QR Menus vs Paper Menus: Cost, Hygiene & Guest Experience

The way restaurants present menus is changing fast. In a world shaped by digital habits and health concerns, the humble paper menu is under serious pressure from its contactless cousin: the QR menu.

So what's actually better—for your business, your guests, and your wallet?

💸 Cost Breakdown

Paper Menus:

• Reprints add up. Change your prices? Seasonal specials? That’s another print job.
• Wear and tear means you’ll be replacing them constantly.

QR Menus:

• One-time setup: print a few QR codes, stick them on tables, done.
• Menu updates? Just hit save—no print costs, no delays.

If you're updating your menu often, QR wins by a mile.

🧼 Hygiene and Safety

Paper Menus:

• They get passed from hand to hand, rarely wiped, and easily collect grime.
• In a post-COVID world, that’s a red flag.

QR Menus:

• No touching. Scan the code, view on your phone.
• Guests feel safer, and you won’t need to constantly sanitize anything.

🤳 The Guest Experience

Paper Menus:

• They're familiar. Some guests love flipping through a real menu.
• Good for older clientele who might struggle with smartphones.

QR Menus:

• Fast and modern. No waiting for the server to bring anything.
• Lets you include images, descriptions, and even translations.

But here's the trick: some people hate using their phones at the table. So read your crowd.