Is QR-ordering threatening waiting staff jobs?

Technology has become a crucial part of the restaurant industry. Nowadays, people are more likely to place their takeaway order online instead of directly calling the restaurant.

With technology evolving, new trends are setting in the restaurant industry. Namely, QR-ordering and mobile ordering apps. Replacing physical menu cards, streamlining restaurant operations, eliminating waiting time for payments and boosting loyalty via rewards, ordering apps are here to stay.

As a restaurant manager, you are probably questioning whether QR-ordering systems are a good investment or do they threaten your business and staff. We get it. Your staff and your guests come first. So let’s take a look at how mobile ordering is affecting restaurant daily operations and employees .

How do restaurant ordering apps work

QR-ordering allows restaurant guests to place an order by themselves, via their own phones. Once seated, the guests scan a QR code that redirects them to an online ordering page or an app. The guests choose what they would like and place their order.

Most ordering apps offer upselling functionalities, meaning you don’t have to worry about guests not being presented with special discounts or drink pairing recommendations. In addition, guests can add comments to their order so that the kitchen staff knows whether they have any allergies or prefer a dish without a specific ingredient.

As you are already used to, when an order is placed, the beverage order is printed out at the bar and the food order is sent to the kitchen printer. Your staff can start preparing the drinks and food, the exact way the guest has requested them.

Payments are also handled via the ordering app. Eliminating any waiting time for the bill.

Does QR-ordering make the waiting staff redundant?

Your waiters are the heart and soul of your restaurant. Restaurants need waiters to connect with the guests, create a positive environment and memorable experiences.

A part of the waiter’s responsibilities is to take the guests’ orders, which often makes the functions of mobile ordering greatly misunderstood. A guest’s experience is not defined by the waiter writing down an order or punching it in a POS. Thus, mobile ordering will not eliminate the need for waiting staff in your restaurant.

In the following table, we are breaking down how service differs between restaurants that don’t offer QR-ordering and the ones that do.

It’s easy to see that running a restaurant that offers QR-ordering, simplifies the process of serving guests. A QR-ordering system makes it easy for your guest to place an order and pay without waiting for a waiter.

Streamlining the tedious and time-consuming processes in your restaurant, enables your waiters to handle more tables without compromising on the service quality. No need to run back and forth with menu cards, order notes or payment terminals. Your waiters finally have the time to focus on the guests. From welcoming and connecting to making sure all of their needs are met.

Take the next step towards a more efficient restaurant

Convenience and ease are the main driving forces behind the growth of QR-ordering. A year from now, QR-ordering will probably be the most common way to place an order when dining out. However, it won’t eliminate the need for a restaurant's most important feature - waiters that provide high-quality service and excellent guest experience.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a non-binding conversation about how our online ordering app can help you optimize your restaurant operations and positively impact your staff.