I have to admit, I’m a bit of a germaphobe. I find myself frequently reaching for hand sanitizer and washing my hands more often than necessary. My concern for hygiene didn’t start during Covid-19; it began years ago when I had my first child and wanted to protect him from getting sick. This cautious mindset has stayed with me, and while I sometimes felt a bit extreme, recent events have shown the importance of touchless experiences and increased safety measures.
Now, if you’re a restaurant owner and find the idea of implementing QR codes for menus ridiculous, I understand where you’re coming from. Change can be challenging, but it’s important to recognize that times are constantly evolving, and so should our way of living.
Speaking of QR code menus, I recently had a terrible QR code menu experience at a restaurant. I won’t disclose the name, but it was a popular chain sports bar known for its wings. And I’ll tell you why shortly after being seated, my family and I decided to leave.
Let me set the scene for you… We had spent the entire day shopping, and my kids were famished to the point where they couldn’t even make a decision on what to eat; they just wanted to be nourished. My wife had a headache because of my suggestion to wait until later to eat, rather than stopping for snacks or having a late lunch (mistake on my part). We were all incredibly thirsty and tired. Somehow, we managed to agree on a restaurant, which was a rare accomplishment. We entered, were seated, and noticed a QR code on the table in lieu of menus. Alright, we thought, that’s great, I’m in the business of QR codes and I support this decision. However, both my wife and I were so hungry and not really wanting to use our phones to browse the digital menu the way it was set up.
A member of the wait staff approached us, introduced herself, and informed us that all orders were to be placed by scanning the QR code on the table. No drinks, no appetizer inquiries – straight to scanning. So we each scanned the QR code with our phones. It’s important to note that my youngest child doesn’t own a phone, so despite being ravenous myself, I had to navigate the menu with her and try to figure out what she wanted. The ordering website resembled one typically used for takeout or delivery, requiring me to navigate through eight steps of questions just to add her order. Questions like “how many wings?”, “what sauce?”, “what drink?”, “any sides?”, “flats and drums?”, or just one or the other (all flats of course!). And then, I had to order mine. When I glanced up, I could see my wife’s frustration growing as our intention for a phone-free, relaxing meal was forcibly transformed into a digital ordering, eyes on devices, quiz-like experience. Despite all three of us having our own phones, we were assigned to share one device for ordering. Frankly, I was not inclined to do so. It simply seemed easier for us to leave and walk over to the restaurant next door. And that’s precisely what we did.
To ensure a better experience with QR codes for menus, here’s my suggestion:
Provide a link to an online menu for digital viewing, while continuing to offer physical menus for children who prefer reading on their own, elderly individuals who may not have smartphones, and individuals with impairments that make ordering on a phone difficult. It’s also crucial to avoid forcing people to use phones for the entire ordering process; instead, offer it as an option alongside traditional ordering methods.
4 Reasons to use QR codes for restaurant menus
- Cost Savings: By using QR codes for menus, restaurants can eliminate the expenses associated with physical menu printing and distribution, saving money in the long run. But let’s do both together. A slow transition is best for everyone!
- Convenience: QR codes provide a quick and easy way for customers to access menus without the need for physical copies. They can simply scan the code using their smartphone and instantly view the menu.
- Touchless Ordering: With the increased focus on health and hygiene during the Covid-19 pandemic, QR codes offer a touchless ordering experience. Customers can browse the menu, place their orders, and make payments without having to touch physical menus or interact closely with waitstaff. But let’s do this strategically, staff can take initial drink orders and offer printed menu options. And then take the orders in person as well as through online ordering systems. And then when a check comes, QR codes to pay online are great quick and easy ways to add convenince.
- Increased Online Engagement: QR codes can link to various online resources, such as restaurant websites, loyalty programs, and social media accounts. This provides an opportunity for restaurants to engage with customers, build brand recognition, and promote special offers or events. Try not to overwhelm people, give options, don’t force it.
Overall, the use of QR codes for menus provides cost savings, convenience, touchless ordering, increased online engagement, and promotes sustainability for restaurants. As technology continues to advance, QR codes are likely to become an even more prevalent and indispensable tool in the restaurant industry.
By embracing these considerations, restaurants can strike a balance between convenience and inclusivity, catering to a diverse range of customer preferences.
