You have probably noticed QR code restaurant menus debuting since the
COVID-19 pandemic began. QR Code menus allow customers to easily access
menu items by scanning the two-dimensional barcode with their camera. A
QR code restaurant menu eliminates the passing around menus other
customers have previously touched. However, QR menus have reached
thousands of restaurants for more reasons than to avoid spreading germs.
Here are the 7 reasons why numerous restaurants are switching to QR code
menus.
1. Enhances Guest Experience
QR code menus provide a self-service experience which many consumers prefer, especially in a tech-savvy society. Luckily, guests do not have to wait for their server to come to the table to order or ask for a separate dessert and drink menu. Instead, they can scan the menu right when they are seated. Guests in a hurry do not have to worry about how long they will need to wait to get their order taken.
2. Drives Restaurant’s Growth
Foodservice establishment QR codes have tremendously impacted the growth of restaurants. Since guests have the freedom to go over the menu at their own pace, checks remain open. If a self-ordering feature is available, customers can conveniently add another round of drinks, appetizers, or desserts whenever they please without having to capture the server’s attention.
3. Collect Guest Data
Usually, restaurants have no idea who is walking through the door and enjoying the food in their establishment. However, with QR menus, restaurants can learn what each guest likes based on their past food and beverage purchases. The data collection allows operators to personalize the menu for every customer, such as only displaying menu items that do not contain dairy or gluten. With the ability to track orders, operators can also learn what menu items are performing and which don't seem to appeal to patrons.
4. Easily Updates Menus
Restaurants tend to spend a ton of money printing menus alone. Menu QR codes attract restaurant owners because they can avoid wasting time and budget on printing menus. Menus can become worn out with time, needing to print brand new copies and leading to more money being spent. In addition, it can be a hassle telling customers when menu items are no longer available because the kitchen simply ran out. Thankfully, digital menus can be updated frequently with minimal difficulty and customers can know what items are available at all times.
5. Helps Lower-Staffed Restaurants
Lower-staffed restaurants struggle with getting to their tables on time due to the number of tables they currently have. QR code menus allow restaurants to run more smoothly because guests can already access menus once they are seated, taking off extra stress on servers who juggle multiple tasks at once. Servers can now focus on recommending popular menu items to guests instead of running around trying to hand out menus and take orders.
6. Quicker Table Turnover
Nobody likes to feel like they are being rushed out the door, especially when enjoying a meal. Restaurant owners struggle with wanting to serve as many customers as possible while still giving them a great hospitality experience. With QR codes for restaurants, there is no need to wait for servers to pay. Customers can use the QR code to pay using their phone whenever they are ready and receive their receipt via email or text message.
7. No More Menu Sharing
It is unfortunate when you get seated at a restaurant with not enough
menus for you and your family or friends, especially when you're hangry.
QR codes give patrons menu access from the get-go. All customers have to
do is use their phone's camera to scan the two-dimensional code. Guests
can say goodbye to menu sharing and now order food faster.
Cons Of QR Code Menus
Just like consumers love QR code menus for their benefits, there are also reasons why people aren’t so fond of them. Below are reasons why customers rather get rid of QR code menus and stick to traditional ones.
For The Tech-Savvy
Older generations usually have no idea how to use QR codes or smartphones efficiently, making it difficult to access digital menus when dining at a restaurant.
Barrier To Human-To-Human Interaction
It is considered rude to have your phone when dining at a table. QR code menus have caused people to go straight to their phones right when seated instead of enjoying an in-person conversation.
Costly
To scan for menus requires one to have a phone with a camera, which is
costly and something not everyone can have access to. This can lead
people without a smartphone to scan QR codes to leave the restaurant if
they don’t have any traditional menus available.
How To Display QR Code Menus
There are various ways to display your QR code menus for guests to reach whenever necessary. Displaying QR code menus is also a great way to grab the attention of potential customers and lead them to try out your menu.
- Flyers: Spread the menu throughout your town.
- Posters: A way to paste the QR code over your walls or windows.
- Rack Cards: Allow your customers to access your promo codes when they enter your restaurant.
- Labels & Stickers: Place your QR codes on tables or take-out bags to take advantage of the opportunity to display to customers
-
Business Cards: Stands out amongst your business
peers and allows customers to easily access the menu when given out or
displayed for easy access.
QR Code Menus Are Here To Stay
Whether you're against or in favor of QR code menus for restaurants, they don’t seem to be going anywhere yet. The future of technology is always evolving, giving us the ability to connect or isolate ourselves from one another. Menu QR codes have the potential to facilitate the restaurant environment, providing extra help and ease for customers, workers, and managers. Never tried it before? Give it a shot next time you go out and dine with your friends or family!
