Why Casual Dining Restaurants Love It
Casual dining is all about balance: good food, friendly service, and an experience that keeps guests coming back. But when servers are juggling crowded sections, running back to fixed POS terminals, and waiting in line to enter orders, that balance tips the wrong way.
That’s why more restaurants are adopting table-side ordering POS systems. These handheld devices put ordering and payment right in the server’s hands—literally. The result? Faster service, smoother checkouts, and happier guests.
Let’s break down what table-side POS is, why servers swear by it, and how your restaurant can benefit.
What is a Table-Side POS?
A table-side POS is a portable device—usually a handheld POS—that allows servers to:
- Take orders directly at the table
- Send them instantly to the kitchen display system (KDS)
- Accept and process payments without leaving the guest’s side
- Split checks, add tips, and print or email receipts
Think of it as turning every server into their own mobile checkout station.
Why Servers Love Table-Side POS
1. Faster Tips
The quicker servers can take and turn tables, the more tips they earn. With a table-side POS, payments are completed in seconds, and servers can handle more tables with less stress.
2. More Time With Guests
Instead of waiting in line at a crowded POS station, servers stay in their section—chatting, upselling, and delivering better hospitality.
3. Less Running = Less Burnout
Running back and forth all shift is exhausting. A handheld POS means servers move smarter, not harder. That reduces fatigue and turnover.
How Restaurants Win With Table-Side POS
Faster Table Turns
Every minute saved per table adds up to more covers per night. For casual dining restaurants, that’s extra revenue without adding more staff.
Happier Guests
Guests don’t have to wait for the check. They can pay when they’re ready and leave feeling satisfied instead of impatient.
Fewer Errors
Orders are entered once—at the table. No lost notes, no misheard modifiers. The kitchen gets accurate tickets every time.
Must-Have Features in a Table-Side POS
Not all POS systems are created equal. For casual dining restaurants, look for:
- Durability: Spill-proof and drop-resistant.
- Battery Life: At least 8 hours to last a full shift.
- Connectivity: Offline mode + Wi-Fi/4G support.
- Payment Flexibility: Tap, chip, swipe, Apple Pay, Google Pay.
- KDS Integration: Orders must hit the kitchen instantly.
Table-Side POS vs Traditional Workflow
Traditional POS Workflow:
- Server takes order at table.
- Walks to POS terminal.
- Enters order manually.
- Prints check later.
- Returns to table for payment.
- Walks back to process card.
- Walks back again with receipt.
Table-Side POS Workflow:
- Server takes order at table.
- Sends order instantly to kitchen.
- Processes payment at the table.
- Hands guest receipt or sends via email.
That’s half the steps, twice the speed.
Applova’s Table-Side POS for Casual Dining
Applova’s handheld POS was designed with casual dining in mind:
- Portable, durable, and easy to use
- Multi-language support for diverse teams
- Backed by one-call-away human support (no bots, no ticket queues)
- Syncs with Applova’s KDS, kiosks, and mobile app for a full ecosystem
Result: smoother service, higher guest satisfaction, and servers who can focus on hospitality instead of hardware.
FAQ
Will servers need training?
Minimal. Most servers get comfortable in one shift—these devices work like a smartphone.
How much does it cost?
Pricing depends on device type and software setup. Applova offers flexible options—request a demo to see what works best.
Can guests tip on the device?
Yep—preset or custom tips, tip-on-device or tip-on-receipt. You control the prompts.
Hospitality, Unlocked
At its heart, casual dining is about connection. A table-side POS lets servers spend more time with guests, speed up service, and reduce mistakes—all without hiring extra staff.
👉 Want to see how Applova handheld POS transforms table-side ordering?
Book a demo today and put smoother service in your team’s hands.