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Digital menus for hospitality businesses
Written by
Pier Kuipers
Published
February 24, 2026
Category
Marketing
Engaging, clear, and easy to update - why digital menus are impactful for some hospitality brands.
Gone are the days when customers have to stand squinting at paper menus or chalkboards. Today, digital menus on screens are one of the most effective ways for cafes, coffee shops, and other hospitality businesses to engage customers, boost sales, and simplify operations. With the right digital signage partner, updating your menu becomes as easy as tapping a button.
At Visual ID, we specialise in helping businesses showcase dynamic digital menus that look great and deliver real results.
What are digital menu screens?
A digital menu display is exactly what it sounds like - your food and drink offerings displayed on a screen instead of paper or static signage. This could be a wall-mounted TV behind the counter, a high‑brightness display in your café window, or multiple synchronised screens across locations.
Digital menus let you showcase everything from prices and descriptions to high‑resolution images and videos that make your offerings pop. They’re fully customisable, brand consistent, and easy to edit in real time.
Key benefits for cafés and restaurants
Instant updates & real‑time control
Whether you’re updating prices, removing sold‑out items, or launching a new seasonal drink, digital menus allow changes in seconds. No more printing delays or worn‑out menus stuck on board. This flexibility not only keeps the content fresh but also ensures customers always see accurate information.
Boosted sales with dynamic content
Digital screens draw the eye and provide opportunities to:
- Highlight high‑margin items
- Showcase specials or combo deals
- Rotate featured products throughout the day
Studies have shown that digital menu boards can increase impulsive purchases and upsells, with many businesses reporting measurable sales growth after adopting them.
Enhanced customer experience
Clear, vibrant menus improve readability and make decisions easier for your customers. This leads to:
- Lower perceived wait times
- Fewer order mistakes
- Faster service during busy periods
Digital screens also allow you to showcase dietary info, icons, or even QR codes for contactless ordering, all from one display.
Lower costs over time
While digital signage requires an upfront investment, it quickly pays off by eliminating the recurring expense of printed menus and posters. Businesses save on printing, labour, and the logistical hassle of changing traditional signage.
A more sustainable alternative
Reducing paper usage is not only cost‑effective, it also supports environmental goals. Replacing printed menus with digital displays signals to your customers that your business cares about sustainability.
Tips for high‑impact digital menus
When designing your menu screens, consider these best practices:
- Keep it readable - large text and simple layouts work best from a distance
- Use visuals wisely - high‑quality food photography drives appetite
- Segment your menu - group items logically (coffee, pastries, specials)
- Highlight key items - use colour, icons, or animations to draw attention
- Update often - testing different layouts or promotions can boost engagement
Digital menus on screens are more than just a modern trend - they are a strategic tool for enhancing customer experience, increasing average order value, and streamlining day‑to‑day operations.
Whether you run a single café or manage multiple sites, Visual ID can help you upgrade your in‑store experience with stylish, effective digital menus that perform.
Ready to transform your menu? Get in touch with our team.
Methodolgy
Digital menus on screens are more than just a modern trend - they are a strategic tool for enhancing customer experience, increasing average order value, and streamlining day‑to‑day operations.
Whether you run a single café or manage multiple sites, Visual ID can help you upgrade your in‑store experience with stylish, effective digital menus that perform.
Ready to transform your menu? Get in touch with our team.
Seen enough?
Get in touch to speak to our experts and start saving your team buckets of time on their in-store marketing.
Get in touchSeen enough?
Get in touch to speak to our experts and start saving your team buckets of time on their in-store marketing.
Get in touch