Just read an article on CNN called “Why QR-code menus are still around” (August 20, 2022). It’s an interesting read.
Things to pick up from it are:
- Restaurant owners love contact-less menus that can be accessed by QR code, as it allows for quick and inexpensive menu changes (immediate, and no reprinting required)
- Patrons hate them – especially when the QR code brings you to a zoom in/zoom out slide left/slide right static PDF file of the menu
- But a more user-friendly use of QR codes might be a happy medium, like bringing up a mobile-friendly online menu – especially if it also allows patrons to pay through the online app, or subscribe to a VIP club with special deals
Some quotes from the article:
A recent Technomic survey found that about 88% of respondents said they preferred paper menus to digital QR codes. About 66% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they didn’t like QR codes because they involve pulling out your phone as soon as you sit at the table. About 57% agreed that using QR codes felt like a chore, and 55% agreed that QR codes were hard to read and browse through.
People might actually like digital menus if they’re more responsive and interactive, and can be used to order directly, add to their tabs or pay for their meals. “Those are much, much, much more enjoyable experiences than the zoom in, zoom out of a PDF.”
Waiting to pay for a check is “a much larger pain point for consumers,” than reading a menu, (…) and one that can be solved using similar technology. “Let me pay when I’m ready to go. And everybody’s happy.”
Photo by Alba Lantigua on Unsplash
