Eating out is something that most of us look forward to, so we enthusiastically embrace any change that enhances our dining experience. Some of those changes are very obvious, others are less so.
Take for example the use of digital signage in restaurants. If you were to ask diners if they felt that their use had enhanced their dining experience, most would say that they have not made a difference. They will have noticed that most restaurants now have them, but are unlikely to associate their introduction with improvements in the service that they receive. Yet, as you will see, digital signage and menus have greatly enhanced the dining experience.
Digital screens are easy to update
Digital menus can be changed very quickly. So, if a dish sells out it can be temporarily removed so that customers are not disappointed.
More choice
The fact that they are so easy to change also has a positive impact on choice. It means that chefs can create dishes and add them to the menu very quickly. They can choose to adapt what they serve to fit in with what the weather is doing or to take advantage of seasonal ingredients.
Lower prices
It also opens up the chance for chefs to use more competitively priced ingredients. If they go to the market or visit a wholesaler’s website and see a special offer they can buy it and create a low-cost dish. Diners get to enjoy more variety with the added advantage that dining out costs less.
Faster service
Digital menus can greatly speed up the ordering process. Diners can see the menu from anywhere in the restaurant and work out what they want to order before the server gets to their table. The fact that each server can take care of more customers has the added benefit of reducing the restaurants’ overheads. Often, those savings are passed on to their customers.
Better hygiene
There is no longer any need for paper-based menus, when customers order off of digital screens. This is an improvement because even plasticized menus are very difficult to keep hygienically clean.
Enhances the ambience
Digital signage looks great, which enhances the ambiance of the restaurant. When they are not in use they can be used to display art as a way of enhancing the decor.
They can also be used as entertainment centers. Cartoons can be shown in a part of the restaurant that caters to young diners. While in other areas adults can enjoy music videos or something similar.
Keeps diners better informed
Most restaurants regularly run special events. Screens are a non-intrusive way of telling customers about them and explaining how they can book. They can also be used to share details of special offers, new menu items, nutritional information, loyalty scheme reminders, and much more.
Digital menus also make it easier to keep important allergen information up to date, which helps the restaurant keep its customers safe.
Touch screens to speed up ordering
It is now possible to add touch capability to digital signage. If a restaurant is having trouble hiring enough servers, they can potentially install a touch screen, which enables diners to place their order themselves. If they are in a rush, the customer can also pay for their meal before they eat it, so that they do not have to queue for the bill.
These are the main examples of how digital signage has improved things. The way restaurants are utilizing them is evolving and improving, so we can expect their use to further improve the dining experience.
Glasgow Foodelicious 