QR Code Menus for Restaurants: Importance and Benefits

Businesses across industries have been on the path of digital transformation for over a decade, and restaurants are no different. The adoption of digitization sped up over the last two years, driven by a pandemic that altered the way we think and operate.

One technology that has been around for a decade but only gained traction recently is the QR code menu for restaurants. Rising demand for contactless ordering among restaurant guests who want to maintain social distancing is one of the major factors behind the popularity of QR code menus.

Beyond the obvious benefits of social distancing and convenience, QR code menus bring a range of advantages to the table. Before we explore those benefits, let's first understand what QR code menus are.

Decoding QR code menus

A QR code menu is a digitized version of the traditional paper menu that customers view by scanning a code with their smartphone or tablet. The term 'QR' stands for 'Quick Response'. It is a square-shaped barcode a customer can scan using a phone camera, Google Lens, or browser, which leads to a landing page (a website or food ordering app) where the restaurant menu is displayed. Customers can place the order directly on the website or app and make contactless payments, which makes the experience safe and completely contactless.

Here is a step-by-step walkthrough of how customers can scan the QR code with their phone using a camera, a browser or app, and Google Lens.

• Camera app: Open the built-in camera app on your phone and point the camera at the QR code. When a notification appears on your screen, tap it and you will be taken to the restaurant's digital menu.
• Browser or app: You can download a QR code scanner app and scan the code with it. Alternatively, you can use one of the many QR code scanners available online through your browser.
• Google Lens: One of the most popular apps is Google Lens. Install it on your phone, point it at the QR code, scan, and it will take you directly to the restaurant's digital menu.

Why is a QR code menu important?

Social distancing, hygiene, and customer safety and convenience have become top priorities for restaurant owners. Digital menus help achieve all of these. By adopting QR code menus, owners let customers scan the menu, order food, book tables online, and pay online, all from a smartphone or another device of their choice. A QR code menu also saves time and helps keep restaurant operations smooth. In the world we live in now, a QR code menu is less a choice than a need.

Why use a QR code menu?

If you have not yet moved from paper menus to contactless, paperless QR code menus, now is the time. Beyond safety and social distancing, QR code menus offer more benefits than you might expect.

Eliminates unnecessary contact between customers

Many customers, suppliers, and other people pass in and out of restaurant doors throughout the day, and physical menu cards are handled by all of them. No matter how often you sanitize a menu card, people are not comfortable touching paper menus. A QR-based menu is a convenient, contactless way to navigate the menu and helps customers feel safe.

Saves on printing costs

Restaurants often add special items to the menu during the holiday and festive season. Getting new add-on menus printed year after year is both a hassle and a cost. With a QR code menu, making changes and updates is easy and convenient, with no additional printing costs.

Minimizes staff and customer contact

Your staff still need to bring food to the table and welcome customers into the restaurant. But a QR code menu removes the task of servers manually taking orders, which greatly reduces contact between customers and staff.

Speeds up orders and improves accuracy

With manual ordering, customers often wait a long time for someone to take their order, which can lead to frustration. QR code menus remove that waiting time, so customers can place orders quickly and be served sooner. They also improve accuracy. On a busy day, staff may mix up the orders of two tables or forget a special request. Those mistakes are far less likely with a QR code menu system.

Creates an opportunity to upsell with food images and a well-designed menu

When ordering from a digital menu, customers are not under pressure to decide quickly, which gives them more time to explore the menu. A well-designed digital menu can use attractive visuals, food photos, pop-ups for current offers, video reviews, and customer ratings to encourage customers to order more. A digital menu designed well is a treat for the eyes.

Enhances the customer experience

Customers today come to a restaurant for more than just food. They come for an experience. QR code menus simplify and speed up ordering and put customers in control. They let customers select exactly what they want, leave no room for miscommunication between server and guest, and free up your staff to focus on hospitality and quick service while reducing order errors. No wonder QR code menus are gaining popularity with both customers and restaurant owners.

Builds a customer database

When placing orders through an online menu, customers provide details like their email address and phone number. When leaving feedback, they may share dates like birthdays and anniversaries. You can build a system to capture these details and use them to deliver more personalized experiences, run loyalty programs, and improve customer retention.

QR code menus: best practices to follow

• Most people carry smartphones and use apps for everything from booking a doctor's appointment to shopping for clothes. Create mobile-friendly QR code menus that direct customers to an easy-to-use app or mobile-friendly website.
• Make sure the website or app loads quickly and is easy to navigate. Reflect your brand prominently on the digital menu.
• Most importantly, test your app before launching it for your customers.

Much of the dining population today grew up with technology and the internet. Restaurant menus, whether physical or digital, play a critical role in your restaurant's profitability and success. Just as you serve food the way guests want it, present your menu the way they prefer. Customers today expect a digital experience, so invest in a QR code menu if you have not already and watch your restaurant business grow.