~ This blog guides restaurant owners through setting up an effective digital menu in 2025, covering everything from hardware and software selection to menu design and content strategies. It highlights how a well-planned digital menu can enhance customer experience, boost sales, and future-proof restaurant operations.
The dining experience has evolved dramatically over the last decade, and 2025 is shaping up to be the year where technology fully integrates into the way restaurants operate. One of the most impactful changes has been the shift from static printed menus to dynamic, visually engaging digital menu boards. More than just a way to display food items, digital menu boards are powerful tools that improve efficiency, drive upselling, and enhance the overall customer experience. But setting up a digital menu isn’t just about buying a screen and plugging it in—it’s about creating a system that works for your brand, your staff, and your customers.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to set up a digital menu for restaurants in 2025, from choosing the right hardware to creating content that converts casual visitors into loyal customers.
1. Understand Your Restaurant’s Needs
Before diving into the technical side, it’s important to determine why you want a digital menu. Are you looking to reduce printing costs, improve menu visibility, or promote special offers in real-time? Understanding your primary goals will help you choose the right software, display size, and features.
For example, a quick-service café may benefit from bright, easy-to-read boards that highlight combo meals, while a fine dining restaurant might prefer subtle, sophisticated displays that match the ambiance. Defining your requirements early will also ensure you don’t overspend on features you don’t need.
2. Choose the Right Hardware
Your display is the centrepiece of your digital menu setup, so selecting the right hardware is critical. You can choose from commercial-grade LED or LCD screens designed for long hours of operation.
When choosing the size and resolution, take your viewing distance into account. A 43-inch screen might be perfect for a small coffee shop, but a larger venue may need 55-inch or bigger displays for easy readability. Wall-mounted displays are great for ordering counters, while freestanding kiosks work well for self-service setups.
And don’t forget durability—restaurant environments can be tough, with heat, steam, and grease in the air. Choose screens with protective glass and easy-to-clean surfaces.
3. Select the Right Software
The software is where your menu truly comes to life. A good digital signage for restaurants platform should make it easy to update prices, change menu items, and schedule content in advance
Look for software with:
- Cloud-based access so you can manage menus remotely.
- Templates to speed up design.
- Integration with your POS system for automatic updates.
- Scheduling tools to run breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus at specific times without manual intervention.
This flexibility ensures you can adapt quickly to seasonal specials, limited-time offers, or sudden stock shortages.
4. Design with Clarity and Impact
A well-designed digital restaurant menu should do more than list items—it should guide customer choices. Keep your design simple, with clear fonts and high-contrast colors for easy reading.
Some design tips:
- Use mouth-watering, high-resolution images for signature dishes.
- Organize items into logical categories.
- Highlight best-sellers or chef’s specials with subtle animations.
- Keep your space uncluttered—ensure there’s enough empty area to give the eyes a break.
Your goal is to make the decision process quick and enjoyable for the customer while gently encouraging higher-value purchases.
5. Plan Your Content Strategy
Digital menus are dynamic and can be updated instantly. This opens opportunities for creative promotions. For example, display a dessert special right after the lunch rush to boost afternoon sales, or highlight a beverage deal during peak summer hours.
Consider adding short videos or motion graphics to draw attention, but keep them subtle so they don’t distract from the main menu. You can even run loyalty program reminders or upcoming event promotions alongside your food listings.
6. Installation and Setup
Once you have your hardware and software, the next step is installation. For wall-mounted displays, work with a professional installer to ensure secure mounting and proper wiring.
Make sure your screens are placed at eye level and in areas with minimal glare from windows or lights. If you’re setting up multiple screens, ensure they’re synchronized for a consistent look.
Also, confirm that your network connection is reliable—nothing is more frustrating than a digital menu going offline during a busy service.
7. Train Your Staff
Well-trained staff ensure that your digital signage for restaurants continues running smoothly, minimizing downtime during peak hours. Provide training on how to update items, change pricing, and troubleshoot basic issues. The goal is to ensure your staff feels confident managing the menu without relying on outside support for every small update.
8. Maintain and Update Regularly
The effectiveness of a digital menu depends entirely on the quality of its content. Outdated prices or unavailable items can frustrate customers. Make a habit of reviewing your menu weekly and updating it as needed.
Regular maintenance also includes cleaning screens, checking for dead pixels, and ensuring the system software is up-to-date. A properly maintained menu enhances its appearance and showcases your brand’s professionalism. Consistently refreshing your digital menu boards with updated items and promotions keeps customers engaged and returning.
9. Track Performance and Improve
One of the biggest advantages of digital menus is the ability to track engagement. Some platforms provide analytics on which items are selling more after being highlighted. Leverage this data to improve your strategy—experiment with fresh designs, tweak promotions, and determine what resonates most with your audience.
10. Keep the Future in Mind
Technology evolves fast, and what’s cutting-edge today may feel outdated in a few years. Choose systems that are scalable and can integrate with emerging tools like AI-powered recommendations or voice-assisted ordering. This ensures your investment remains relevant and continues delivering value well beyond 2025.
Conclusion
Setting up a digital menu for restaurants is more than a tech upgrade—it’s a way to reshape the customer journey, streamline operations, and maximize profits. By understanding your goals, choosing the right tools, and designing with clarity, you can create a menu system that not only looks appealing but also drives results. As the dining industry embraces digital transformation, restaurants that adopt thoughtful, well-executed menus will stand out in a competitive market.
Bitsy Displays specializes in creating innovative visual solutions for businesses, including advanced digital menu systems tailored for the food and beverage industry. With a focus on quality, functionality, and engaging design, their offerings help restaurants deliver a modern dining experience that resonates with today’s tech-savvy customers.
