Ever encountered a situation where you went to a Coffee shop and surprisingly, there weren’t any menu cards in that shop? All that you found there were QR codes everywhere. You had to bring out your smartphone and scan those QR codes to know their offerings. I bet it was an interesting experience for you.
Currently, 54.7% of restaurants in the world are using QR codes for their business and the number is increasing rapidly. In the next 10 years, menu cards in restaurants will go extinct and they will be replaced by digital menu bar or QR menu bar.
Now, the question that brings you to this blog is, “What on earth is QR Code Restaurant Ordering and how does it benefit my restaurant business?” Well, my friends, that’s exactly what we’re here to explore.
Without any further due, let’s get started.
What is QR Code Ordering and How Does it Work?
QR codes are like secret messages for your smartphone. They’re square barcodes that hold information. When you scan them with your phone’s camera, they reveal what’s hidden inside. It is a very smart and hassle-free method that is cost effective at the same time.
Almost everyone in this world is using or at least has access to smartphones. When business owners can share their menu or information while spending less, isn’t it obvious to be popular?
Let’s find out how it works!
- Customers use a smartphone or tablet with a camera.
- They open a QR code scanner app or use their phone’s built-in camera.
- The restaurant provides a QR code on the table or menu.
- Customers point the camera at the QR code.
- The scanner app recognizes the QR code.
- It opens a link or displays information related to the restaurant.
- Customers can view the menu, order food or access other services.
- They can complete the checkout process from that menu.
Customers follow These basic and common steps to order and checkout in a restaurant through QR scanning. This procedure is fast, needs less human interaction and won’t cost you much. But these aren’t the only benefits! In the next section, I’ll discuss how you can benefit from using the QR code ordering system for your restaurant.
Why Do You Need QR Code Ordering for Your Restaurant?
There are countless benefits of having a QR code scanning system in your restaurant business, including contactless ordering, reduced wait times, order efficiency and many more. The biggest advantage of implementing this feature is embracing the restaurant business’s digitalization.
Here are the benefits of the QR Code Ordering System in your restaurant business:
1. Contactless Ordering with Reduced Wait Time
QR code systems can eliminate the need for physical menus. It reduces contact between staff and customers, which significantly hasten the order processing time. As a result, customers have to wait less time for their food.
2. Menu Accessibility
When you provide an easily accessible digital menu, it ensures that customers can view menu items and prices. It reduces the chances of dissatisfaction due to misunderstandings, and your customers remain happy.
3. Efficient Ordering
A study shows that your restaurant can experience a 20% increase in table turnover when using digital ordering systems like QR codes. Orders are sent directly to the kitchen, reducing the time it takes for customers to receive their food and drinks.
4. Convenient Payments
QR code systems often offer seamless payment options, such as digital wallets, cards and other digital payment methods. This leads to higher average order values (AOV) as customers are more inclined to add extra orders conveniently.
5. Cost Savings
Another study indicates that restaurants can save up to $2,000 per year by transitioning to digital menus and reducing printing costs. Additionally, your restaurant can optimize staffing levels as staff can focus on food preparation and customer service rather than order taking.
6. Quick Reports
You can collect valuable data, such as total orders and earnings, as the QR Code system collects them. It is an automatic procedure that doesn’t require any strict monitoring eyes always.
7. Enhanced Safety
Even after the COVID-19 pandemic, customer safety remains very crucial. QR code systems support social distancing measures by minimizing physical contact so you & your surroundings remain safe and business remains intact!
8. Environmentally Friendly
If your restaurant switches to digital menus, it can save hundreds of pounds of paper waste annually. It contributes to a more sustainable environment.
In summary, QR code offers a lot compared to those who stick with the traditional paper menu and manual payment system. It’s a win-win situation for you and your restaurant business.
How to Set Up a QR Code for A Restaurant
After knowing the advantages of using the QR code in your restaurant business, you must be somewhat interested in using the QR code scanning feature for ordering food. eFood is a complete restaurant management solution that has a QR code scanning feature. Customers can order and complete the checkout process through it. Now, I’ll guide you through the setup process of QR in your restaurant based on eFood.
Here is how you can create a QR Code for your restaurant:
Step 1: Log In
Login to eFood using your email. Make sure you set a strong password for your account.
Step 2: Setup Branches
Add main branch and other branch information, such as name, address, phone, email, location, restaurant availability time, delivery setup, etc., from the “Business Setup” and “Branch Setup” sections, respectively, of the eFood Admin Panel.
Step 3: Set Payment Methods
Next, add all the payment methods that a customer can use during the checkout process. eFood already has popular payment methods integrated, such as Cash On Delivery, Digital Payment and Offline payment.
Step 4: Add Information for the QR Code
Now, choose the branch for creating the QR, add an icon, title and description. Then, set the opening & closing time, add the phone number, website link (where the QR will redirect) and social media name. Your QR code is ready to use.
Step 5: Print and Use the QR Code
Finally, print the QR code using the “Print” button and use it on the table, restaurant entrance or wherever you want to.
The Future of Restaurant Business
From innovative technology to sustainable practices, the restaurant industry is evolving rapidly. People’s food habit has been changing and there is no way a restaurant will survive that doesn’t go on par with customer’s taste. So let’s find out how will be the future of the restaurant business industry.
Here’s what to expect–
Digital Menus and Ordering
Restaurants will use digital menus accessible via smartphones or tablets. Customers can browse the menu, place orders, and make payments using their devices.
Online Reservations and Waitlist Management
More restaurants will adopt online reservation systems and waitlist management apps. Customers will book tables and join waitlists from their phones, which will ensure a smoother dining experience.
Delivery Drones and Robots
Expect to see drones and robots delivering food to homes and even within restaurants. This tech speeds up delivery times and reduces human contact in the delivery process.
Contactless Payments
Cashless and contactless payment methods will become the norm. Mobile wallets, QR code payments and NFC technology will make transactions quick and secure.
AI-Powered Chatbots
Restaurants will employ AI-powered chatbots for customer service. These bots can answer common questions, take orders and handle inquiries. It will be freeing up staff for more complex tasks.
Augmented Reality (AR) Menus
AR menus allow customers to see 3D images of dishes before ordering. This enhances the dining experience and helps customers make informed choices.
Smart Kitchens
Kitchens will feature smart appliances and equipment. These devices can automate cooking processes, monitor food quality and reduce cooking times.
Sustainability Tech
Sustainable practices will be a priority. Restaurants will use technology to reduce food waste, recycle more and source ingredients locally.
Biometric Access
Access to restaurants may require biometric authentication, such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanning, to enhance security and streamline entry.
IoT Integration
The Internet of Things (IoT) will connect restaurant devices like ovens, fridges, and inventory systems, allowing for remote monitoring and control.
Blockchain for Food Traceability
Blockchain technology will be used to track the journey of ingredients from farm to table. This ensures food safety and transparency.
Voice Ordering
Customers can place orders through voice-activated devices like smart speakers. This offers convenience and accessibility.
These technological advancements are shaping the future of the restaurant business, making dining more convenient, efficient, and enjoyable for both customers and restaurant owners.
Final Thoughts on QR Code Restaurant Ordering
Transitioning from the old-style paper menus to a high-tech QR code system in restaurants brings along a host of advantages. It reduces the need for customers to rely heavily on waiters, ensures instant sync with the kitchen and offers seamless order & payment for faster, more efficient customer service.
Finally, it stands true that QR code ordering is the future of the restaurant business. With these many benefits, it makes and will continue to make dining experiences smoother and more convenient.
Thanks for reading this blog. Hopefully, you get a clear idea of what and how QR code restaurant ordering works. If you have any questions, feel free to share.
Peace!
