Your first QR menu: a practical preparation guide

A QR menu is useful when it opens properly, describes what you actually serve and produces an order your team can fulfil. Preparation starts with the menu and your seating locations, before the codes are printed.

1. Organise what the guest will see

Group products into clear categories. Use names guests recognise and short descriptions where an item needs explanation. Check the price, quantity or serving size, together with every available option.

Only add photographs you have permission to use and that accurately represent the product. Confirm ingredient and allergen information with the kitchen. Where a detail is uncertain, invite the guest to ask staff rather than supplying an inaccurate answer.

2. Review both Greek and English

UmbrellaOrder lets you enter both menu languages. Check more than the product titles: descriptions and options also help a guest decide what to order. Open the menu on a phone and switch languages to see whether anything important is missing.

Choose natural, specific wording. A short menu that explains the product is more useful than a long description filled with general praise. Keep spelling, portion names and product terminology consistent across categories.

3. Match each code to a physical location

Name sunbeds or tables in a way the service team understands. Scan every QR code before placing it and confirm the location displayed. If the layout changes, repeat this check rather than assuming the old mapping is still correct.

Test the printed code at its actual size with ordinary phones. Avoid glare, creases and places where glasses or bags may cover it. A clear “Scan for the menu” instruction explains its purpose without making the sign crowded.

4. Walk through a complete test order

Choose a product, add an available option and an order note, then submit the order. Check with your team that the location, quantity and details arrive correctly. Follow the order through each status update until delivery.

For payment testing, use the appropriate test configuration where available and follow the responsible operator’s procedure. Seeing a menu or receiving an order is not evidence that a payment has been collected. Confirm the payment status separately before relying on an online-payment workflow.

5. Decide how updates will be handled

Agree who changes product availability, who watches incoming orders and how guests will be served if the internet connection fails. Test coverage at distant seating areas as well as beside the bar. Keep a person available for guests who need help or prefer another way to order.

The menu needs attention after opening day too. Review it whenever products, prices, seating or service arrangements change. Continue with the staff workflow guide or start setting up your venue.