The Best Ways to Use Restaurant Digital Signage

Waitress holding restaurant digital signage
Waitress holding online menu on a tablet computer at a restaurant – small business using technology. Design of menu is own design.

The restaurant industry was an early adopter of digital signage—and it’s easy to see why. Digital signage for restaurants enhances the diner’s experience, drives sales, and saves both customers and staff time. From fast food eateries to casual bistros and cozy cafés, the use of restaurant digital signage attracts attention and engages patrons. 

How Does Digital Signage Improve the Diner’s Experience

There are three main types of digital signage for restaurants: menu boards, interactive kiosks, and digital displays. Here is how each of them improves the dining experience.

1. Menu Boards

Menu boards allow customers to easily view menus and decide what they want to order.

Digital signage can be programmed to change during the course of the day so the customer is always viewing the correct menu (breakfast, lunch, dinner) or an updated menu due to inventory changes.

Nutritional information (calories, potential allergens, or vegetarian/vegan options) can be posted alongside menu offerings, allowing diners to make informed decisions based on their personal diets and preferences.

2. Interactive Kiosks 

Freestanding kiosks can help speed up the ordering process. Plus, with customers in control of the ordering process, staff can spend time preparing their orders.

Interactive kiosks also allow customers to view all options for customizing their order.

The technology provides contactless ordering, which customers look for post-pandemic.

The kiosk screen serves as an avenue of brand extension.  

3. Digital Displays

Customers can find additional information about your restaurant, such as seasonal/daily specials, hours, and promotions.

Use to post positive reviews from customers on social media to highlight recommended dishes or experiences. 

Provide entertainment while patrons wait. The screens can show a streamed television program, your restaurant’s advertising, or a trivia game. 

three different digital signage options for restaurants

How to Use Restaurant Digital Signage

Digital Menu Board

Digital menu boards are perhaps the most common digital signage in restaurants. Whether your establishment’s menu changes daily, seasonally, or less frequently, a digital menu board has several advantages over traditional menus. Items and prices can be updated easily based on time of day, what’s in season, or what’s in inventory.

Promote Seasonal Menu Items

Boost sales by announcing your latest offerings on a LCD screen to make café digital signage eye catching. Seasonal drinks like pumpkin spice, peppermint tea, and hot cocoa entice guests on a cold afternoon; while crisp salads and iced drinks keep them cool on a hot day.

Upsell Other Items

Digital signage can be programmed with content that encourages customers to buy additional items. On a menu board or touch screen kiosk, suggest drink pairings, appetizers, and side orders that complement the entrée. Don’t forget desserts! Images of options can be shown on a digital screen for patrons to view while waiting to sit or order. 

Easily Update the Menu for Customers

Update your menu offerings and prices quickly and seamlessly. Just like using a chalkboard in a café, digital signage allows you to “erase” daily specials as you sell out. The operating system can change the digital displays at multiple locations at the same time as well. 

Share Special Offers

Whether it’s a daily special or a future promotion, use digital signage to share special offers with your customers. You can also use the board to advertise your restaurant’s loyalty program to drive customer retention. 

Build Branding

Restaurant digital signage provides the opportunity to keep your branding efforts cohesive. Use the same fonts and color themes that are used on your website and on social media.  

Provide Real-Time Updates

Streamline operations by providing real-time updates via digital displays. Your customers will have access to the most updated offerings when you can update a digital menu board to reflect changes in inventory. You can also use touch screens to provide real-time updates for food orders and current wait times, or even share the soundtrack playing in a café. This provides entertainment and information that will help reduce any perceived wait times.

Show Reviews

Brag a bit! Use a LCD screen to share reviews, user-generated content, and social media mentions of your establishment. Be sure to include your social media handles and hashtags so customers can check in or tag your establishment in their posts. 

Display Latest Orders

Digital signage can let patrons know when their table or take-out order is ready. It can also be used to inform third-party delivery service drivers as to the pick-up process at your restaurant. 

three different digital signage options for restaurants

ShopPOPdisplays’ Top Digital Sign Solutions for Restaurants

Interactive Touch Screen signs are perfect for engaging customers and helping them find the information they need and navigate content with ease. Our touch screen options offer sharp and vibrant visuals that provide high-impact, stunning displays. These digital display solutions are portable so you can move them where you need them.

Digital displays can improve your customers’ experience and leave a lasting impression on guests. Contact us at shopPOPdisplays to learn about how our digital display solutions can better serve your customers and staff.

Related Resources