QR Code Ordering in Restaurants: Straight Talk

When GoTab launched nearly a decade ago, the concept was simple: a QR code printed on a receipt that let guests pay their tab with a quick scan. As the world shifted during the pandemic, we expanded into QR code ordering—and that evolution has shaped much of the industry today.

Fast forward to 2025, and you’d be surprised how little QR codes come up in early conversations with new clients. Like many tech solutions born during the pandemic, QR code ordering sparks mixed reactions in the hospitality world. Some operators love it. Others are ready to move on. Most fall somewhere in the middle—curious but cautious.

The skepticism often stems from a belief that QR codes dilute the hospitality experience. Whether it’s a cozy brewpub or a lively food hall, many owners worry that tech creates a wall between staff and guests—reducing those personal moments that define great service. Servers no longer have as many chances to give a wine tip, crack a joke, or make a guest feel seen. And for a lot of professionals, that human touch is non-negotiable.

But let’s not dismiss QR codes just yet.

Used wisely, QR ordering and payment doesn’t have to replace hospitality—it can enhance it. The trick is to integrate it in ways that fit your concept, boost efficiency, and give your team more time to focus on guests. Below, we’ll break down how different kinds of venues are using GoTab’s QR Code Ordering & Payment system to do just that.

Entertainment Venues: Seamless Service for Active Guests

In places where guests are moving around—like bowling alleys, golf courses, and pickleball courts—flexibility is key. These venues often use host stands for check-in and need a frictionless way to manage F&B orders across sprawling layouts. Enter QR codes.

Take Desert Canyon Golf Club in Fountain Hills, AZ. They use GoTab’s system to power beverage cart service. Golfers get a nudge on their cart’s screen at the eighth hole, prompting them to place a drink order that’s ready by the ninth. They simply scan a QR code, place the order, and it’s doneIt’s a simple, thoughtful solution that keeps play uninterrupted.

“The ability to manage multiple areas of the business with a single platform has made our workflow significantly more efficient.”
– General Manager, The Grill at Desert Canyon

Beer Gardens: Keeping It Chill While Staying Efficient

A great beer garden has three things: a killer tap list, a welcoming vibe, and quick, consistent service. But with large outdoor spaces, it’s tough to staff for every picnic table or fire pit. That’s where QR code ordering shines.

At Hop Lot Brewing Co. in Suttons Bay, MI—recently ranked the #2 Beer Garden in the U.S. by USA Today (Source)—GoTab’s point-of-sale (POS) platform and integrated QR code ordering has transformed service. Guests scan, browse the menu, and order right from their seats. No lines, no missed orders, and more time to soak up the atmosphere.

Patios and Seasonal Spaces: Service Without the Overhead

Big patios are fantastic in good weather—but tough to manage with limited staff. Rather than stretch your team thin, QR ordering provides a smart fallback that ensures guests still get what they need, when they want it.

FlyteCo Tower in Denver is a perfect example. With 40,000 square feet and a mix of bars, lounges, and game zones, they needed a system that scaled without adding staff. GoTab’s QR ordering allows guests to order from wherever they are—so the darts keep flying, and the drinks keep flowing. Guests don’t need to whip their credit cards or enter their payment information. They can simply order and pay from their mobile device.

Food Halls: One Tab, All the Options

Food halls are built for variety, and guests expect to try a little of everything. But nobody wants to stand in four different lines or juggle multiple receipts. That’s why QR code ordering is a game-changer in multi-vendor setups.

At Upside on Moore in Arlington, VA, GoTab powers the experience across seven food vendors and three bars. Guests can order from any vendor at their table, consolidate it all on one tab, and pay together. Vendors keep full control of their operations, and diners enjoy a smooth, flexible experience.

Food Trucks and Concessions: Skip the Line, Not the Flavor

At events, beer gardens, and festivals, lines can be a dealbreaker. Mobile vendors and concession stands can streamline service with prominently displayed QR codes that link guests to digital menus and ordering. Orders are placed quickly, and two-way texting lets customers know when their food is ready.

This approach reduces congestion, boosts throughput, and makes it easy for customers to order while enjoying the scene—not while standing in line.

QR code ordering isn’t one-size-fits-all. It doesn’t replace hospitality—it redefines how it’s delivered. When used thoughtfully, it gives staff the tools to serve better, not less. Whether it's backing up the patio team or streamlining food hall logistics, the goal is always the same: give guests a great experience, on their terms.

Technology should never get in the way of great hospitality. With the right strategy, it won’t.

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