QRs / 6 min read

Case study: QR codes increase restaurant sales

How can restaurants draw in more guests, streamline service, and grow revenue without adding seats, changing the menu, or hiring more staff? Believe it or not, by simply implementing QR codes.

Let’s dive into how two restaurants increased their average check size, cultivated a loyal customer base, and amplified their social media presence.

University restaurant achieves 18% revenue growth

A university restaurant in Ontario, Canada, faced challenges common to many food service establishments. Employees were paid an hourly wage of C$16.55, and most of their time was spent taking and processing orders. This reduced overall productivity and limited improvements to the customer experience.

the restaurant rolled out unique QR codes for each table. Guests can simply scan the code with their smartphones to access a personalized online menu. Orders are placed directly through the system, giving kitchen staff instant updates on selected dishes and table numbers. Plus, customers can pay securely online – no waiting, no paper receipts, and no fumbling for change. This streamlined the process, speeding up table turnover and lightening the load on the front-of-house team.

After placing an order, guests were invited to subscribe to a newsletter or join the loyalty program. This strategy not only expanded the restaurant’s regular customer base but also enabled targeted marketing to drive repeat visits. The results? Impressive::

There was an 18% increase in revenue within the first 2 months.
The restaurant experienced up to 40% fewer calls to waitstaff, easing employee workload.
Average order time was cut down from 12 to 6 minutes after guests were seated, making the dining experience faster and more efficient and allowing the restaurant to serve more guests during peak hours.
An impressive 37% of guests subscribed to email or SMS campaigns via post-payment pop-ups. Within a month, repeat visits were tracked through promo codes included in those campaigns, helping to build a loyal customer base.

Shinya Ramen increases revenue by 17% with QR code ordering

At Shinya Ramen in Chicago, the team introduced QR code ordering and payment through the Chowbus POS platform. Now, ramen lovers can simply scan a QR code at their table, explore the menu, place their order, and pay, all without waiting for a server.

This new, QR code-driven system delivered strong results:

95% of orders were placed using QR codes, as customers quickly and painlessly adapted to the technology.
There was a 17% increase in average check size, indicating that guests were more willing to explore the menu and try additional items when ordering via QR code.
The restaurant experienced a 20% increase in table turnover, allowing for more guests to be served during peak hours.
Labor costs were reduced by eliminating the need in two staff positions, all while maintaining high service quality.
Staff saw a 20% increase in tips, as they could spend more time engaging with guests rather than managing orders.
The introduction of bilingual menus (in English and Chinese) significantly improved accessibility and boosted customer satisfaction.

How QR codes can help restaurants

According to this report by Foodhub for Business, QR code ordering systems enable restaurants to, on average, process orders 25 to 40% faster, reduce the need for front-of-house staff, increase the average order value by promoting upsells through digital menus, and to minimize complaints about wait times and slow service.

These enhancements not only improve operational efficiency but also create a smoother and more satisfying customer experience. It’s a win-win for everyone.

How to replicate their success

Choose a reliable platform

Select trusted services for generating QR codes and managing links. For instance, Cut0 allows you to create scannable, trackable QR codes with built-in analytics, data protection, and an easy-to-use dashboard. You can create multiple QR codes paired with branded short links in seconds by using our bulk creation feature.

Create a digital menu or landing page

To create a digital menu or landing page, consider including an online menu in formats like PDF, webpage, or an interactive order system, a promotion or offer such as a coupon or feedback form, and a link to a payment page or mobile app.

Ensure the page loads quickly, is mobile-optimized (or even mobile-first), and features clear calls to action like “Order Now,” “Pay,” or “Leave a Review.”

Generate and test your QR codes

Create unique QR codes for different areas in the restaurant: tables, the bar, takeout packaging, etc.

Test each QR code across devices (both iOS and Android), verify that the linked pages load properly and without any major issues on most popular devices, and ensure everything works well with a less-than-perfect Wi-Fi signal.

Place QR codes strategically

To place QR codes strategically, consider positioning them on tables using acrylic holders or stickers, on menus, receipts, and to-go boxes, at the entrance or exit for reviews or newsletter sign-ups, and in the waiting area for pre-ordering.

Tip. Adding a short prompt like “Scan to order instantly” or “Scan this to see our menu” can significantly boost engagement.

Promote and collect feedback

Announce the new ordering option on your social media and website. Train your staff to encourage guests to scan the QR code instead of using traditional menus. Use Cut0’s robust analytics to track valuable user data and optimize your process accordingly.

Implementing QR codes is no longer a passing trend. It’s a proven strategy to optimize operations, reduce costs, and drive repeat sales. This article showcased examples from Shinya Ramen and a university restaurant, but they are just a glimpse of a larger movement (do read this explainer by a popular Californian Hawaii restaurant on why they ditched traditional menus for QRs).

Many establishments are adopting QR systems to enhance service speed, increase check sizes, lighten the workload on staff, and improve overall guest satisfaction. Whether you run a cozy café or a large restaurant, QR code implementation can be tailored to fit your business needs, and it’s clear that the industry is rapidly embracing this innovative approach.

Create QR codes for menus, promotions, and payments in just minutes no tech skills required. With Cut0, you can track performance, build guest loyalty, and boost your sales, all from one easy-to-use platform. Sign up to Cut0 now to generate your first QR codes for free!