systems (KDS) to streamline operations

If you're still relying solely on a stationary POS, switching to handheld can reduce bottlenecks and bring modern efficiency to your floor.

Handheld POS System Benefits for FOH Teams and Managers

Front-of-house (FOH) staff benefit most from the freedom of handheld POS devices. Imagine entering orders from the palm of your hand, without running back to terminals, which means:

• Fewer back-and-forth trips, keeping staff where guests need them most
• Better communication with the back-of-house (BOH), as orders go straight to the kitchen
• More tables served per hour, improving efficiency via overall throughput and revenue potential

Managers also gain visibility into service patterns and can adjust staffing or seating flow in real time.

Handheld POS Devices That Support Modern Payment Methods

Today’s best handheld devices support a full range of modern payment methods, including:

• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• Samsung Pay
• Contactless credit and debit cards

These options don’t just cater to guest expectations. They speed up checkouts and reduce lines, which is critical in busy casual and fast-casual concepts

How to Increase Revenue and Efficiency With Tableside Payments

Accepting payments directly at the table is one of the fastest ways to improve both service speed and customer satisfaction.

Tableside payments:

• Shorten checkout times, allowing faster table turns
• Reduce abandoned checks from guests who leave early
• Encourage repeat business through seamless, secure interactions

With platforms like TouchBistro, servers can handle everything, from the ordering process to payment, without leaving the guest’s side.

Operational Efficiency Metrics to Track Post-Adoption

To measure the real impact of a handheld POS rollout, track these key metrics:

• Table turnover time
• Average check size
• Order accuracy rate
• Service-to-payment time
• Guest satisfaction scores

These KPIs reflect the true return on investment, showing where operational efficiency and guest experience converge.

Overcoming Common Concerns About Handheld POS Systems

Concerned about adoption or device durability?

Here’s the reality:

• Modern handheld systems are designed to be user-friendly, with intuitive interfaces that reduce staff training time.
• Devices are built to be durable and water-resistant, suitable for fast-paced restaurant environments.
• Most integrate seamlessly with your existing POS and restaurant CRM, ensuring valuable data continuity and system-wide performance.

By choosing the right solution, restaurants can future-proof operations and eliminate friction from their service model.

Frequently Asked Questions About Handheld Order Taking Tech

What is a handheld POS system?

A handheld POS is a portable device that lets servers take orders and process transactions from anywhere in the restaurant.

What’s the difference between POS and EPOS?

POS (Point of Sale) typically refers to traditional cash register systems. EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) includes digital interfaces and cloud-based functionality—handheld POS devices fall under this category.

What are the main uses of a CRM in restaurants?

A restaurant CRM tracks guest preferences, order history, loyalty data, and communication. It helps personalize service and drive return visits.

What is the best POS for small restaurants?

Options like Square for Restaurants, Toast, and Lightspeed offer user-friendly, handheld-compatible solutions ideal for smaller restaurant operations.

How a Handheld POS Rebuilds Your FOH Experience

If your restaurant still relies solely on a stationary POS, you’re likely leaving efficiency and revenue on the table.

Handheld restaurant order taking systems give you:

• Faster service
• More accurate orders
• Increased sales per shift
• Happier guests and staff

These key benefits don’t just improve operations. They elevate the entire guest dining experience; from the moment diners are seated to the moment they pay. By empowering servers to take orders and process payments directly at the table, you reduce wait times, improve accuracy, and create more opportunities for upselling, all without adding staff.

Now is the time to evaluate your FOH tech stack. With labor challenges, changing guest expectations, and rising costs, investing in handheld POS is a smart, scalable way to grow.

Ready to drive revenue and loyalty with smarter FOH tech? Download the latest Paytronix Annual Loyalty Report to see how leading brands are using digital tools to engage guests and fuel long-term growth.