How QR code table ordering works
A unique QR code is printed or displayed at each table. Scanning opens the menu directly in the browser — no app download required.
The full menu is displayed with photos, descriptions, allergen information, and modifiers. The customer selects items, adds preferences, and reviews their basket.
Customers pay immediately via Apple Pay, Google Pay, or card — or the order is sent to the kitchen on a "pay at end" basis for venues that prefer card settlement at closing.
The order prints or displays on the kitchen screen with the table number and any special instructions. Multi-station routing sends drinks to the bar and food to the kitchen simultaneously.
The QR code stays active for the entire visit. A second drink order, desserts, or extras — another scan, another order, without flagging down a server.
Why "no app download" matters
Table ordering systems that require a dedicated app download lose a significant proportion of potential users at the first step. Research consistently shows that requiring an app download — even a quick one — reduces adoption rates substantially, particularly among older demographics.
Food-Ordering.com's table ordering is fully browser-based. The QR code opens a web page. No Play Store, no App Store, no installation, no account creation required unless the customer chooses to save their details for loyalty purposes.
What venues use QR table ordering
| Venue type | Primary benefit | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Pubs with food | Eliminates bar queue for food orders | Order food from table, collect or table service |
| Restaurants | Reduces staffing pressure at busy periods | Supplement wait staff for drinks rounds and desserts |
| Beer gardens / terraces | Serves areas difficult to staff efficiently | Full table service without extra outdoor staff |
| Hotel poolside / lounge | Room charge or card payment seamlessly | Guest scans, orders, charge posted to room |
| Sports venues | Concurrent ordering from seats | Order from seat, collect from nearby point |
| Corporate canteens | Pre-order to eliminate lunchtime queues | Order from desk, collect at counter |
Impact on average order value
QR table ordering consistently increases average order value for several reasons: customers browse the full menu without time pressure from a server; upselling suggestions appear automatically at checkout; customers are more likely to add desserts or extra drinks when ordering privately than when interacting with a server. Reported increases typically range from 15–35% in average spend per head.
Frequently asked questions
Do customers need to download an app?
No. The QR code opens the menu directly in the customer's phone browser. No app, no account creation required. Works on any smartphone.
How does the kitchen receive table orders?
Via the same print and display infrastructure as delivery orders. The table number is clearly shown on every ticket. Multi-station printing routes items to the correct kitchen station or bar automatically.
Can customers pay at the table?
Yes — via Apple Pay, Google Pay, or card through any of the 10+ integrated payment gateways. "Pay later" mode is also available for venues that prefer end-of-visit settlement via staff.
Can customers order multiple rounds from the same QR code?
Yes. The QR code remains active for the duration of the visit. Each additional order creates a new ticket with the table number — customers can order drinks rounds and desserts without re-scanning.
Add table ordering to your venue
Table ordering is included in the Food-Ordering.com full platform licence (£3,500). No extra cost, no monthly fee, no commission per order.
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Kiosk Ordering · Pub & Café Ordering · Kitchen Display System