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Restaurant owners already know how important it is to monitor guest feedback. Traditionally, though, gathering opinions has relied on managers checking in at tables, scanning online reviews, or sorting through feedback forms. These methods still matter, but they can be time-consuming and often lack specificity. QR ordering, on the other hand, captures much more than a diner’s immediate interest in a dish. It can log how many orders a new entrée receives compared to a mainstay classic. Some systems also make it easy for guests to leave quick online reviews or rate new dishes on the spot.
With this direct feedback, it’s easier to run A/B tests on your menu in a single night or over a week. For instance, you might offer two variations of a dish—one with a twist on the sauce, another with a garnish refresh—and see which version is more popular. By aligning real-time ordering data with the number of positive reviews or tips, you’ll have a clear picture of which version truly resonates. According to Restaurant Dive, data-driven decision-making is becoming a top priority for modern restaurants aiming to boost profitability and guest satisfaction. With QR ordering, that data is literally at your fingertips.
January arrives with a collective sense of beginning anew. People make lifestyle commitments, try new diets, and look for dining experiences that match their fresh frame of mind. Naturally, it’s an excellent time for you as a restaurateur to introduce novel items or adjust existing favorites to better align with emerging trends. According to the National Restaurant Association, many diners actively look for healthier yet flavorful foods around the start of the year.
But how do you pique consumers’ curiosity without alienating those who’ve grown to love your current selection? The beauty of leveraging QR ordering is that you can feature a small cluster of new items labeled “seasonal” or “New Year Specials” without overhauling your entire lineup. Diners who want to explore can do so quickly by scanning codes, placing orders, and leaving feedback. Those who prefer familiar fare still find their go-to dishes just as easily. This approach preserves your brand identity while inviting guests to come on the culinary journey with you.
The New Year isn’t just about adding “something new” to the menu; it’s about making sure each addition supports your restaurant’s broader identity and profitability. Rather than haphazardly debuting dishes, take a purposeful approach that aligns with informed experimentation. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:
Consumer behavior can be unpredictable, so capturing diners’ thoughts when they’re at your table effectively ensures you don’t miss precious insights. A QR ordering system doesn’t just handle orders; it can also integrate tipping and feedback collection. Customers are more inclined to share their opinions if it only requires another tap or two on their phone.
An added bonus is that you can seamlessly invite guests to leave a Google review. If you’re testing a new sea bass recipe with tangy lime sauce, for instance, a clear prompt at checkout can nudge satisfied customers to rave about it online. In turn, this ups your visibility for foodies who search for keywords such as “best new sea bass dish near me.” Because the process is integrated within the QR menu and payment ecosystem, it feels like a quick, natural step, rather than a chore.
Let’s imagine you own a local bistro called The Copper Spoon. You’re known for classic comforts like braised short rib and hearty stews, but you want to test a handful of lighter, New Year–friendly picks: a grilled vegetable sandwich, a kale and quinoa salad with roasted almonds, and a lemon-garlic shrimp skewers appetizer. How can you use QR ordering to do a “soft launch” on these items without shouting it from the rooftops (at least, not yet)?
Menu changes can feel burdensome in a traditional setting. You’d have to print new menus, retrain staff to pitch new items, and guess how many orders might come in. QR ordering largely eliminates these headaches. Instead of printing large batches of paper menus only to discard them when a dish is tweaked, you can update your digital menu in a matter of clicks. This also conserves resources and reduces waste.
Moreover, servers can focus on hospitality rather than juggling complicated menu details. They can answer deeper questions about flavor, prep techniques, or local sourcing, which are far more meaningful interactions than simply taking orders. By automating repetitive tasks, you also free up staff to concentrate on personalized service. Remember, your staff’s morale matters, and giving them the right tools for efficiency fosters a more positive work environment.
Loyal customers love to feel personally recognized. QR ordering might sound impersonal at first, but it can actually boost personalization. How? Through targeted messaging and server follow-ups.
For example, if a repeat diner logs into your system and typically orders gluten-free items, the QR menu can highlight which of your new seasonal dishes meets their dietary preferences. Or, if you notice a longtime customer who often leaves glowing reviews, you might include a short “thank you” message when they scan your code. This approach blends the convenience of modern technology with a warm, individualized touch.
And don’t forget: a robust loyalty program integrated within your QR system can provide a direct channel to reward returning customers. Offer loyalty points for testing new items, or double points on your designated “New Year Specials.” Whether it’s a free coffee on the third visit, a discounted appetizer, or exclusive access to promotions, creative perks go a long way in turning curious testers into committed regulars.
When it comes to choosing a QR ordering platform, there are certain features you’ll want to look for: user-friendly design, real-time data tracking, order accuracy, and an intuitive payment interface. This is exactly where sunday comes into play. sunday offers restaurants in the U.S. a quick-scan payment solution, allowing customers to check out whenever they’re ready, leave a tip, and even jump straight to leaving a Google review if they wish.
Beyond streamlining payment, sunday embraces the reality that restaurants need a flexible, dynamic tool. Adjust your menu from the back end in minutes. Run limited-time specials and watch how your customers respond. If a dish isn’t hitting the mark, pivot instantly—no major reprint or staff retraining needed. By integrating all these components in a single platform, you’re effectively removing friction from both ends: the customer’s journey and the restaurant’s operations.
In short, with a platform like sunday that supports QR ordering, you have a modern foundation to experiment, test, pivot, and ultimately thrive during the New Year period—and well beyond.
While the core concept behind QR ordering is straightforward—scan, order, pay—the details can be what sets your restaurant apart. If you want your new items to stand out in your digital menu, consider these finer points:
One reason QR ordering is so powerful for menu experimentation is the speed at which you can effect changes. Let’s say your new dessert—an elegant green tea cheesecake—receives a lukewarm response. You can quickly chat with the pastry chef, perhaps tweak the sweetness level or plating style, and update the menu description to highlight the revision. The next wave of diners might absolutely love it.
By comparing week-to-week data, you can systematically see if adjustments lead to improved uptake. Sales might jump by 20% after a recipe tweak or an enticing new photo. You won’t need to wait until the end of a season to evaluate the success of your experiment.
A satisfied diner is often more than happy to give praise—particularly if you make it easy. This is where your QR ordering system can shine beyond just capturing orders. Once the guest is finished, let them pay by scanning the same code, and pop up an invitation to leave a quick review or rating. If you’ve truly wowed them with your new dish, you may see a surge in positive Google reviews.
Additionally, ensure that diners feel welcome to return again soon. Provide an incentive specifically tied to the new items, such as “Come back next week and get 10% off our new dessert.” The more you can kindly nudge customers with these “thank you for trying” messages, the more loyalty you build. It’s a simple concept, but sometimes overlooked: show your appreciation for the time and money they just spent trying that new kale salad or shrimp skewer. This small gesture can translate into bigger returns over time.
Below you’ll find answers to common questions from restaurant owners interested in using QR ordering for menu tests, especially around the New Year season.
Training typically involves showing them how the system works from a diner’s perspective. Make sure they can confidently answer common questions: “How do I scan the code?” or “Can I still pay with cash?” Clarify when servers should step in to provide customer assistance, and emphasize how QR ordering actually simplifies their workload by cutting down on repeated trips to the table.
Keep traditional menus and payment methods on hand as an alternative. Encourage servers to politely explain how easy QR ordering is—usually just opening a smartphone’s camera over the code. Many diners adapt quickly once they try it. Yet, you don’t want anyone to feel pressured. Make sure those who prefer the old-school approach know they’re still valued.
Not at all, as long as the interface is user-friendly. If you’re constantly tweaking a description or a recipe, you can minimize confusion by labeling items as “Revised” or “New & Improved,” and briefly indicate any change (e.g., “now with a touch more lemon”). Customers appreciate transparency. Since you don’t have to reprint paper menus each time, the digital menu can stay flexible—just keep it clear.
Aim for a minimum of two weeks, unless it’s blatantly obvious the item is a complete miss. Data accumulates over time, and certain items might trend better on weekends than weekdays. Capturing enough data points—orders, tips, reviews—helps you make a confident decision on whether to keep refining a dish or let it go.
Not at all. QR ordering is equally useful for monitoring how established dishes perform. Maybe you’ll discover that your best-selling entrée is even more popular on certain days, or that a side dish gets ordered more when it’s placed next to a complementary item. The technology helps you see small but valuable trends across your entire menu.
In the end, leveraging QR ordering to test New Year menu changes puts you in the driver’s seat. You’re able to spot and amplify successful dishes, refine weak links, and respond faster to market trends. By removing many of the traditional hurdles—guesswork, printing costs, limited feedback—this technology empowers you to step into the new year ready to delight not just adventurous diners but everyone who walks through your doors.
