The use of QR code menus in restaurants has become controversial, with many patrons expressing their dislike for the technology. QR codes were initially introduced as a convenient way to access menus on smartphones quickly and easily. However, many restaurant-goers now view them as tacky and inconvenient. One patron, Oz du Soleil, even walked out of a Las Vegas brunch spot without ordering because he found it cumbersome to use his phone to access the menu and had concerns about data privacy.
The backlash against QR code menus has prompted many restaurants to revert back to traditional paper menus. The director of operations at the Japanese chain Zuma, Teddie King, revealed that the switch from QR codes to paper menus was made two years ago due to the negative perception of QR codes among customers. In a survey conducted earlier this year, 88% of diners expressed a preference for paper menus over QR codes at sit-down establishments.
Some restaurant groups, such as New York’s John Fraser Restaurants, have started to move away from digital menus in their more upscale dining rooms while continuing to use them in casual bistros. Similarly, the Japanese restaurant Nami Nori has decided to eliminate QR codes altogether. This move reflects a generational divide among patrons, with younger diners generally favoring QR codes while older patrons prefer traditional paper menus.
While some customers find QR codes convenient for ordering and paying quickly, others find them limiting. Rich Fox, the operating owner of Seattle-based Yes Parade Restaurant Group, highlighted that QR codes do not allow patrons to peruse the menu in its entirety, potentially resulting in fewer orders and smaller bills for chefs and waitstaff. However, some patrons, like 38-year-old photographer Phil Armstrong, appreciate the efficiency of QR codes for ordering and paying, especially when pressed for time.
The continued use of QR codes in restaurants varies among patrons. Some, like 49-year-old retiree Alex Sourov, prefer a hybrid approach where they order using a printed menu but pay through a QR code on their phone. Sourov finds it more convenient to pay on his phone rather than waiting for the waiter to return with the check and his card. Ultimately, the use of QR codes in restaurants remains a contentious issue, with some patrons embracing the convenience while others prefer the traditional experience of using paper menus.
