Point-of-sale provider Square has announced a sweeping set of updates for its hospitality platform this spring, focused on reducing wait times, speeding up service, and simplifying back-end operations for restaurant operators.
The updates centre on helping venues handle peak periods more efficiently while reducing administrative burdens that keep managers away from the floor.
Self-service gets faster
Square has completely rebuilt its Kiosk software as a native iOS app, promising faster performance and smoother checkout flows that the company says will help cut wait times and increase order sizes.
The upgrade will be complemented by automated text notifications that alert customers when their kiosk orders are ready for pickup, designed to reduce crowding at collection points.
Payment innovations
Among the most notable additions is Scan to Pay, which allows diners to settle their bills by scanning a QR code printed on their receipt and paying directly from their phone. The feature aims to accelerate table turns and free up staff time.
Square has also introduced Item Splits, enabling staff to divide individual items like shared bottles of wine or desserts across multiple bills with just a few taps. For venues using OpenTable or SevenRooms, reservation deposits are now automatically applied to final bills, eliminating a manual step at checkout.
A new unified Order Manager tab consolidates walk-in, takeaway, and delivery orders onto a single screen within the POS system, simplifying coordination between kitchen and front-of-house teams.
Operational simplification
Square is rolling out House Accounts functionality that will allow venues to extend credit to regulars and corporate clients, track balances, and issue invoices with integrated reporting.
The company has also upgraded its DoorDash integration, eliminating the need for separate tablets by syncing menus, prices, and availability directly to the Square POS and Kitchen Display System.
For Australian operators, automated weekend and public holiday surcharges can now be applied through Square Online stores, syncing with POS systems to reduce manual adjustments.
Additional updates include grouped line items on printed receipts to reduce paper waste and a Transfer of Accounts feature designed to simplify ownership changes and partnership transitions.
Jean Magalhães, Hospo Product Lead, Square Australia, said these smaller releases add up to solid improvements built with busy operators in mind: “Innovation in hospitality isn’t always about one big change. It’s often about giving venues the tools to keep improving every day, to find those small, consistent wins that add up to lasting growth.
“Our latest Square Releases launch shows how committed we are to helping Aussie hospo build smarter, more sustainable businesses that can adapt quickly and keep delivering great experiences, no matter what the industry throws at them.”
The updates are rolling out this spring, with some features available immediately and others coming soon. Operators can sign up for notifications on Square’s website as new features go live.
