Believe it or not, I actually prefer ordering some things at a kiosk, especially food. Customizing a meal is easier when I can work through the options myself, and seeing everything on a screen gives me a better chance to confirm that the order is correct before paying. You also avoid the dreaded “Gen Z stare” from younger workers when you ask for something a little different.
Square is adding a conversational twist to that experience with its new Square Kiosk. The device lets customers speak their orders and ask menu questions, although the AI has another job too: suggesting extras that could get you to spend more.
The hardware pairs a 21.5-inch touchscreen with software that Square says understands a restaurant’s menu and responds in real time. Diners can request substitutions, look for popular items, or ask for recommendations. They can switch between voice and touch throughout the transaction, so using the conversational features does not mean giving up the screen.
Presence detection lets the device welcome diners as they approach. Integrated payment hardware supports tapping or inserting a card, while a built-in barcode scanner handles gift cards without requiring an additional accessory. Square says packaged goods scanning will arrive later, so that feature is not part of the launch offering.
Customers can optionally connect their Neighborhoods profile or Square Loyalty account to earn and redeem rewards. For operators, putting these functions together could reduce the amount of separate equipment needed at the counter.
Square says its AI can recommend items based on what is popular at that location, the time of day, and common pairings with food already in the customer’s cart. The company pitches those contextual upsells as a way to increase average order value while helping quick-service restaurants manage staffing constraints and busy periods.
That commercial angle is hardly surprising, but execution matters. A relevant suggestion can be useful; repeatedly trying to sell me something after I have made my choice would undermine the convenience that makes kiosks appealing in the first place.
The system can also answer questions about allergy information and vegetarian options, according to Square. The announcement does not explain how it verifies those answers or handles missing information. Restaurants will need clarity on those limits before relying on it for questions where an incorrect response could have consequences beyond an unwanted topping.
Early customers include Boba Nation Grand and an L&L Hawaiian BBQ franchise operator. Boba Nation Grand CEO Baltej Sra says the company plans to expand deployment beyond its test locations this year. Square provides customer endorsements, but no measured improvements in ordering speed, accuracy, or spending in the release.
Alongside the hardware, Square is rolling out a multi-account solution for quick-service franchises. Operators can manage menus, reporting, and gift cards across their network while individual franchisees retain flexibility at their locations.
Square Kiosk becomes available October 14 for $1,999 with a counter stand, although other stand choices can change the hardware price. Each device carries a $99 monthly software fee and requires a Square Plus or Premium plan. Plus costs $49 per location per month, while Premium costs $149.
For a location starting with one kiosk and a new Plus subscription, that works out to $148 a month in those recurring fees. Add twelve months to the counter-stand hardware price and the first-year total reaches $3,775, before any other applicable costs. Businesses already paying for an eligible Square plan would have a different incremental cost.
I’m already sold on the usefulness of food kiosks, so Square does not need to convince me that self-service has a place in restaurants. What it needs to demonstrate is that talking to this one makes the process better. If I can customize my meal, check the details, and get on with my day, the technology is doing its job.
Support independent tech journalism
NERDS.xyz is independently owned and operated. If you enjoy my coverage of Linux, AI, hardware, cybersecurity, and tech culture, consider supporting the site on Ko-fi.
Support NERDS.xyz
