Game-Changing Trends That Will Reshape Restaurant POS Systems
This article is a companion piece to HT’s 2025 POS Software Vendor Survey, an annual feature where POS software vendors share their 2024 accomplishments, highlighted their most innovative features, and previewed what’s potentially in the pipeline for 2025.
This article details POS software vendor responses to industry trends that may impact the future of POS software
AI
The rise of AI-driven tools is reshaping the restaurant industry, empowering operators with predictive analytics for inventory, staffing, and guest trends. Platforms that offer flexibility—supporting multiple devices, integrations, and payment options—along with robust data security and personalized guest experiences, are becoming essential. “The future is about freedom, speed and adaptability,” says CBS NorthStar.
According to Tray, the POS industry is rapidly shifting toward AI-driven operations, advanced predictive analytics, and a growing demand for scalable, cloud-based solutions. Clover adds, “Expect AI to power demand forecasting, automated reordering, and real-time pricing strategies that maximize revenue. AI-powered scheduling and sales forecasting will help restaurants streamline staffing and minimize waste.”
Driven by the rise of AI and machine learning for predictive analytics and personalization, POS systems will become more intelligent, automatically optimizing inventory, labor and order flow, says Qu.
Personalized menus, dynamic upselling, AI-powered POS systems that support on-the-job training are on the horizon; Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions points to AI-driven tools to help restaurants detect fraud, identifying unusual transactions, flagging chargebacks and more.
To unlock these data insights, seamless system integration is becoming a top priority. “We expect integration to remain a critical focus for hospitality POS vendors,” says GK Software. “For example, integrating hotel and storefront systems can enable efficient, frictionless guest checkouts.”
When it comes to customer engagement, personalization is playing an increasing role. 26% of guests want to receive personalized communications and offers as a benefit of their loyalty program membership, according to HT's 2024 Customer Engagement Technology Study.
Guest loyalty and the power of personalization were mentioned by several vendors. “Loyalty is also gaining traction—AI-driven personalization and reward programs, integrated directly with POS systems, will be central to customer engagement strategies in 2025,” adds GK Software.
Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions also points to AI-driven solutions that will analyze guest preferences and order history in real-time to offer personalized menu suggestions and targeted promotions to drive higher revenue and customer satisfaction.
The “hyper-personalization of guest experiences … will play a significant role in shaping the future of POS software,” adds Tray.
HungerRush emphasizes the competitive landscape, noting that “leveraging data and new AI tools makes solving customer and guest challenges easier than ever. Streamlining operations and strengthening customer trust through technology will be vital for success.”
Voice AI is also poised to make a major impact, particularly in simplifying drive-thru operations and beyond, according to several POS software providers.
Customer Expectations
Tabit emphasizes the importance of guest-driven innovation: “There’s a clear shift toward consumer-facing, self-service technologies—from mobile ordering to kiosks—as more guests prefer convenience, speed and autonomy. Restaurants that meet guests where they are—digitally and physically—will enhance the experience while also streamlining operations.”
“The food and beverage industry is on an exciting path, evolving rapidly to exceed customer expectations,” adds Oracle Restaurants. “Operators will continue optimizing sales and marketing, embracing emerging technologies, and refining operational efficiency. Expect to see strategic investments in loyalty programs that offer hyper-personalized experiences. AI is driving this shift, enabling intelligent segmentation, improved customer engagement, and more effective revenue strategies.”
SpotOn adds, “As resources grow tighter, restaurants will increasingly rely on AI to achieve more with less. While AI offers a wide range of benefits, operators should partner with tech providers to identify the most impactful applications.”
The Impact of Changing Consumer Behaviors
“One of the biggest challenges for restaurants in 2025 will be adapting to the continued decline in alcohol consumption, driven by generational and health trends, including the rising use of GLP-1 drugs. With alcohol sales shrinking, restaurants must reevaluate their offerings, menus, and inventory management to maintain profitability,” says SpotOn.
The Impact of Sustainability
“Sustainability and eco-friendly innovations will influence focus on reducing waste through smarter inventory management and energy-efficient systems, says Qu. Expect more restaurants to adopt smarter systems that reduce waste, optimize energy efficiency, and align with the values of today’s consumers.
Omni-Channel Options
The restaurant industry’s digital transformation is redefining the future of POS technology, with flexibility and integration front and center.
“Self-service kiosks and robotic solutions are helping streamline operations and address ongoing labor shortages,” says Clover.
Kiosks and self-service options can help offset shortages, says Signature Systems, “but POS that offers reporting, marketing, driver-tracking, payment processing and other necessary services out-of-the-box will also ease the financial burden of running a restaurant or hospitality business.”
Echoing these tips to mitigate the impact of tariffs on restaurants’ bottom lines, /tariffs-playbook-restaurants-optimize-inventory-forecasting-procurement] Signature Systems points to the power of POS technology to offer relief against rising costs of ingredients as well. “… POS technology will have to find innovations that ease those burdens and/or increase sales to offset those rising costs.”
Tray highlights a growing emphasis on mobility, off-premises dining, and contactless experiences—trends fueled by the rise of virtual brands and ghost kitchens.
As ghost kitchens, pop-up concepts, and direct-to-consumer brands gain momentum, POS systems must evolve to support seamless integration between physical and digital storefronts. As restaurants expand digital ordering, delivery and mobile payments, another key trend is the integration of omnichannel solutions, says Qu.
“The ability to unify online and in-person operations is becoming essential,” Clover adds.
Frictionless Payments
Consumers continue to demand fast, secure and seamless transactions. “NFC-based contactless payments, mobile wallets, and other secure payment methods are enabling safer, more convenient dining experiences,” says NCR Voyix.
Clover says that next-gen payment flexibility is on the horizon, with crypto-friendly options, pay-at-the-table capabilities, and QR code payments that enable guests to settle the bill however they want.