How to choose the right electronic menu board for your restaurant

In the competitive world of the restaurant industry nowadays, it is critical to remain one step ahead of the competition by providing a faster and better customer experience. The most effective means of doing this is upgrading your old-fashioned static menu to an electronic menu board. These digital screens can make your restaurant look better, but they can also make the communication process between you and your customers and marketing of your products and services more efficient.

However, what are the correct digital menu boards to use in your restaurant? These are some of the main points to consider when making your decision.

1. Understand the Needs of Your Restaurant

Prior to the selection of an electronic menu board, a question you should ask yourself is:

Are you a quick-service restaurant or full-service restaurant?

What is your frequency of menu item or price change?

Does it require multiple screens to display various menus (e.g. breakfast, lunch, dinner)?

The size, layout and features you need will be determined by your answers.

2. Pick the Right Screen Size and Orientation

The size and orientation of the screens (landscape or portrait) must suit the structure of your restaurant and customers should be able to read it easily.

A landscape display is effective when menu items are listed side-by-side.

A portrait display can be used in small areas or promotional areas.

Select a size that can be seen by your average customer viewing distances and not to dominate your interior.

3. The Right Software

An excellent display cannot be achieved without the proper digital menu board software. Seek:

Drag and drop menu editing

Distant content updates

Scheduling (dayparting menus)

Pos system integration

Software that is easy to use means that you will be able to make changes to your menu easily, feature specials and react to the trends of your customers with ease.

4. Take into consideration Screen Quality and Durability

Screens used in electronic menu boards are subjected to long hours, therefore select screens that are:

Commercial grade

It is designed to be used continuously

High-resolution (Full HD or 4K) to have a clear text and bright picture

Also, make sure the screen is glare-free, particularly in case you have high-energy lighting indoors or windows around you.

5. Connectivity and Installation Plan

Your electronic menu boards must have stable power and internet connections. Depending upon your space, you may require wall mounts, ceiling mounts or freestanding kiosks. Ensure that you plan on professional installation to be safe and neat.

6. Consider Future Development

Select a solution which can scale with your business. When you are looking to grow, choose a system with multiple locations or a multi-screen option. Digital signage systems installed in the cloud are particularly helpful in controlling menus in a centralized location.

7. Budget Wisely

Electronic menu boards prices may differ depending on the size, resolution, and features provided. Although cheaper deals may save money in the short run, quality investments are worth the investment since they are reliable, have superior looks, and fewer maintenance problems in the future.

Final Thoughts

Selecting a suitable electronic menu board is not merely selecting a screen. It is about how to get a smart digital solution that fits your brand, simplifies the processes, and improves the customer experience. Digital menu boards can change how you do business no matter whether you operate a single-location cafe or a multi-unit chain.