How to Use QR Codes for Your Restaurant

There’s nothing more rewarding than operating a restaurant with a dedicated customer base. However, the operating costs for restaurants can get out of hand quickly, especially if you’ve got rotating menu options that require regularly printing updated menus. Luckily, there’s a way to reduce costs and improve your guest’s dining experience: QR codes.

We’ve compiled the best tips for how to use a QR code for restaurants as a tool to grow your business successfully.

How to Best Use a QR Code to Help Grow Your Restaurant

If you’re ready to generate your first QR code but aren’t sure how to use it, here are a few ideas.

Your Current Menu

If your website has a page dedicated to your current menu, a URL QR code is the perfect marketing tool for you. Add this code to your tabletop tent card to make it easier for current and potential guests to view your menu items without needing to waste paper or pay expensive printing fees every time the menu changes.

Seasonal Specials and Deals

Try creating a QR code that directs guests to sign up for your email list to receive exclusive coupons or be notified of seasonal specials and new entrees.

Virtual Business Cards

Business cards can get lost or damaged easily, so many restauranteurs now use business cards pulled up via QR code. These codes automatically pull up any information you want, including your name, phone number, email address, social media handles, allowing a guest to automatically store it as a new contact in their phone’s address book.

Customer Service

If you want your guests to have the ability to reach out easily when they have questions or concerns, set up a QR code that’s linked to your email address. When a guest opens the code with their camera phone, the QR code will pull up their email client with your email address pre-filled and ready to send.

Links to Your Social Media

If social media is a primary way that you market your business, using a QR code that’s linked to your main account is a great, low-cost way to funnel your potential diners where you want them to go.

Payment Gateways

If you collect any sort of payments for takeout or delivery through apps or Bitcoin, your unique QR code can automatically send customers to your payment gateway. This eliminates the chance of losing the order or having to worry about your servers needing to handle sensitive payment information.

Testimonials

No advertising is better than word-of-mouth, so setting up a new QR code that directs satisfied diners to a review site will allow them to leave a testimonial about their experience working with you.

What Is a QR Code, and How Does It Work?

Quick response (QR) codes are unique codes that smartphones and tablets can scan with their built-in cameras. These codes are used for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:

  • Sending a diner to a URL
  • Sending an email to a specified address
  • Showing an image or video

Your imagination only limits the possibilities of using a QR code for restaurants.

Static QR Codes vs. Dynamic QR Codes

Static 

Static codes direct a person to a permanent URL or action and cannot be changed. Static codes are a popular QR code option for restaurant owners and are great for new users who want to test how well they work with their guests.

Dynamic 

Dynamic codes can be edited and re-edited as needed — even after printing.

How to Make QR Codes for a Restaurant

Making a QR code is easy! Here’s how to do it using our QR code generator:

  1. Select the type of code you’d like to make. Some of the options we provide include:
  2. Enter your content
  3. Customize the code with your brand colors or use a gradient to make your code pop.
  4. Add your logo or another image to help better brand your unique code.
  5. Customize the design with the right weight and style for your new code.
  6. Click “Create QR Code,” and you’ll have your new, unique code immediately ready for use.
  7. Test your QR code to ensure it works the way you want by aiming your smartphone camera at the code.

Should I Use a QR Code for My Restaurant?

Using a QR code for your restaurant is an excellent way to use technology as a marketing tool that keeps guests up-to-date with your latest menu offerings and ensures you’re able to provide the best customer service possible.

Ready to get started? Use our free QR code generator to create a unique QR code for your restaurant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change where the QR code sends my patrons?

If you create a dynamic QR code, you’ll have the ability to update the action scanning your code takes. However, this can be hard to manage when you have multiple codes, so we recommend instead updating the URL’s content your static code directs users to rather than dealing with maintaining costly dynamic codes.

How easy is it to use a QR code?

Both iOS and Android smartphones have built-in technology that automatically recognizes a QR code through their camera apps. All your guest has to do is open their camera and scan the code; their phone will do the rest.

Do I need a special printer or format to print my QR code?

No. A standard inkjet or laser printer can easily print a QR code, provided that the image resolution is high quality. You can also resize your code to be as small or large as you need; just remember to keep the same 1:1 ratio so that it remains square.

How Can I Use a QR Code?

Many restaurants will use QR codes as a way for patrons to access the menu and latest specials or to sign up for their email list to receive discounts and coupons. Some restaurants have even had success putting them on their servers’ uniforms.