4 Ways Digital Menu Board Software Drives More Bottom-Line Growth

In the high-labor, low-margin restaurant industry, every screen and piece of tech your restaurant uses needs to work more efficiently.

You need agile solutions that support your restaurant growth, drive profit, and offer intuitive functionality.

So, here’s where a top-notch digital menu board software enters the scene. 

Digital menu board software transforms static displays into real-time revenue tools. You can utilize them to better meet customer needs and maintain smooth back-of-house operations. 

This article covers how to use this kind of software to boost revenue, efficiency, and guest engagement. 

What Is Digital Menu Board Software and What Makes It Strategic? 

Digital menu board software has the potential to give your business a competitive edge. Here’s how it works.  

Not Just “Screens" but Integrated Profit Engines 

A digital menu board streamlines your business operations. It feeds into your existing tech stack, supporting your restaurant’s effort to drive profit.

The software is dynamic, adjusting its menu items based on restaurant location, time of day, or special promotions. You don’t have to worry about menu inaccuracies. 

The Core Capabilities That Define a True Platform 

There are numerous options available when it comes to digital menu board software, but you should look for core features that set true platforms apart. First, make sure it integrates with your restaurant point-of-sale (POS) software and inventory management software.

When all these platforms talk to each other, you can have an accurate data set to use when making business decisions. Second, it needs to support both national branding and local customization. 

4 Ways Digital Menu Boards Software Drives Profit 

When done well, digital menu board software can boost your restaurant’s profits.

Here are four ways the platform can increase cash flow:

1. Real-Time Menu Updates Without Manual Work 

Instead of spending valuable time manually updating each screen, digital menu display software can automate the process in real time. You can update prices, hide sold-out items, or advertise promotions all from one place.

Such a feature is beneficial for mid-service daypart shifts. Menu items change as your restaurant moves from breakfast to lunch to dinner. 

2. Dynamic Highlighting of High-Margin Items 

Based on purchasing data, you know which menu items are the most popular among your customers and which have the highest margins. Digital menu display software can auto-promote these items.

It’ll leverage your customer data to highlight items that your customers love most. You can even tag popular items and connect related upsell opportunities as a way to increase restaurant sales without advertising.

3. Reduce Printing Costs and Change Delays 

If you use a print menu, you have to get new copies every time it changes. This task incurs printing costs and can cause delays. Yet, you remove both bottlenecks with digital menu software. 

You have an initial investment to get board screens and install the software. However, the long-term savings can outweigh the upfront expense. Plus, you gain flexibility with when and how you update your menu. Increase the frequency of limited-time offers or test menu item launches to boost sales. 

4. Improve Order Speed and Reduce Guest Friction 

Using a screen allows you to use both written descriptions and visuals for each menu time. That way, customers know exactly what to expect for their order. You can group items into categories like “appetizers” or “limited time offers.” 

While you improve guest experience through intuitive menu access, you can streamline the ordering and payment process. Digital menu board platforms support online ordering for restaurants.

Not only can guests place orders independently, but they can also pay their bills without waiting for a server to reach their tables. This efficiency is one of the benefits of online ordering systems. 

Pro Tip: For more insight into managing online ordering, check out our Online Ordering Guide. 

3 Ways Restaurant Digital Menu Software Impacts Ops Most 

Restaurant digital menu software streamlines your back-of-house operations. These are two categories where you’ll feel the positive impact of a digital menu program. 

1. Simplifies Location-Level Execution for Field Teams 

If your business operates at multiple locations, you want to maintain as consistent a menu as possible while making adjustments to per-location changes in real time. Here’s where restaurant digital menu software helps.

By syncing up screens to a central hub, you avoid pricing mismatches, menu inconsistencies, and outdated content.

2. Increases Cross-Department Agility 

A digital menu program invites collaboration among your departments. Scheduled promotions in your restaurant marketing software connect to your menu board tool for consistency.

Your marketing, culinary, and operational teams can all stay in touch using one platform. Everyone is on the same page when promoting limited-time offers or national campaigns. 

3. Improves Labor Efficiency 

Without needing to update menu boards manually, staff can focus their time and energy on initiatives like running effective brand loyalty programs or growing your restaurant social media presence.

It additionally allows you to hire and schedule your teams more strategically, so you can have leaner on-site staff during peak hours. 

Pro Tip: For key insights into effective scheduling, check our guide about how restaurant staff scheduling software can make a difference. 

3 Features to Look for When Buying Menu Board Software 

Once you’ve decided it’s time to invest in menu board software, have these three essential features in mind when considering your options. 

1. POS and Inventory Integration 

One of the most significant benefits of software for digital menu boards is the integration with POS and inventory systems. Choose a platform that syncs your customer-facing menu with these tools.

That way, the menu items guests see as purchasing options and prices are accurate. This feature helps reduce operational errors and minimize the risk of frustrated guests. To go a step further, look for a platform that links up with your restaurant marketing software.

2. Multi-Location, Multi-Daypart Management 

If your business manages multiple locations or serves several meals out of the day, you’re juggling a lot of menu components. For example, you need menu and price controls for each region, store, or time of day.

Look for software with smart content rules that automatically adjust visuals and copy based on inventory and mealtimes. 

3. Built-In Content Scheduling and Compliance Controls 

Rather than relying on manual operations to update the on-screen content, choose a menu board software that allows you to set a schedule. This feature is handy for restaurants that operate across multiple mealtimes or time zones.

Additionally, ensure that you have brand-safe guardrails and compliance in mind. Anything that appears on the menu board needs to abide by compliance rules, so you need software that allows you to set these compliance controls. 

TV and Display-Specific Considerations 

Depending on your restaurant layout, you might use different styles of screens to display your menu. These are three factors to have in mind. 

1. Compatible With Smart TVs and Media Players 

There is no need for expensive proprietary hardware for your TV menu board software. Select a platform that is compatible with smart TVs and media players, allowing you to connect to them remotely. You may also consider software that uses a digital menu board app for streamlined menu management. 

2. Supports High-Resolution Content and Animation 

Use technology to your advantage when creating a high-quality guest experience. Select software that supports high-resolution screens, ensuring your menu descriptions and visuals appear crisp. You could even use animations to draw guests’ eyes toward a specific menu item, upsell opportunity, or seasonal promotion.  

3. Use Your Existing Hardware Stack, Not a Vendor Lock-In 

The best menu software for TV or other display types is flexible; it works for you and your restaurant. That means you can use your existing hardware tech stack when implementing a new TV menu board software. You’re not locked into working with a particular vendor.  

Pro Tip: When you’re considering your options, don’t be afraid to ask questions about compatibility and flexibility. Make sure to get the right software for your restaurant.  

3 Best Practices for Rollout and ROI Measurement 

With a digital menu board installed and ready to go, use these three best practices to increase its success and drive ROI. 

1. Start With One Menu Type, Then Scale 

Before you iterate on your menu design, you need a solid foundation to build on. Start by creating one menu type that includes promotions, combo boards, and limited-time offer slots.

You can think of this menu as your template for future boards. A template helps maintain menu consistency, so new menus aren’t jarring for your regular guests. 

2. Connect Menu Analytics With Loyalty and Order Data 

As you roll out new menu designs or options, be sure to monitor their performance. You’ll track metrics like item visibility versus per-item conversion rates, price sensitivity, and time-on-screen.

Your findings here are clear data points that reveal how a new change worked. Use it to stay the course or make changes for better performance. 

Key Insight: Data from your loyalty platform can tell you how menu changes impact your repeat guests' actions. You could even add loyalty program ads to your menu board and see how it drives enrollment. 

3. A/B Test Visual Design and Callouts 

A/B testing is the process of launching two versions of your menu board and seeing which one resonates most with customers. You can create variations with layout, descriptions, and visuals.

Just make sure to change only one part of the menu board at a time so you directly connect your data to it. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Menu Board Software 

These are our answers to popular questions about digital menu board software. 

How much does a digital menu board cost? 

A digital menu board can cost anywhere from $200 to $10,000. Factors such as screen size, warranties, and content management contribute to the final price point. However, depending on your software, you could use a Smart TV, which could have a lower price point. 

What are the advantages of digital menus? 

Digital menus boast many advantages over traditional menu options. You have more flexibility to make real-time menu updates, take advantage of eye-catching visuals, and promote high-margin items. 

Are digital menu boards worth it? 

For restaurants in the food or casual dining service spaces, digital menu boards are worthwhile. They streamline the process for guests to consider their options, make a decision, place their order, and pay. 

How long do digital menu boards last? 

The average lifespan of a digital menu board is five to eight years. You’ll get more longevity out of the board with proper care and use.  

What are the three types of menus? 

The three main types of menus are static, cycle, and a la carte. Depending on your customer base, industry, and brand, one may work better than another. 

What are dynamic menus? 

Dynamic menus can be edited in real-time. They allow restaurant staff to make updates based on seasonal ingredients or sold-out items.  

Your Menu Boards Should Be More Than Digital—they Should Be Dynamic 

Digital menu board software doesn’t just replace your signs. It transforms how you sell, update, and engage with your loyalty guests. You can use the technology to run your restaurant more intelligently and drive profitability. 

Want to streamline your ops and drive more revenue from your menu displays? Book a demo to see how our software supports success.