Online Menus

The absurdity of online menus in restaurants

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of contactless dining options, including online menus. While some restaurants have embraced this technology, others have found that it can be more trouble than it's worth.

One of the biggest problems with online menus is that they can be difficult to use. Customers may have to zoom in and out to read the small text, and scrolling through a long list of items can be tedious. Additionally, online menus can be slow to load, especially for customers with limited data plans.

Another problem with online menus is that they can be inaccessible to certain customers. For example, elderly customers or those with vision impairments may have difficulty reading the text on a screen. Additionally, customers who are not familiar with using technology may find it difficult to navigate an online menu.

For these reasons, many restaurants are finding that online menus are not a good fit for their business. Instead, they are opting for more traditional methods of displaying their menus, such as printed menus or menu boards.

Here are some of the reasons why online menus can be a bad idea for restaurants:

• They can be difficult to use. Customers may have to zoom in and out to read the small text, and scrolling through a long list of items can be tedious. Additionally, online menus can be slow to load, especially for customers with limited data plans.
• They can be inaccessible to certain customers. For example, elderly customers or those with vision impairments may have difficulty reading the text on a screen. Additionally, customers who are not familiar with using technology may find it difficult to navigate an online menu.
• They can be impersonal. There's something to be said for the human touch of a printed menu or a menu board. Online menus can feel cold and sterile, and they don't give customers the same sense of being in a restaurant.

If you're a restaurant owner, consider these factors before you decide to switch to online menus. There are plenty of other ways to offer contactless dining options without sacrificing the customer experience.

Here are some alternatives to online menus that restaurants can consider:

• Printed menus: Printed menus are still the most popular way to display menus in restaurants. They're easy to read, accessible to everyone, and they give customers a sense of being in a restaurant.
• Menu boards: Menu boards are another great way to display menus. They're easy to see from a distance, and they can be updated frequently to reflect changes in the menu.
• QR codes: QR codes can be used to direct customers to a website or app where they can view the menu. This is a good option for restaurants that want to offer online menus but also want to make sure that their menus are accessible to everyone.

Ultimately, the best way to display your menu is the way that will work best for your business and your customers. Consider your customer base, your budget, and your overall dining experience when making your decision.