Walk into any trendy fast-casual restaurant these days, and you’ll spot it: sleek, glowing, and standing proud near the entrance—yes, we’re talking about restaurant kiosks. No queues, no waiting to wave down a busy server. Just tap, order, pay, and collect.
But these aren’t just futuristic gimmicks—they’re becoming the go-to ordering method for Gen Z diners, a generation that grew up swiping, scrolling, and Googling their way through life. If you’re in the restaurant business, understanding how to serve this digital-first generation isn’t just smart—it’s essential for staying relevant.
Let’s explore how restaurant kiosks are reshaping dining experiences to suit Gen Z’s preferences, behaviours, and values—and why the pairing of the two makes more sense than ever.
Here come Gen Z: A Generation Raised on Technology
As they enter their teenage and twenties, members of Gen Z are becoming major contributors to the economy. They grew up always having Wi-Fi, smartphones, and social media in their lives. Most in this group are always on their phones, aware of current issues, and very familiar with technology.
While eating out, consumers care most about being in charge, having quick service, and personalising their orders. Exactly, restaurant kiosks are designed to offer all these benefits.
The Appeal of Restaurant Kiosks for Gen Z
So, what makes kiosks click with Gen Z? Let’s break it down.
1. Working Quickly and Effectively
Gen Z appears to be rushing through life at a much faster pace than in the past. TikTok trends have short lives, and food can be delivered in a matter of minutes, which is natural for them.
Ordering becomes much easier through restaurant kiosks. Skip the small talk. There is no need to wait for your food to be ordered. Sometimes, all you need to do is two taps and a swipe to have your order ready.
Because people in these busy settings don’t have much time, kiosks allow Gen Z to pay and save time quickly. It’s like regular takeout, but better.
2. Complete Control
Members of this generation want others to slow down and stop judging what they decide to do. They don’t need to hurry their choice, thanks to the kiosk, because no one is writing their order with anxiety.
In short, kiosks provide people with the opportunity to choose their food in a stress-free manner.
3. Visual Menus Matter
Images and videos have a major influence on members of Gen Z. With screens that display clear and vivid images, videos, and interactive menus, kiosks enable diners to explore a wide range of new dishes.
Menus based on text appear old-fashioned these days. Seeing your burger prepared with melting cheese and crispy onions makes it easier for you to make a choice.
Why Restaurant Kiosks Resonate with Gen Z
1) Customisation is King: People in this generation want to customise everything, even their shoes and social media accounts. When it comes to food, they want to select each component, swap out sides, and customise their meal to meet their precise dietary requirements and tastes.
This is where restaurant kiosks shine, offering user-friendly, visual interfaces that enable a great deal of personalisation without the stress of a waiting employee or the possibility of misunderstandings. They can view every option, make accurate decisions, and instantly check nutritional data.
2. Comfort of the Digital Native: Gen Z is accustomed to using screens. They are accustomed to using computer interfaces, such as tapping and swiping. Like an extension of their smartphone experience, a restaurant kiosk feels cosy and familiar. This reduces any apprehension about using new technology in a public setting.
3. Reduced Social Anxiety (for a few): While many Gen Zers are extraordinarily social, some opt to minimise direct verbal interaction for simple transactions. Restaurant kiosks offer a low-pressure environment to order without the need for small talk, allowing customers to focus purely on their food choices.
4. Semeals Digital Payments: Gen Z is mainly cashless and embraces virtual payment strategies, such as cell wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay), contactless card payments, and app-based transactions. Restaurant kiosks offer a couple of integrated virtual payment options, aligning perfectly with their preferred payment habits and contributing to a seamless experience.
5. Transparency and Information: Gen Z values transparency, especially when it comes to meal sourcing, components, and nutritional information. A restaurant kiosk can effortlessly display unique information about allergens, calorie counts, or even the origin of ingredients, empowering Gen Z to make informed, values-aligned choices.
Social Values Meet Tech Values
It’s not just about tech for Gen Z—it’s about purpose. This generation is more socially conscious than any before it.
Many modern restaurant kiosks are environmentally friendly, reducing paper waste (digital receipts), cutting food waste (smarter forecasting), and even offering options to donate to causes during checkout.
Aligning kiosk experiences with Gen Z’s values—whether it’s highlighting plant-based options or showing ethical sourcing—adds another layer of emotional engagement.
The Future is Now
For restaurants aiming to capture the lucrative and influential Gen Z market, embracing restaurant kiosks is no longer optional; it’s a strategic imperative. These digital ordering touchpoints cater directly to their digital-first mindset, their demand for speed and customisation, and their comfort with technology.
By investing in modern, user-friendly restaurant kiosks, eateries aren’t just improving efficiency; they’re speaking the language of the next generation of diners and setting themselves up for long-term success
