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The recent pandemic dramatically hit all businesses, and those that suffered the most were restaurants, bars, and cafes. Small and big enterprises felt the hit to their finances and saw clients dripping away, therefore relying entirely on takeout.
However, relying on takeout for cafes and restaurants might not be enough since most of their clients also struggle during those times. Therefore, they can’t afford the takeaway prices that double up with delivery fees and tips on top.
So, as restrictions seem to be taken down a notch in most places worldwide, restaurants start to open up and welcome back the public. Of course, safety measures are taken, such as disinfectants, masks, and social distancing. There is another crucial measure to be taken, and that is a QR code in restaurants. We will discuss in brief the benefits of QR code systems in restaurants and more down below.
Benefits of QR code systems in restaurants
In this section, we will discuss some of the benefits of using QR codes in restaurants during the pandemic. Essentially, QR codes have been around since 2010, and you just have to scan the black and white squares of it, then you’ll have a link appear for you to open. The result is the restaurant’s menu.
It looks so simple and easy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that restaurants and bars use disposable or, better yet, digital menus to omit bacteria spreading around. QR codes contribute to the latter, and if you have a contactless ordering system or disinfected tablets, it all adds up.
You can even put the QR on the table itself without tablets and any physical item to hold the code. The QR code can be placed on a sticker throughout the restaurant or cafe and even on recycled flyers or business cards. This way, its distribution grows effectively without wasting a lot of paper to print out many, many 20 page menus. It’s enough that restaurant receipts contribute to more than 4,250,000 kilograms in landfills each year that more trees will need to be cut for menus. Usually, paper menus wear out or get greasy and stained when touched by waiters and clients between meals.
The advantages of QR code systems in restaurants are endless, and they combine in one significant advantage – less contact and minor infection. Therefore, less COVID-19. Additionally, it’s way easier to view the menu from your phone without having to wait for waiters to bring it.
You can check out the menu safely from your phone and pay contactless without handling money, one of the leading causes of bacteria spreading. This is all thanks to new ordering systems which clients can use to order and pay through a QR code menu. These systems work wonders for bars, cafes, restaurants, and even room service.
Another benefit of QR code menus is that they are available in multiple languages, suitable for international guests. In most countries, you can usually view the menu in English and the native language of the country. However, with QR code menus, you can view them in multiple languages. Another pro of QR code menus is that they are pretty dynamic and can be changed from day to day, especially if a lunch menu is involved. You can pre-set up your lunch menus, and they will roll out during the week without you overthinking them.
But hold up! Did you really think QR codes could ONLY change the way we view menus and pay in restaurants? You’re mistaken. QR codes are also used for viewing the WIFI password at bars and cafes. You don’t need to search for it on your receipt or written in chalk somewhere around the bar. Now, you can simply scan a QR code and copy the password.
Can the QR code menu restaurant idea hold up after the pandemic?
Of course, the QR code menu restaurant model will last. After all, many restaurants have had that option way before the pandemic. However, right now, it’s not viewed as an option but a necessity. When businesses are held at gunpoint about their survival, and by gunpoint, we mean COVID, they have no choice. They have to adapt. QR codes are not hard to handle, and they will make your business more modern and desirable.
If a restaurant or a bar strives to improve by updating their menus and recipes to stay on top, they can also work the same way towards customer experience. A safe and effortless customer experience.
QR codes instead of menus are not heavy and expensive technology like robot waiters (although they might be nice, too).
Affordable, safe, easy, and a better way of doing business. This is what QR codes bring to the restaurant industry, and it will last.
We hope we inspired you, and if you are a restaurant owner yourself, you should definitely look up QR codes and their implementation. After that, you will only reap the benefits of it all.