In a busy restaurant, every step matters. Every extra trip to a terminal. Every delayed order. Every missed modifier.
The Toast POS Handheld is designed to eliminate those slowdowns by putting ordering and payments directly into your team’s hands. In fact, it’s been shown to shave 46 minutes off their table turn time. The handheld seamlessly connects to the Toast POS system, allowing restaurants to move faster on the floor while maintaining accurate reporting in the back office.
When paired with DAVO by Avalara through the Toast POS system, restaurants can streamline service on the floor while automating sales tax behind the scenes.
Let’s break down how the Toast handheld works, the two device options available, and how to use it.
What is the Toast POS handheld?
The Toast handheld is a mobile POS device that connects directly to the Toast restaurant POS system. It allows staff to:
- Take orders tableside
- Send orders instantly to the kitchen
- Process payments at the table
- Split checks and apply discounts
- Capture digital signatures and tips
Instead of walking back and forth to a stationary terminal, servers complete transactions on the spot. Orders are entered once and synced automatically with the Toast POS system.
Two types of Toast handheld devices
Toast offers two handheld options to support different service environments.
Wi-Fi handheld device
The Wi-Fi-enabled handheld puts orders and payments in the palm of your hand using your restaurant’s wireless network.
It is ideal for:
- Patios
- Line busting during peak hours
- Preventing traffic jams at traditional POS terminals
For restaurants with strong Wi-Fi coverage throughout the property, this option supports faster service while keeping everything connected to the Toast POS system.
Cellular handheld device
The cellular-enabled handheld is designed for environments where Wi-Fi may not be reliable or accessible.
It is a strong fit for:
- Food trucks
- Farmer’s markets
- Pop ups
- On-the-go dining concepts
Because it connects through cellular networks, staff can take orders and payments virtually anywhere. This flexibility makes it especially valuable for mobile operators and temporary venues.
Faster table service that keeps guests happy
Speed plays a critical role in guest satisfaction and revenue performance.
With the Toast handheld, servers can:
- Enter orders directly at the table
- Send items to the kitchen immediately
- Close out checks without leaving guests waiting
In high-volume dining environments, shaving minutes off each table can significantly increase throughput during peak hours. Guests experience quicker service, and restaurants benefit from improved table turns.
Improved order accuracy from the start
When orders are written down and re-entered later, mistakes happen. Modifiers can be missed. Items can be entered incorrectly. Communication gaps between front of house and kitchen can increase.
With the Toast POS handheld:
- Orders are entered once
- Modifiers are captured in real time
- Tickets are transmitted directly to the kitchen systems
This reduces errors, minimizes comps and voids, and protects margins.
Accurate order entry also ensures clean transaction data within the Toast POS system, which supports reporting, forecasting, and financial management.
Increased staff efficiency on the floor
Handheld devices reduce bottlenecks at traditional terminals and allow staff to stay present with guests.
Benefits include:
- Faster payment processing
- On the spot check splitting
- Reduced time walking back and forth
- Better shift flow during peak service
For managers, this can support more efficient labor utilization. For staff, it creates a smoother, less congested service environment.
How to use the Toast handheld
The handheld is designed to mirror the Toast POS interface, making it intuitive for most teams.
Logging in
Staff logs in using their assigned credentials. Permissions are role-based and controlled through the Toast POS system.
Taking orders
- Select a table or start a new order.
- Add menu items and modifiers.
- Send the order directly to the kitchen.
The order syncs immediately with the POS system and reporting tools.
Processing payments
- Open the guest check.
- Select the payment method.
- Tap, dip, or swipe the card on the handheld.
- Capture signature and tip if required.
Transactions are recorded within the Toast POS system in real time.
Faster transactions on the floor with automated tax in the background
Every order processed on a Toast handheld flows into the Toast POS system. As transaction volume increases, accurate sales tax tracking becomes even more important.
Through its integration with Toast POS, DAVO:
- Automatically pulls sales data
- Sets aside the exact amount of tax owed daily
- Files and remits sales tax on time
This allows restaurants to focus on service and growth, while sales tax compliance runs automatically in the background.
Learn how DAVO integrates with Toast to simplify operations
Speed on the floor is only part of running a successful restaurant. Administrative efficiency matters just as much.
As transactions are processed through the Toast POS, sales data flows automatically into DAVO through a direct integration. There is no manual exporting, no spreadsheets, and no end-of-month scramble to calculate what is owed.
For operators, that means fewer administrative tasks, improved cash flow visibility, and greater confidence that compliance is handled accurately. If you are already using Toast or considering it for your restaurant, learn how DAVO’s integration with Toast can help smooth both administrative and operational processes so your team can stay focused on delivering great service.
