Tableside Ordering

Tableside Ordering uses the Scan Order Pay method to let dine-in guests order from a restaurant's Direct Ordering online menu using a unique QR code displayed at the table where they are seated. This places ordering control in the guests' hands and can be a strategic choice for the restaurant.

Benefits of Tableside Ordering include:

• Improved order accuracy: Guests enter their own orders, which reduces the risk of missed items, allergen notes, or special requests caused by manual order-taking.
• Real-time menu updates: When an item sells out and is marked unavailable (86'd) online, the QR code menu updates in real time, which prevents guests from ordering out-of-stock items.
• Labor savings: QR ordering reduces the need for dedicated dining-room staff. There is no cost to generate Tableside Ordering QR codes in Direct Ordering; the only cost is printing the codes on tabletop signage, plaques, or table tents.
• Environmental benefit: An interactive digital menu removes the need to reprint paper menus each time an item or price changes.
• Quality assurance: With fewer ordering interruptions, staff can focus on the quality and accuracy of each order.
• Improved guest experience: Guests order at their own pace without being rushed, which leads to a more relaxed ordering experience and can increase ticket values.

How to Set Up Tableside Ordering

Tableside Ordering uses table-specific QR codes. For the steps to generate and download them, see Downloading Custom QR Codes for In-Store Guests.

Workflow Example

1. The restaurant sets up, downloads, and prints table-specific QR codes.
2. The customer arrives and sits at the table where they want to dine.
3. The customer scans the table-specific QR code, adds items to the cart, and checks out. They can log in to access saved payment methods and loyalty points, or check out as a guest using only their name.
4. Once the order is completed through the Scan Order Pay QR code, it is marked Closed and Paid within Direct Ordering and sent through the Checkmate integration directly to the POS system. The order is then either printed at the designated printer or routed to the designated KDS. In both cases, the ticket shows the customer's name and table number.
5. The kitchen completes the order, and a staff member hand-delivers it to the table number shown on the ticket.