Order Up! 10 Ways to use QR Codes in Fast Food Restaurants
Key Takeaways
- Fast food restaurants of all sizes can make clever use of QR codes
- Codes can be used by both customers and staff
- QR codes are easy to make and widely understood by the general public
Fast food has a special place in the hearts of many. While not as revered as fine dining establishments, these places provide quick and tasty meals to billions all over the globe, whether it be with pizza, sandwiches, noodle bowls, salads, soups, wraps, or the classic cheeseburger and fries.
Much like fast food restaurants, QR codes are also a quick and easy way to fulfil a need, and the two can work very well together, making a tasty meal. Running an establishment like this can be hard, but QR codes can help out in all sorts of ways.
In this piece I will go over just that, 10 ways fast food restaurants, both big and small, can benefit from using QR codes! I’ll also share some helpful tips and answer frequently asked questions regarding QR codes in restaurants.
So let’s get to work!
What is a QR code?
A QR code is a type of encoded image containing data that can be scanned by a smart device, like a phone or a tablet. Scanning allows you to access a variety of digital and online content, like websites, images, contact information, WiFi logins, and more.
This technology has been around since the 90s, originally created to make up for the faults of traditional UPC barcodes. Usage of QR codes has grown exponentially in the digital age, since QR codes provide an easy and hands free way to view and share all sorts of media.
How can QR codes be used in fast food restaurants?
Whether you manage a location belonging to a large chain or run a family run burger joint, there are all sorts of ways you can make clever use of QR codes. Here are just a few:
Menus
One of the most common ways QR codes are used in any restaurant is as a quick way to access the menu. A code can be made to link to a digital or online form of the menu and then placed on each table, either as a sticker or a table tent, for customers to scan with their own devices.
This just about eliminates the need for physical paper menus, along with all of the negatives of using them. There’s no need to print or reprint, clean menus, or update item names or branding.
Additionally, specialty menus can be provided for certain disabilities, like large text and audio menus, and even ones in different languages.
Nutritional information
Additional information on each menu item, such as ingredients, calorie count, or any possible allergens, can be accessed via QR code. This allows customers to learn much more about their meal than could be printed on a menu item or label.
WiFi login
Public WiFi is a must at just about any public business, fast food restaurants very much included. Luckily, the login information to a secure network can be provided to customers and staff, allowing them access to the internet without having to ask for or type in a long password.
Rewards
Repeat customers are always great to have, and businesses should try to reward those who chose theirs frequently over others. This is why many fast food chains, like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and SubWay provide a rewards program for repeat customers, often accessed through QR codes.
Something similar can be set up on your own for a locally owned business to increase your number of returning, and satisfied, customers.
Coupons and deals
Coupons and promotions can also be distributed via QR codes. These can be attached to something like a flyer, poster, or card and make it so that a customer won’t have to keep a wallet or booklet full of paper slips and fumble over them when trying to get a deal.
Social media
Social media presence has become almost, if not, as important as hiring good staff and cooking delicious food. This has become the easiest, and often most effective, way to market your restaurant and gather new customers.
Payment
Another especially common use of QR codes is as an easy payment method. By setting up a payment QR code, you can have customers send funds directly from their phones without having to deal with cards or cash.
Reviews
Reputation is also important for any fast food establishment, big or small. Reviews often determine whether or not you gain a new repeat customer, or get passed over in favor of your competition.
Feedback is valuable, both positive and negative, and QR codes can be set up and placed on receipts, as well as throughout the establishment, to collect this information, helping to further build your reputation.
Contact info
If you’re a manager of a fast food restaurant and there’s an issue a customer wants you to know about, you want them to be able to easily contact you. QR codes can help here too and be used to allow customers to contact managers and staff via email, SMS, or phone calls.
Behind the counter
Codes can be used behind the counter as well by staff and management. Things like employee schedules, manager contact info, important notices, maintenance information, and instructional videos can all be made available easily through QR codes.
General tips
Know your audience: If you’re certain that most of your intended audience doesn’t know how to use QR codes or just don’t like them, then don’t use them.
Keep instructions clear: Provide clear instructions on how to use and scan QR codes as well as where the codes will redirect to.
Place codes on a flat surface: To make sure that codes are still scannable, only put them on flat surfaces, like walls, tables, posters, or fliers.
Use high contrast: If using custom colors on a code, make sure that the colors are distinct enough from each other to be read as a QR code.
Make sure codes are visible: Don’t place codes where patrons are unlikely to see them.
Only use codes when necessary: If an alternative exists that’s easier for all parties involved, use that.
Test on multiple devices: Make sure your codes work whether scanned on an Android device, iPhone, tablet, or other device.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I use QR codes in my fast food restaurant?
QR codes can be used to share all sorts of content and information, like menus, WiFi logins, special deals, events, review pages, and more.
Where in my restaurant should I display my QR codes?
Your QR codes should be placed somewhere visible to the customer and where they are most likely to have their mobile devices on hand. Good locations would be on a table tent, a sticker on the table, a menu, or a sign visible to guests.
Do I need to hire someone to make my QR codes?
No. QR codes can be made by yourself for free through a service like QR Code Developer.
Do I need to download anything to scan QR codes?
While QR scanner apps are available for mobile devices, they are not necessary. Most modern smart devices are perfectly capable of scanning codes right from the built-in camera app.
What devices can scan QR codes?
Most modern smart devices with both a built-in camera and an internet connection can scan QR codes and access the content within. This includes smart phones, tablets, and even some handheld gaming consoles.
Are QR codes safe?
While there are some risks in using QR codes, they are relatively safe.
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