Which POS Systems Lead Quick Service and Fast Casual Restaurants?

RestaurantData.com surveyed 1,840 unique counter service restaurant brands with 5 or more operating units across the U.S. and Canada to rank the top 25 POS systems by location installations. The research focuses exclusively on quick service and fast casual concepts. The counter service segment that represents the largest and fastest-growing tier of the U.S. restaurant industry.

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Survey Overview

This survey is one of the most comprehensive independent studies of POS installations in the counter service segment ever conducted. Unlike vendor-reported figures, all data comes from direct primary research along with telephone interviews and in-store visits.

• Total brands surveyed: 1,840 unique counter service restaurant brands with 5 or more operating units
• Results obtained: 1,334 brands responded
• Overall penetration success rate: 72.0%
• Penetration rate in brands with 20+ locations: 96.8%
• Survey duration: 4 months, ending August 15, 2024
• Total research cycle (including absorption and integration): 7 months
• Note: Franchisees of brands were not included to avoid duplication

Research Methodology

RestaurantData.com researchers conducted telephone interviews and made on-site location visits to verify POS usage at each brand. Each unique brand was contacted at least twice, with up to four calls. And even more if necessary to obtain a confirmed response. Staff members were interviewed by telephone and in-store visitations were made where possible.

Some companies operate with multiple POS systems, while others are in the process of transitioning to a new one. Since research captures a specific moment in time, results may vary as the market evolves. The next analysis is currently in progress, with updated results expected within 60 days, 70% faster than the previous cycle.

The survey covers the U.S. and Canada, ranking the top 25 counter service POS companies by the number of units with the most location installations across brands with 5 or more operating units.

Why Counter Service POS is today’s great focus for most sellers

Quick service and fast casual represent the most active segments for new restaurant openings, franchise expansion, and POS technology adoption. Understanding which systems dominate; and where market share is shifting. Critical intelligence for:

• POS vendors and resellers targeting competitive displacement or new account development
• Technology integrators identifying which POS platforms to prioritize for partnership and certification
• Food service suppliers and distributors targeting chains by technology stack
• Private equity and investment firms evaluating POS market consolidation opportunities
• Restaurant operators benchmarking their current POS against what competitors are using

Related POS Research from RestaurantData.com

This survey is part of RestaurantData.com’s ongoing POS research series covering the full U.S. and Canadian restaurant market. Related reports include:

• Top POS Companies by Restaurant Location Installs — Spring 2025 Survey
• Top 30 POS Companies — Fall 2024 Survey
• POS Market Share by Metro Area — Top 5 U.S. Cities
• POS Market Share — Atlanta, Washington, Phoenix, Miami, Detroit & Riverside