7 Ways Restaurants and Cafes Go Contactless Without Apps

If you are a ’90s guy, you might feel something different upon entering a cafe, right? Now you get more digital options, like placing orders and making payments. This is because technology is reshaping the world, and the dining industry is no exception. 

There were days when people had to wait to place orders when dining in. They had to wait for the waiters to bring the bills so that they could make the payments, and then they had to wait for a few minutes to get back the change.

But now, many of the restaurants and cafes have gone contactless. What started as a safety measure during the pandemic has now become a long-term customer expectation.

Curious to know how? Read on. 

Below we are going to share seven (7) ways restaurants and cafes are going contactless. 

1. Digital Menus Via QR Codes

Printed menus are the norm for cafes and restaurants. But there is a problem with them. They can wear out, and when it comes to updating prices or adding new items, businesses need to get a new one printed. And the thing comes as a significant expense, especially for startups. 

That is where QR (quick response) codes come into play. Now, instead of putting menus on the tables, many restaurants place QR codes on the tables. By scanning these codes, customers can easily access the menus. 

Why QR Codes?

The question now is why businesses rely on QR codes over printed menus. Well, there are many reasons behind that. The following are the key ones among them. 

• Free to Generate: The very first and primary reason is that QR codes are easy and free to generate. Using online QR code generators like those from QRScanner.net and DNSChecker.org, any restaurant or cafe can easily embed their menus (as text, image, link, etc.) into a code. They can download it as an image (probably PNG) and use it as needed. 
• Easy to Update: Since QR codes are free to generate, you can make changes to pricing or add new items right away using the same tools we mentioned earlier.
• Works on Any Surface: No particular medium/surface is required to place QR codes. You can print them on simple paper or display them on large LCDs inside your cafe or restaurant. They can be easily scanned from a distance without any trouble. 

2. Contactless Ordering Systems

The traditional ordering systems at restaurants involve waiting for order takers/waiters to come to your table upon your turn and then take your order. This process is prone to usual delays, and many customers in a rush often become hyper, leading to fights between staff and customers. 

Many restaurants are simplifying the process by digitizing and using contactless ordering systems. 

Restaurants provide customers with one of several options:

• Some place tablets on tables individually. Inside these tablets is a built-in software linked to their ordering systems. Diners can view the menu and order food using these tablets without waiting for a server.
• Mobile-friendly web portals or QR menus where customers can scan a code using online QR scanners and place orders directly from their own phones. 

Why is it Better?

The following are the reasons a contactless ordering system is better for today’s restaurants and cafes. 

• Customers can place their orders instantly. There is no need to wait for waiters to come to their tables one by one. 
• Orders are processed directly in the kitchen, eliminating the risk of misheard items. 
• Many systems let customers place instructions for their orders, letting them get customized dishes (e.g., extra topping, more or less spicy, etc). 
• Contactless ordering systems also give businesses a chance to upsell. They automatically suggest diners for sides, drinks, or desserts, boosting sales.

3. Online Reservation Systems

Customers dislike waiting in line to get a table at restaurants. Especially when you are hungry and your blood sugar is getting low. Traditionally, people would go to restaurants in person to reserve a table for specific events, such as parties, birthdays, and engagement ceremonies. 

This is where online reservation systems come in as a seamless contactless solution. These systems are usually integrated into the restaurant websites. 

Now customers don’t have to wait in lines or visit a restaurant in person for booking purposes. They can book a hall for an event or reserve a table for dinner right away using the online reservation system. 

Benefits of Online Reservation Systems

• Customers no longer have to stand in line to get a table.
• Customers get a convenient experience. They can plan events and book tables weeks in advance.  
• Restaurants can allocate tables more efficiently and provide better service to their customers. 
• Eliminates excessive customer walkaways caused by table availability issues. 

4. Contactless Payments

Cash handling is one of the biggest concerns in restaurants and cafe businesses. Many among them are opting for contactless payment systems. They help them in:

• Avoid contact points
• Improving efficiency
• Providing faster checkouts
• Enhanced security
• Less operational costs
•  Automated cash register management 

Contactless payments, especially, get a boost during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many authorities declare hard cash a prime source of spreading the virus from person to person. 

How is Contactless Payment Integrated?

Restaurants and cafes are integrating contactless payment methods by various means. Popular ways among them include:

1. Mobile Wallets

Many of the restaurants are now partnering with popular mobile wallets like Google Pay and Apple Pay. They utilize local mobile wallets based on the location of their business. 

Customers can make the payments by tapping on dedicated POS devices or by performing a manual transaction. Tapping is usually preferred for faster transactions. 

2. Table Side Payment Devices

Many of the restaurants are now making use of table-side payment devices. Like POS, these devices are handheld by restaurant staff to process payments directly at the customer’s table. 

These devices are often part of a tableside ordering system. They allow customers to:

• Review their bill
• Add a tip
• Pay using various methods, i.e., credit/debit cards or digital wallets

Plus, they help eliminate the need to wait for a server to bring a payment terminal or take cards to a central POS station.

3. Pay-at-Table QR Codes

Some restaurants have specialized QR codes printed beside all their tables. Upon scanning, customers can make a direct transaction into their accounts and pay the bill instantly without standing in line waiting for their turn. 

Caution ⚠

Do not scan a payment-related QR code using the built-in mobile camera feature. Some devices directly perform the transaction without showing the information inside. This can lead you to a phishing scam, and even the restaurant or cafe will be unaware of it. 

When scanning a QR code for payment purposes, always use an online QR code scanner. They first reveal the information inside and then let you take action manually. 

5. Contactless Delivery & Pickup

Food delivery and takeaways have always been popular. However, contactless delivery and pickup have also gained a noticeable boost since the pandemic. Restaurants now use it to ensure that customers get their orders without unnecessary physical interaction. 

How Contactless Delivery and Pickup Work?

• Customers place their orders through the restaurant’s website.
• Bills are paid online or through mobile wallets, so no cash exchange is needed.
• Customers can choose curbside pickup, where staff deliver the food directly to their car.
• Delivery drivers drop off the order at the customer’s doorstep. They ring the bell or send a notification, and leave before the customer collects it.

6. Self-Service Kiosks

These are stand-alone computers integrated with particular software to perform customized, dedicated tasks. Restaurants and cafes now place it just before the main counter. Using it, customers can preview complete menus, deals, and place their orders. Some also allow customers to reserve tables, halls, or upcoming events using them. 

Key Features & Benefits

• Self ordering
• Instant checkouts & payments
• Delivery orders placement
• Table reservations
• Reduced wait times
• Reviews & complaints submission

7. Voice-Activated Ordering Systems

Touchscreens and QR code methods are convenient, but we have seen many restaurants take it a step further. They now use voice-activated ordering systems, especially at drive-thrus. 

Instead of placing an order by touching the screen, customers can place the order just by speaking. For example:

• One cappuccino with almond milk 
• A cheeseburger, with no onions

Customers’ messages are directly transferred to the kitchen, where their order is prepared. Once prepared, an announcement is made in the speaker against the customer order number. Customer can simply go and pick up their order from the designated counter. 

Why is it Useful?

• Customers get a hands-free experience. 
• Helpful for people with vision impairments or those who struggle with small screens.
• Saying an order often takes less time than tapping through menus.
• As voice AI improves, restaurants can combine it with upselling (Would you like fries with that?) or loyalty perks.

Bottom Line

Going contactless is the way forward for restaurants and cafes. It helps them reduce the labor burden and streamline various processes, such as cash register management and automatic order management. Not only do businesses benefit, but it also helps provide customers with a better service. It eliminates the need to wait in lines to get a table, make payments, or pick up their orders. 

As a restaurant or cafe business owner, you can also provide your customers with a contactless experience by following one of the ways we shared above. Try them out and let the others know if and how they benefited your business.