What Hardware Do I Need for My Restaurant?

Choosing the right hardware setup for a restaurant can streamline operations, speed up transactions, and improve customer satisfaction. For restaurants using Square POS, selecting the right combination of stands, terminals, receipt printers, and additional hardware can enhance the experience for both in-store and mobile orders. Here’s a guide to the essential equipment you’ll need for a smooth setup.

1. Square Stands and Terminals🔗

The Square Stand and Square Terminal are popular all-in-one solutions for restaurant owners:

• Square Stand: Designed to hold an iPad and turn it into a fully functional POS system, the Square Stand is ideal for checkout counters. It swivels, allowing for easy customer interaction, and can be paired with a cash drawer, receipt printer, and barcode scanner. It’s best for restaurants with a dedicated front counter for in-store orders.

• Square Terminal: This compact, mobile device combines the POS interface with payment processing, making it an excellent choice for tableside ordering and payments. With Wi-Fi capability, it can handle orders from any part of the restaurant, perfect for reducing wait times by allowing staff to place orders immediately from tableside or accept mobile orders with ease.

Recommended for: Restaurants that handle a lot of dine-in orders or want to provide tableside service.

2. Receipt Printers🔗

Receipt printers are essential in most restaurant setups for order processing and customer receipts. Square POS supports multiple receipt printer options, including Ethernet, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity:

• Star Micronics TSP143III: Compatible with Square POS, this is a popular option due to its reliability and quick setup with Ethernet or Bluetooth connectivity, making it suitable for both countertop and mobile service.

• Star Micronics SP742: Ideal for kitchens, this impact printer is known for its durability and clear print quality, even in steamy environments. Kitchen receipt printers like this ensure that orders are clearly communicated to kitchen staff, reducing errors.

Recommended for: Restaurants that need quick printing of order tickets and customer receipts at the counter and in the kitchen.

3. Cash Drawers🔗

For restaurants that accept cash, a secure and accessible cash drawer is important. Square POS is compatible with various cash drawers, and these connect directly to your receipt printer for automatic opening with each cash transaction:

• APG Vasario 1616: This durable, spacious cash drawer is a standard for many restaurant setups. It connects easily to most Square-compatible receipt printers and opens automatically when processing a cash transaction through Square POS.

• APG Vasario 1416: This smaller drawer is a good fit for restaurants with limited counter space. It still offers multiple compartments for organizing bills and coins, helping speed up the checkout process.

Recommended for: Cash-handling restaurants with moderate to high in-store transactions.

4. Kitchen Display Systems (KDS)🔗

A Kitchen Display System (KDS), like the Square KDS, can replace or complement kitchen printers by displaying orders on a digital screen. This setup can improve order accuracy and speed, especially in high-volume environments where the kitchen needs a clear view of order details. Square KDS integrates directly with Square POS, and screens can be mounted in the kitchen to allow chefs and staff to mark items as completed.

Designed by Square, this system integrates smoothly with Square POS and Square Online orders. Square KDS supports Android touchscreen devices and offers features like order routing, custom layouts, ticket timers, and alerts for real-time order management. It’s particularly affordable, with a standalone KDS plan at $20 per device or $60 for unlimited devices under Square for Restaurants Plus, which is ideal for high-volume setups that need multiple screens to manage orders seamlessly.

Recommended for: High-volume restaurants or those that want to cut down on paper use and ensure efficient order management in the kitchen.

5. Barcode Scanners🔗

For restaurants with a retail component, like a bakery or deli, barcode scanners make tracking inventory and handling quick sales much easier. These scanners also work well for restaurants that sell gift cards or packaged products.

• Socket Mobile S700: This Bluetooth barcode scanner is compatible with Square and is widely used in food service for scanning products or quick-checkout items.

Recommended for: Restaurants with retail products, gift cards, or inventory-heavy setups.

6. Additional Accessories for Mobility🔗

If your restaurant offers delivery, curbside, or mobile orders, consider investing in a mobile setup for ease of service:

• Mobile Hotspots: For restaurants offering curbside or outdoor seating, mobile hotspots allow Square devices to process payments and take orders beyond the reach of your primary Wi-Fi network.

• Battery Backup or Portable Chargers: These ensure devices stay powered during long service hours or in areas with unstable power sources.

Recommended for: Restaurants offering delivery, curbside pickup, or outdoor dining.

Putting It All Together: Best Combinations for Different Setups
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• Counter Service Setup: Use a Square Stand with an iPad, a connected receipt printer, a cash drawer, and potentially a kitchen printer. This setup is effective for quick-service restaurants or cafes with a front counter.

• Tableside and Mobile Ordering: Combine Square Terminals for tableside service, a Square KDS for order management in the kitchen, and a mobile hotspot for areas outside the reach of Wi-Fi. This allows staff to take orders and process payments directly from the table.

• High-Volume Restaurant: For larger or high-traffic restaurants, set up Square Stands at the front counter and use Square KDS in the kitchen. Additionally, equip your setup with barcode scanners and a mobile payment solution for a streamlined customer experience.

Getting Started with Square Hardware🔗

Square makes it relatively easy to set up and integrate each piece of hardware, but always consult Square’s hardware compatibility guide to ensure your chosen equipment will integrate smoothly. Each hardware option enhances customer experience and operational efficiency, but combining these tools strategically based on your service model can significantly improve daily operations. With the right hardware mix, you’ll not only boost efficiency but also enhance customer satisfaction by meeting the unique demands of your restaurant or café.

By selecting the best combination of devices, you ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for both staff and customers. Whether you’re setting up a counter-service café or a full-service restaurant with mobile orders, these hardware essentials can make a tangible difference.