QR code solutions in the food service industry: how are they changing service?

Not long ago, it was common practice in the hospitality industry to use printed menus, wait for a server to arrive, and split the bill manually. Today, this service model increasingly causes inconvenience for both guests and staff.

In a rapidly changing world, technology is taking on an ever-growing role and reshaping everyday life. These changes quietly extend into various areas of our lives, forming new habits and expectations. What once required time, physical interaction, or additional costs can now often be done with just a few taps on a smartphone. Customers expect faster, more convenient, and more modern service, prompting businesses to look for ways to adapt. One of the most notable developments has been the introduction of QR code–based service solutions. A QR code is a digital code that, when scanned, instantly directs a customer to relevant information or a specific action.

QR code-based solutions became especially popular during the pandemic, when there was a strong need for safe and contactless ways to deliver services. This technology proved valuable not only for safety reasons, but also because it allows customers to quickly and easily access information, order products or services, and make payments without unnecessary friction. For businesses, QR-based solutions have become an effective way to optimize operations and reduce staff workload. As a result, they have quickly established themselves as an integral part of modern service culture.

Advantages of QR codes in the service process

Today, customers value not only a good product or service, but also a smooth and fast service experience. QR code-based solutions have become one of the most effective ways to deliver this. They allow customers to independently manage many actions themselves, while enabling businesses to organize their operations more efficiently. For this reason, the use of QR-based solutions is rapidly expanding and transforming the traditional service model. Below are the key benefits they provide:

• Faster service. QR-based solutions allow guests to view the menu, select items, and pay the bill directly from their smartphone. This significantly reduces waiting times and enables businesses to serve more customers in a shorter period.
• Bill splitting. Splitting the bill is often one of the most frustrating parts of the dining experience for both guests and staff. QR-based solutions simplify this process by allowing each guest to pay for their own share separately, without complicated calculations.
• Flexibility and quick updates. Businesses can easily and quickly update their menus by changing prices, adding seasonal items, including promotions, or turning specific items on or off as needed.
• Lower costs. By switching to digital solutions and eliminating printed menus, paper bills, and receipts, businesses can significantly reduce daily operating expenses. In the long term, this helps optimize restaurant operations and redirect saved resources to areas that create the most value.
• Optimized service processes. QR-based solutions enable customers to handle many actions on their own, reducing staff workload. This allows employees to focus more on delivering attentive, high-quality service.

What unique features does Greet have?

Businesses are looking not only for simple technological solutions but also for those that help improve overall business management. Greet is more than just a QR code solution; it is a smart platform that combines many features to help both employees and managers operate more smoothly and efficiently. Here are some features that set the Greet solution apart:

• Employee mobile app. Greet provides a dedicated app for employees where they can see orders in real time, manage them efficiently, and quickly respond to customer needs. This reduces errors and improves work organization.
• Statistics for restaurant managers. The Greet platform offers restaurant managers the ability to monitor detailed reports on sales, orders, QR code scans, and tip statistics. This helps better understand business trends and make informed decisions.
• Menu and design customization. Greet allows the customization of QR codes and digital menu designs according to the business identity - choosing colors, fonts, and visual elements that align with the brand style. This way, QR code solutions are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.
• Greet accounting module. This module enables centralized management of payment and payout histories, stores all generated invoices in one place, and generates sales reports for selected periods. It is especially convenient for companies with multiple locations.
• Customer feedback management. The QR code solutions integrate a feedback system that allows customers to leave ratings and comments immediately after payment. This provides valuable insights into customer experience and helps improve processes.

Doubts about using QR code solutions and how to overcome them?

Although QR codes have many advantages, entrepreneurs often face certain doubts. Let’s see how to overcome them:

• “My guests aren’t very tech-savvy.” Most people today are familiar with QR codes - they see them everywhere, from cafés to stores. Moreover, even if someone has questions, assistance from staff helps them quickly learn how to use them. People adapt quickly, especially if the experience is convenient and useful.
• “I’m afraid of losing the warm and human connection with customers.” Technology is not a barrier to genuine service - in fact, it helps staff get rid of mechanical tasks and focus more on guests. When employees are no longer burdened with carrying or splitting bills, they can better attend to customer needs and create a pleasant atmosphere.
• “What if the internet connection drops?” It’s important to have a reliable internet provider and backup physical menu copies.
• “Will customers feel pressured to leave bigger or smaller tips?” Digital tipping options often simplify the process. Customers can choose how much to tip, and the process is quick and convenient. Often, this even encourages tipping more since there’s no need to calculate or deal with cash.
• “Won’t this be too complicated for my team?” The Greet team takes care of training you and your staff, so no questions will remain unanswered.

Greet statistics - numbers that speak for themselves

To understand the effectiveness of QR code solutions, it’s important to look at real numbers. Over 1,000 businesses are already using the Greet QR code solution, and the data collected shows clear benefits:

• On average, customers scan the QR code 428,000 times per month.
• There are 223,000 transactions per month.
• By eliminating paper menus and choosing a QR code solution, a restaurant can save around 200 euros per month.

To better visualize these benefits, it’s worth comparing key service metrics before and after implementing the QR code solution. The data below reveals how such changes reflect daily restaurant operations.

Today, customers value speed, convenience, and flexibility in the service process, and using QR codes has become a direct way to ensure this. By implementing QR code solutions, businesses can organize their operations more efficiently, reduce costs, and respond quickly to customer needs and market changes. Moreover, this technology helps create a harmonious environment where customers feel valued, employees stay motivated, and the business remains profitable.

Learn more about Greet products.