The National Restaurant Association Show is always a highlight of the year for anyone in foodservice — and the 2025 edition made one thing clear: restaurants are embracing change like never before. From how guests engage to how teams work behind the scenes, innovation is reshaping every touchpoint.
As a leader in restaurant POS technology, Squirrel Systems was on-site, connecting with operators, tech partners, and hospitality leaders. Here are the top insights we’re bringing home.
1. Operational Agility Through Modular Technology
Flexibility is king. Restaurants are looking for tech solutions that adapt to their operations — not the other way around. Whether it’s adding a mobile ordering station, launching a loyalty program, or integrating new third-party platforms, the focus is on modular systems that grow with the business.
Why it matters: The days of “one-size-fits-all” are over. Operators want to plug and play — test a feature, scale what works, and ditch what doesn’t. POS systems need to act as a foundation, not a walled garden. At Squirrel, we’ve long embraced open integration, and it’s encouraging to see the industry align with that mindset.
2. Guest Expectations Are Higher Than Ever
Speed, personalization, and convenience are no longer nice-to-haves — they’re table stakes. Guests want to order how and when they want, with minimal friction, and they expect the tech to “just work.”
What we saw: Restaurants doubling down on handheld POS, QR code menus, integrated loyalty, and seamless payment options. These aren’t fads — they’re part of a broader shift toward tech-enhanced hospitality.
3. Labor Optimization Is Driving Tech Investment
With ongoing staffing challenges, operators are turning to technology to do more with less. Solutions that reduce redundant tasks, streamline communication, and shorten training time are in high demand.
Takeaway: Efficiency doesn’t mean replacing staff — it means empowering them. From smart scheduling tools to intuitive POS layouts that speed up service, every second saved is a win.
4. Data Integration Is a Growing Priority
Operators are overwhelmed with data — but underwhelmed by how useful it is. That’s because too many systems don’t talk to each other.
Key theme: Restaurants want a unified tech ecosystem, where the POS acts as the central source of truth. When sales data connects to inventory, labor, loyalty, and guest feedback, it becomes powerful. Insights lead to action, and action leads to growth.
5. Sustainability and Tech Go Hand-in-Hand
Sustainability was a major focus this year, and not just in terms of packaging or ingredients. Operators are using tech to reduce food waste, improve energy efficiency, and make more responsible sourcing decisions.
Insight: The modern diner cares where their food comes from — and how it’s made. Restaurants that combine sustainability with smart operations are winning both guest loyalty and cost savings.
At Squirrel Systems, we believe that technology should empower the human side of hospitality. The 2025 National Restaurant Association Show confirmed that the future of foodservice is agile, data-driven, and deeply guest-focused.
