New norm in the hospitality industry: why digital menus are indispensable

"84% of smartphone users have scanned a QR code at least once."

In recent years, the hospitality industry in particular has made a great leap forward in terms of innovation with the emergence of QR code menus. New developments follow each other in rapid succession and mobile payment terminals are now indispensable on terraces. Cash registers are being replaced by POS tablets and self-service cash registers are on the rise. What is completely interesting is the increase in digital menus via QR codes. You don't just see this in all-you-can-eat restaurants these days, but also in traditional cafes and restaurants. Keep reading to discover how digital menus in restaurants could completely change the way we create great customer experiences!

How does QR code menu card work?

No more hassle with paper menus and unclear handwriting, because with a QR code you scan the menu on your smartphone within seconds. A QR code menu not only gives you an overview of the dishes, but also allows you to directly and easily place and pay for your order. Enjoy an ultimate user experience that is not only quick and easy, but also very modern.

Reduce wait times and increase sales up to 30% with the addition of QR ordering for the hospitality industry. Ideal for addressing staff shortages with a seamless ordering experience on your POS system.

This is how it works for entrepreneurs:

1. Implement: Add a QR code ordering system to your hospitality business. Place the unique QR codes on tables, the counter or other visible places. Make sure the QR codes are easy for your guests to scan.
2. Scan & Order: By simply scanning the QR code with their smartphone, guests are taken directly to the digital menu. Make sure this menu is clear and user-friendly. Guests can easily browse through the various dishes and drinks, view detailed information and make their selection.
3. Payment & Confirmation: After placing their order, guests can pay safely and easily via the QR code ordering app. Offers various payment options such as credit card, mobile payment or digital wallet. Once the payment is complete, guests receive confirmation of their order.

More articles 

• What is a POS?
• Why choose QR codes at an event?
• Switching to cashless payments

The benefits of digital menus

The rise of digital menus cannot be missed in the hospitality industry. And rightly so, because it saves time and money. By simply ordering from your own phone, an extra portion of fries or drink is served to your table in no time. As a result, orders are prepared and served faster, freeing up more tables. The result: a substantial boost in sales. In addition, the customer does not have to seek contact with the service, so no time is lost in eye contact, waving or waiting for a waiter to walk around. This ensures a streamlined process and a satisfied customer. We've written out the biggest benefits below:

Higher sales per table 

Integrating QR codes into your hospitality business offers new opportunities for smart upselling and cross-selling. Think of matching drinks with a dish or an extra portion of bitterballen with drinks. And by cleverly arranging the menu, even a less well-sold product can be put back in the spotlight and ultimately generate more sales. But perhaps the biggest advantage is that guests no longer have to wait for service when placing an order. Through the QR code, they can access the digital menu in no time, leading to efficiency and increased sales. So the digital butler makes things a lot easier for the hospitality entrepreneur!

More efficient procurement and better customer insight

Using an online menu via QR code not only gives you flexibility in customizing your menu, but also in responding to your customers' needs and changes in the market. By better understanding the popularity of your dishes, you buy more efficiently and can play with the order on your menu. In addition, the online menu offers the ability to upsell and cross-sell snacks, and to offer promotions that are available online until supplies last. Guests can also checkout online and provide feedback through the system, which in turn provides insight into the guest experience.

Optimize convenience and save costs

Providing your menu online has several advantages, all of which lead to cost savings. Not only does it eliminate printing costs and eliminate the hassle of changing and printing, it also saves on tasks for staff. After all, guests can easily view the menu via a QR code, which means you may need fewer staff. The staff that stay will also then have more time and attention to hospitality, which quickly leads to better guest satisfaction.

What do you need for a digital menu?

To create a digital restaurant menu, several things are important

• A well-functioning POS (Point of Sale) system is one of the most important elements. Sjef offers an excellent system designed specifically for the hospitality industry.
• In addition to the POS system, other elements are needed to make the digital menu a success, such as a comprehensive menu, professional photos and an easy-to-use interface.
• All of these components come together to optimize a digital restaurant menu to enhance the guest experience.

QR code menu via Sjef

The hospitality industry has completely changed in recent years thanks to the emergence of digital menus via QR codes. And the possibilities just keep growing. Mobile payment terminals and POS tablets are just the beginning of this revolutionary technology. With Sjef at your side, together we can pave the way to this promising future. So let's take the leap and move your hospitality business forward with the latest developments in the industry!