I Can’t Believe That Worked: QR Codes AFTER Server Interaction

[adamj]

I was skeptical when we first introduced QR code ordering. I thought guests wanted a personal touch from servers, not another digital interaction—but curiosity won out.

We cautiously tested it by having servers warmly greet guests, take their initial orders, and then casually suggest scanning the QR code for anything extra they might need. To our amazement, more than half of our diners embraced it enthusiastically. Families discreetly ordered extra fries for kids, friends quickly added a second round of drinks without the embarrassment of flagging down their server, and couples impulsively ordered dessert after seeing how appealing it looked.
We added quick-select buttons like "extra ketchup," "side of dipping sauce," "need a spoon," and even "send server to table." Each selection printed directly at the relevant kitchen or service station, speeding up response time and making it effortless for guests to customize their meal without feeling intrusive.
Servers felt more available to attend personally to guests who required extra care, significantly improving guest satisfaction and boosting our average check size.

Have you tried QR codes in a way that surprised you with its effectiveness?

[kcarlson06378]

We have QR codes with Table # printed on all our napkin holders so guests have the option at any time to just scan and order anything. Amazing how many people order that way. The plus is ordering through the QR the guests see all the upsell items and generally upsell themselves to get what they want or didn't know they could have.

[SusanL]

We were cautiously skeptical at first.  However it's been surprisingly effective at our locations.  The bottom line is guests order more through the QR code.  
I saw a $25 nachos go out the other day, as the guest picked every single modifier we had.  

When servers get busy they don't upsell as they feel rushed - the QR code never stops offering more ways for the guests to customize their orders.  
My server team threatened to quit if we forced the QR code.  We ended up losing 1 server.  Now those same servers tell us "if we get rid of the QR code they will quit".  Their job is so much less stressful and they are all making more money as their sections are bigger. 
QR codes have saved my labor problem also. 
Big fan over here. 

[rcmck]

Are you using what they call the hybrid tabs where you print the QR code on the fly rather than a fixed one on a table? If not what keeps the guest from starting the order?  How does it work if you have assigned courses to items, can a guest change course like a server? Or would you need a MO&P specific menu without them?