Is a digital menu boring or necessary?

The menu via QR Code was adopted during the pandemic period, but even after the end of the health emergency, the digital menu continues to be available in restaurants – and in some, only in digital format.

In 2020, it made a lot of sense to have digital menus on the table, as you just need to point your cell phone camera at the QR Code that is positioned somewhere on the table. Back then, we washed our grocery shopping with soap and water. A digital menu was the most hygienic, avoiding contact with contaminated hands on the paper menu, suitable for the pandemic.

The restrictions are over, but digital menus are firm and strong, and there is no goodbye in sight.

Some legislative houses are already discussing the digital menu, but the Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants argues that this is not a matter for laws, but rather a market decision.

In Rio de Janeiro, deputies approved the project that prohibits restaurants from using only the digital menu. The same proposal is being processed in Minas Gerais.

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There is no middle ground: either you love or hate the QR Code menu. The controversial discussion was so successful that it even ended up in the legislative chambers…

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For Simone Galante, CEO of Galunion, a consultancy specializing in food away from home, the digital menu is more practical and ecological.

“The digital menu ends up being more ecological, as there is no need to be printed. Yes, this reduces costs, which is important for menu prices to remain competitive. But it also brings other advantages: the digital menu can be updated in advance with each dish change, price change or inclusion of sporadic promotions", said.

Simone highlighted the main benefits of the digital menu for consumers:

• It's more hygienic;
• It is more ecological, as it does not generate constant new impressions;
• Autonomy for the consumer: arrives and can now access the menu;
• There may be photos that make the choice easier;
• Can be constantly updated with news, promotions at different times
• It can be updated with stock, making it easier to choose and not generating frustration;
• There may be a link to the list of nutrients and allergens for the ingredients on the menu;
• Its font can be enlarged to make it easier to read;
• They may have a link for automatic ordering and payment, generating faster;
• They can facilitate seasonal menus and fresh seasonal products.

Even with so many arguments in favor, there is an internet campaign for restaurants and bars to also have their menu in physical format – not everyone wants to use their cell phone or has the ability to use the QR Code.

The profile The Summer Hunter on Instagram and some restaurants also campaigned against the prevalence of the QR Code:

And what do you think of this debate?

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