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At EuroShop 2026, the world´s No. 1 Retail Trade Fair, KateMedia will be showcasing its self-service ordering solutions as part of the live demos at the Viva.com stand, the 1st Tech Bank in Europe for businesses.

During the event, we’ll showcase how KateMedia’s self-service solutions – our tabletop and kiosk ordering application – work seamlessly with Viva.com’s Tap on Any Device payment technology to deliver a modern, frictionless order & pay experience for hospitality and retail businesses.

What the joint solution delivers:

Experience live demos of real-world order & pay scenarios for hospitality and retail businesses operating across Europe.

📍 EuroShop 2026, Messe Düsseldorf

 📌 Viva.com 

📍 Hall 6 / Stand A42

When: 22–26 February 2026

Let’s talk about what the future of hospitality looks like – toge

The Changing Landscape of Hospitality Technology

The UK hospitality sector is at a pivotal moment. Costs are rising, labour shortages remain challenging, and guests are demanding quicker, frictionless experiences without compromising on service. To stay competitive, operators are accelerating their investment in digital solutions like self-service kiosks and table-ordering technology.

Yet, while the need to digitise has never been greater, many businesses are still tied to Capex-heavy kiosk models. These legacy approaches require operators to invest significant upfront capital in hardware, then manage separate software licences, integrations, and support contracts. The result? Slow rollouts, higher financial risk, and limited flexibility at a time when agility matters most.

Why Capex Kiosk Models Are Outdated

The traditional model of buying kiosk hardware outright may have made sense in a slower-moving market. But in today’s environment, it creates three big challenges for operators:

  1. Upfront strain on capital – Tying up large sums in hardware purchases, often before ROI is proven.
  2. Fragmented vendor management – Hardware suppliers and software providers work in silos, leaving operators to coordinate updates, support, and integrations.
  3. Slow speed to market – Rolling out updates, promotions, or new features often requires hardware swaps or lengthy IT interventions.

For operators under constant cost pressures, this approach creates a technology burden rather than a competitive advantage.

The SaaS Alternative: A Model Built for Agility

This is where SaaS-first kiosk models are changing the game. Instead of high Capex commitments, operators pay a predictable monthly subscription that covers hardware leasing, software, updates, and support. This Op-ex model means:

No upfront Capex strain – Easier budgeting and faster access to innovation.
Integrated solution – Hardware, software, and payments delivered as one.
Automatic updates – Features, UX enhancements, and compliance rolled out instantly.
API-first ecosystem – Seamless integrations with POS, CRM, and analytics.
Scalability – Trial in a single venue, then scale rapidly without procurement delays.

By aligning technology with operational realities, SaaS models empower operators to remain agile, competitive, and resilient.

Real-World Impact: Guest Experience and Operator Benefits

The difference between Capex and SaaS isn’t just financial, it’s operational.

Why This Matters Now

Hospitality is a sector of fine margins. Every percentage point of efficiency, every increase in guest spend, and every saving in labour hours counts. Operators can no longer afford to lock themselves into rigid, Capex-heavy kiosk rollouts that don’t evolve with their needs.

Instead, the future lies in flexible, subscription-based models that keep pace with guest expectations and industry challenges. Just as cloud computing reshaped IT, SaaS is reshaping digital transformation in hospitality.

Executive Takeaways for Hospitality Leaders

  1. Protect your capital – Shift from large Capex projects to predictable Op-ex subscriptions.
  2. Stay future-ready – SaaS platforms deliver continuous innovation without hardware refresh cycles.
  3. Simplify your tech stack – One partner for hardware, software, payments, and support reduces complexity and risk.
  4. Scale with confidence – Start small, learn fast, and expand quickly with minimal disruption.

Final Word

The hospitality industry is evolving fast, and digital guest experiences are no longer optional, they’re expected. The question is no longer if you should invest in kiosks, but how.

Capex models tie operators down with cost, risk, and rigidity. SaaS-first solutions, by contrast, unlock scalability, agility, and resilience. For UK hospitality leaders navigating inflation, rising costs, and shifting consumer behaviour, SaaS provides the flexibility needed to future-proof operations and deliver on guest expectations.

The time to rethink kiosks and embrace a SaaS-first strategy is now.

The UK hospitality industry is once again feeling the pressure. The latest figures reveal that inflation rose to 3.5% in June 2025, reigniting concerns across a sector already contending with increased energy bills, staffing shortages, supplier price hikes, and rising wage demands.

For many operators, the question is no longer how do we grow?—but how do we survive and sustain our margins without compromising guest experience or brand integrity?

At KateMedia, we believe there’s an answer. It doesn’t lie in cutting corners or scaling back service. It lies in doing more with what you already have—and doing it smarter, faster, and more efficiently.

Hospitality’s Inflation Challenge

The hospitality industry is notoriously vulnerable to cost fluctuations. As inflation affects core expenses—labour, food, utilities, insurance—businesses must absorb these costs or pass them onto the customer, risking alienating loyal guests.

According to recent analysis, operators have reported:

With these challenges intensifying, the role of operational technology has moved from “nice to have” to essential.

Where KateMedia Comes In

At KateMedia, we’ve worked with some of the UK’s most forward-thinking hospitality brands—EL&N, Heavenly Desserts, GBK, and more—to help drive operational success through technology. Our self-service kiosks and KATE tabletop ordering devices are designed not just to digitise service, but to actively add value to every part of your business.

Here’s how we’re helping operators stay competitive in an inflationary climate:

✅ 1. Drive Revenue with Every Order

On average, our clients experience a +10% increase in Average Order Value (AOV). This is achieved through:

When every guest spends more, without additional pressure on staff, revenue grows organically.

✅ 2. Cut Labour Costs Without Cutting Service

We enable operators to turn tables up to 30% faster, reducing wait times and freeing up staff to focus on service delivery where it matters most.

Our self-ordering solutions remove the need for order-taking, giving guests instant access to menus, allergen information, ordering, and payments—all from the table.

With our waiter-watch alert system, teams stay in control and can assist only when needed.

✅ 3. Empower Staff with Higher Tips

In trials with brands like Heavenly Desserts, our customers saw +20% increase in tipping. With seamless NFC and card payment integration and tipping options during checkout, guests are more likely to reward great service—helping to improve staff retention and morale.

✅ 4. Reduce Friction, Boost Experience

Our end-to-end solution simplifies every step of the customer journey:

✅ 5. Flexible Pricing for Uncertain Times

We know cash flow is king. That’s why our model is built around SaaS rental. You won’t face big upfront hardware investments—instead, you pay a monthly subscription that includes:

We’ve also launched freemium options to help lower the barrier to entry for new partners.

Final Thoughts

The hospitality industry is at a turning point. With inflation climbing, the winners will be those who lean into innovation—not just to survive but to thrive.

At KateMedia, we’re passionate about helping our partners deliver better service, grow smarter, and future-proof their operations with meaningful digital tools that work.📞 Want to see what a 10% AOV boost looks like in your business?
 Let’s talk. You can book a free demo and discover how we’re transforming hospitality one table at a time.

It’s been a difficult month for hospitality in the UK.

In just the past few weeks, we’ve seen a string of much-loved restaurants announce their closure. Covent Garden’s beloved Margot will shut its doors after a nine-year run. Officina OO, the Italian kitchen and pasta workshop known for its artisan approach, has closed all three of its London locations. And in Camden, Mr Ji will cease trading next month after nearly three years in business.

These stories are not anomalies — they’re part of a growing trend that has sent ripples through the industry.

So What’s Going Wrong?

Hospitality has always been a tightrope walk. But in 2025,, that rope feels thinner than ever. With rising operational costs, staffing shortages, increasing rent, and higher national insurance contributions, margins are being squeezed harder than ever.

Even when guests are in the building, many venues aren’t seeing the return they need.
This raises a serious question: Are restaurants making the most out of every customer they serve?

In many cases, the answer is: not yet.

Why KATE Tabletop S Might Be the Game-Changer

At KateMedia, we’ve designed our KATE S Tabletop Ordering Device to help restaurant teams thrive in precisely these types of conditions. Unlike traditional QR codes or app-based systems, our device delivers a seamless, intuitive experience at the table — for every guest, every time.

Here’s what our clients see on average:

And here’s the best part: our solution is available through a low-cost SaaS model — no major upfront investment, no complex setup, no added risk.

For restaurants, this means being able to trial new technology without breaking the bank, and gain real-world results that drive both revenue and guest satisfaction.

The Bigger Picture for Hospitality

While we continue to celebrate the growth of many brands, we can’t ignore the difficult reality many operators are facing. It’s disheartening to see fantastic venues close — especially when we know that tech like ours can help reduce labour dependency, improve staff morale, and boost every customer’s spend.

This isn’t about replacing people — it’s about giving teams the tools they need to deliver brilliant experiences, with less stress and more reward.

We’re proud to be working with enterprise clients, coffee shop chains, QSRs, and emerging brands to reimagine what great guest service looks like in 2025 — and beyond.

Let’s Build the Future of Hospitality Together

If you’re a brand looking for new ways to stay competitive, reduce operational stress, and boost profitability — let’s talk.

We’ll show you how a single table-top device can change the way you serve, sell, and succeed — with data, design, and guest experience all built in.📩 Contact us or book a free pilot trial today.
Together, we can keep more restaurant doors open — and more customers coming back.

When people think about tipping, it’s often associated with traditional table service restaurants — a way to directly thank a server for their attention, attitude, and hospitality. But what about QSR equipped with self-service kiosks? Is tipping still relevant when there’s no one physically taking your order?

𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝘆 — 𝘆𝗲𝘀. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗮𝘁 KateMedia 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁.

💰 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗽 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗞𝗶𝗼𝘀𝗸𝘀?
Even in fast-paced QSR environments, guests often recognize the value of good service beyond just the act of ordering. Here’s why tipping remains a natural behavior:
• Service doesn’t disappear — it shifts.
While kiosks handle the order-taking and payment processes, staff still prepare food, maintain cleanliness, and manage the experience. Customers know there are people working hard behind the scenes.
• A way to say thank you for speed and quality.
In QSRs, speed is crucial. A clean, well-managed environment, and a quick, flawless order experience still deserves appreciation. Guests often express this with tips.
• Social norms and digital cues.
Modern Contactless payment systems (including ours at KateMedia) often include subtle, well-designed tipping options on kiosks. Guests follow social habits — especially when prompted politely.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝘀


At KateMedia, we’ve implemented self-service kiosks with integrated tipping features in dozens of QSR chains. Here’s what we’ve observed:

• On average, 10–15% of transactions include a tip at the kiosk — even in purely counter-service locations.
• The average tip size ranges from 8% to 12% of the order value.
• Locations that prompt for tipping in a friendly, non-intrusive way see up to 30% higher tip participation rates.

This shows that when given a seamless, thoughtful option — customers are both willing and happy to tip.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗤𝗦𝗥 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀


The Takeaway
Tipping culture is evolving, and QSR environments are no exception. Thoughtful self-service solutions not only improve efficiency but also respect the human element of hospitality.

At KateMedia, we believe technology should enhance service, not replace it — and our tipping data confirms that guests value both convenience and human care, no matter how they place their order.

✨ If you’d like to learn more about how we help QSR brands increase guest satisfaction and staff income through self-service solutions, feel free to reach out.

At Kate Media, our mission has always been to optimise restaurant operations by providing innovative technology that adapts to the ever-evolving needs of the hospitality industry. We understand that speed, efficiency, and customer satisfaction are at the heart of every successful restaurant, and our latest product launch is designed to enhance all three.

To further expand our impact and help restaurants improve their operations, our team of talented engineers has developed an essential addition to our product lineup – the Kate Self-Service Kiosk. These kiosks are designed to streamline ordering, enhance guest experience, and boost revenue, all while seamlessly integrating into existing restaurant ecosystems.

The Power of Self-Service in Hospitality

Self-service technology is rapidly transforming the hospitality sector, with leading brands like German Doner Kebab, Subway and Black Sheep Coffee  already experiencing significant success with kiosks. Reports have shown that self-service kiosks can increase average order values by up to 30%, as customers tend to spend more when presented with personalised recommendations, upsell options, and a frictionless ordering process.

By reducing wait times and improving order accuracy, kiosks not only enhance customer experience but also optimise operational efficiency by allowing staff to focus on hospitality rather than transactional tasks. In an industry where labor shortages and rising costs present ongoing challenges, self-service kiosks offer a scalable, cost-effective solution for restaurants of all sizes.

Introducing Kate Media’s Self-Service Kiosks

To meet the growing demand for smart, integrated self-service technology, Kate Media has introduced the Kate Self-Service Kiosk, available in 15’’ and 22’’ Android versions. These kiosks are designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind, ensuring they complement any restaurant environment while delivering an intuitive and engaging ordering experience.

Key Features & Benefits

✅ Built-in NFC Reader – Supports seamless contactless payments, enabling quick and secure transactions for guests.

✅ Built-in QR/Barcode Scanner – No additional attachments required, a truly all-in-one solution.

✅ Built-in LED Status Light – Let staff know easily the status of your kiosk with built in LED status lights, perfect for any environment

✅ Fully Compatible with Leading POS Systems – Our kiosks integrate with a wide range of POS providers, including Dotypos, Access Hospitality, Deliverect, Syrve, and Oracle Hospitality, ensuring smooth operations without disrupting existing workflows.

✅ SoftPOS Integration from Viva.com – Enables businesses to accept payments directly through software, eliminating the need for additional hardware while providing a secure, modern payment solution.

✅ Easy to Install & Configure – Our self-service kiosks are designed to be installed quickly and effortlessly, minimising downtime and allowing businesses to start benefiting from them immediately.

✅ Enhanced Customer Experience –Recommendations and visually appealing menu displays help increase customer engagement, boost upselling opportunities, and improve order accuracy.

Beyond Hardware: Our Kiosk-as-a-Service Model

At Kate Media, we believe that a kiosk is more than just a screen – it’s an intelligent tool that transforms the customer experience. That’s why we don’t just sell kiosks as standalone hardware; instead, we offer a flexible, subscription-based Kiosk-as-a-Service (KaaS) model.

With Kiosk-as-a-Service, businesses no longer need to worry about hefty upfront technology investments. Instead, they can rent our kiosks as part of a monthly subscription, gaining access to cutting-edge technology without the financial burden of purchasing equipment outright. This model ensures affordability, scalability, and peace of mind for restaurant operators looking to future-proof their business.

End-to-End Support & Seamless Integration

Our dedicated team handles every aspect of implementation, from installation and configuration to 24/7 support, ensuring that your kiosk runs smoothly at all times. Whether it’s troubleshooting a technical issue or optimising your setup, we’re committed to delivering an uninterrupted, hassle-free experience for our clients.

Available Now – Get Started Today

The Kate Self-Service Kiosk is now available to businesses looking to enhance their operations with cutting-edge self-service technology. Whether you’re a quick-service restaurant, café, or casual dining chain, our solution is designed to boost efficiency, increase sales, and improve the customer journey.Want to see the KATE Kiosk in action? Let’s book a demo and explore how self-service technology can transform your business.