QR codes have been showing up all over the place, and somewhere they’re found particularly frequently is in restaurant menus. QR code menus are found in restaurants new and old, as well as chains and local eateries, which are opting to give their customers digital menus, accessed through a scannable QR code, rather than traditional paper menus.
In this piece, I’ll go over how to create a restaurant QR code menu, including customization options, as well as go over the benefits of using QR code menus. I will also be providing tips and tricks on how to better distribute your codes.
Why use QR Codes Menus?
Detailed benefits
Reduced costs on paper and printing: Since the menu will exist virtually, there is no need to print, fold, or laminate any paper menus. This will also eliminate the need to replace menus if they become old, outdated, or damaged, as they can simply be updated online. Over time, this can save a restaurant hundreds, potentially thousands, of dollars.
Flexibility to change menu items and prices quickly: The content on traditional paper menus is essentially set in stone as soon as they’re printed. If you need to remove an item, add a dish, or even change prices, you will have to reprint all new menus and likely throw the old ones away. With a digital menu, you can simply edit the menu that the QR code links to. This way you can also update daily specials and promotions right on the menu, without having to put up a sign or training staff to remember daily specials.
Environmental impact of reducing paper use: Having to throw out dozens of physical menus every time even a minor change is created can create a lot of garbage. By having a QR code menu, you can help reduce the amount of waste created by your restaurant.
QR code menu Formats
There are 3 main formats you can use to display your QR code menu. These are via a web page, an image, or a PDF. Which format you choose should be up to the technical know how of your staff and the budget you are willing to give towards your menu.
The best format to use for your digital menu would be a web page. This way you can easily make edits and update your menu as needed. It’s also possible, through this method, to allow customers to order through the website, without needing to talk to wait staff. This also includes the benefit of having your qr code menu available and accessible to anyone viewing your website, regardless of whether or not they are in the building.
With this method, however, you will still be required to jump through all the hoops you would when managing any website, for example paying for a domain and setting up the page. For this, you could do things the old fashioned way, or you could take advantage of one of the many website builders on the market, like Wix or SquareSpace.
The simpler option is to have your QR code link to a PDF menu, which you can upload and store on the cloud, allowing for quick edits to be made by uploading a new version.
Designing Your Digital Menu
When designing a QR code menu, it’s important to keep in mind that most customers will be viewing it on a small phone screen. Because of this, you should not simply transfer over a physical menu 1 to 1 or design something with a large, book sized menu in mind. Make sure things are tailored to the smaller screen, use large text, and make it so users can easily understand and scroll through your offerings.
Make sure the menu matches the feel and identity of the business. While you shouldn’t copy your previous physical menu 1 to 1, you should take visual cues and elements from traditional menus to enhance the customer experience.
Creating Your QR Code menu - Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: If your menu is saved via a web page, then copy the URL and paste it into the bar in the website section of QR Codeveloper.
- If your menu is on an image or PNG file, then navigate to the appropriate menu and upload the file.
- Step 2: Click on the pencil icon in the preview bar to customize your code.
- Step 3: Use the customization options to make your code unique.
- Step 4: Click on the Generate button to create the code.
- Step 5: Test your code with multiple devices.
Implementing QR Code menus in Your Restaurant
QR code menus can be placed on tables, on a large sign within the lobby, or anywhere in the establishment a customer can easily scan with a mobile device.
Make sure that any staff who directly interact with customers, like waiters, servers, and hosts, know how the QR code menu system works and can help any customers who may struggle with them. Also remind them the importance of being patient with older folks and less tech-savvy individuals who may not fully grasp the technology.
It’s also smart to include instructions at each table on how to scan the QR codes and access the menu, in case a customer is unfamiliar with QR codes.
Promoting Your New QR code Menu
Make sure that existing and potential customers know about the QR code menu. It’s also important to clearly state the benefits of using digital menus and how they can benefit the customer. Saying things like “We’ve gone paperless” or “Easy to use digital menu” can help to improve customer opinion and get them on board with the idea of a digital menu. Let them know that the savings provided by the digital menu will be passed on to them.
If your restaurant has social media accounts, let customers and fans know of the change ahead of time. This will serve to both inform them and prepare them for the change as well as get them excited for the potential changes to the dining experience.
You can also offer a discount to those who opt for a digital menu, either if you plan on providing both or to better ease your client base into exclusively using the digital menus.
Monitoring and Updating Your QR code Menu
Many QR Code menu generators, like QR Codeveloper, allow users to track the progress and usage of their codes over time, providing updates as quickly as they occur. This can be helpful to gauge interest and see what types of scanning methods your client base prefers.
An all digital menu allows you to add specials and deals, remove or add items, and promote certain dishes at any time, without having to inform staff or reprint new menus.
While digital menus are quick and convenient, it’s a good idea to keep a handful of physical menus or a sign on standby, in case a server goes down, the Wi-Fi stops working, or whatever other issue pops up that can prevent a customer from accessing a digital menu.
Success Stories
Conclusion
It’s easy to see now why so many restaurants, new and old, are transitioning towards the use of digital menus, accessed with QR codes, rather than the old-fashioned physical paper ones. Digital menus offer more freedom and customization for your business and provide ease of use to any existing or potential customers. By offering QR code menus to customers,, you can further emphasize that ease of use, making for happier customers, happier staff, and in the end, more profit for your business.
