In 2023, QR Code Sign-In is Not Enough. Restaurants Must Offer QR Code Ordering Too

The new normal for restaurants is here. The restaurant industry is rebuilding itself around the new reality by leveraging contactless menus, scan menu apps, and QR code ordering. In fact, QR codes are driving the restaurant industry towards stability in an unstable post-pandemic world.

Scan the QR Code In the image or Click to See How QR Code Sign In For Restaurants Work

Restaurants Can’t Afford to Be Shut Down

Restaurants are open again. But they are not the same. They are still required to follow strict guidelines and match COVID-safe conditions to remain open in many parts of the world. They certainly do not want to risk another shutdown. Recently, a restaurant in Sydney, NSW, was hit with a $10,000 fine for not enforcing the COVID Safe sign-in procedure for all guests. Restaurants cannot stay profitable if they have to close again or pay hefty fines. They are treading a fine line, and it’s stressful, but there is help. To simplify the process, many countries around the world, including the NSW Government in Australia, recommend using QR Codes for guests to fill in their details. The Victorian Government’s guidelines now require restaurants and bars to record the contact details of every guest. England has also mandated collecting, tracking, and tracing restaurant customer details. Health Secretary Matt Hancock has stated that from Monday, 14th September, “it would become compulsory for pubs and restaurants to take customers’ details for the test and trace programme.” QR code sign has become almost mandatory to run a restaurant business. However, this can be a blessing in disguise for restaurants. They can turn this mandate into a business opportunity by turning the QR code sign-in into QR code ordering. Let’s explore more.

How Does QR Code Ordering Work?

When a customer visits a restaurant, they are presented with a QR code. Once they scan the QR code using their smartphone, they are redirected to a digital menu. Restaurants can offer a view-only digital menu where the customers can only view the menu. Additionally, they can allow their customers to place orders directly from the digital menu.

A Pair of Champions: QR Menu & QR Code Sign-In For Restaurants

QR Code Sign-In is a nifty little feature for restaurants. It involves scanning a QR code to access a simple form for customers to fill out. They can enter all their details so they can be traced and alerted in the event of a COVID breakout. Patrons already have their phones in their hands to scan the QR code, so they can also use the same QR code for ordering. As soon as they sign in, they can immediately start building their order cart. Customers can have a more convenient ordering experience while adhering to social distancing norms. For the restaurant, it speeds up table turnover and helps with brand-building. Since the guests interact with the restaurant more via the QR code ordering system, it increases their engagement with the business and fosters loyalty. It will prove especially helpful for Melbourne and Sydney restaurants in expanding their service areas for outdoor dining as they continue to operate under strict COVID-safe measures. With QR code ordering, patrons can send their orders right from their phones to the kitchen. It also ensures that restaurants manage their outdoor tables more efficiently. Guests decide what to order and place it with the restaurant. They don’t have to wait in line for their order or even wait for other people to decide what they want to order. No lines translate to a more pleasant guest experience. You order your item from the contactless menu, the kitchen prepares it for you, and the server brings it right out. QR code ordering for restaurants introduces guests to their digital menus so that guests can opt for pick-ups and home deliveries as per their needs. For restaurants that are worried about going back into lockdown, having more diners aware of their takeaway and pick-up options will certainly assist in keeping revenue flowing in through these alternate ordering channels.

Orderlina

Orderlina can assist restaurants in switching to a QR code ordering system in two ways. Have the guest submit their contact details at the entrance or require the guest to provide the necessary information during the ordering process.

• 

• 

The Way Forward: COVID Sign-In + QR Code Ordering

Federal Compliance

In Australia, both the NSW Wales and Victorian Governments have launched their QR COVID Sign-In Apps. In the UK, the NHS also utilizes track and trace solutions. These are all free services and provide valuable contact tracing data directly to the appropriate government authorities. These solutions work perfectly for all retail establishments where customers enter a venue, pick up the product they have, and want to be compliant with the safety guidelines. Hospitality venues, like restaurants, benefit from displaying their scan menu app immediately after the QR Code sign-in. Moreover, guests are more comfortable sharing their food preference data with the familiar local restaurant rather than with the government. So, the restaurant can collect the data and then share the details with the government authorities only when required

Patrons Like QR Code Ordering

There is an obvious element of convenience with QR code ordering. Guests can start their order as soon as they are seated at the restaurant. They like and enjoy the concept of prompt ordering and quick service from the restaurants they already love. The increasing number of 5-star reviews for restaurants with scan menu apps and QR code ordering are testament to the fact that guests love these ideas.

Answer to Staff Shortage

As highlighted earlier, QR Menus allow the restaurant to do more with less, which is especially important during the current hospitality staff shortage in Australia. As the guests already have the QR code menu to place orders, it’s one less table visit for the busy staff. With contactless kitchens, guests can place orders directly to the kitchen, eliminating the need for the wait staff to take orders. Moreover, restaurants can use this opportunity to expand their operations with lower overheads. They can serve more guests with lesser staff. If restaurants and bars must procure new technology to use scan menu app and QR code ordering to remain open during COVID restrictions, they should do it quickly. It will lend their guests, who are still worried about going out, a sense of additional safety. They do not have to touch menus or hard cash, both of which might have been handled by others. With QR code ordering, restaurants can have a two-in-one solution for the best COVID-SAFE practices. If you plan to future-proof your restaurant, Orderlina has a free plan for the best QR menu for restaurants.