Do Guests Find Beverage Menus Confusing and Overwhelming?
We have all been at a restaurant, ready to unwind with a drink after a long day. The server hands us a beverage menu, and suddenly, we're faced with a huge array of options. Craft cocktails with esoteric ingredients, an extensive wine list with unfamiliar regions and varietals, and a selection of local and imported beers. Hopefully, you and I will be able to grab a coffee or drink one day and I can wax poetic on why I think menus are crafted this way. But that's another post.
This is a common challenge for many of our restaurant guests. Beverage menus can be intimidating, especially for those without a deep knowledge of spirits, wines, and beers. Which, let's be honest, is 90% of the population. Everyone is an expert and something....but most aren' experts at alcohol. The sheer volume of choices and the use of industry jargon can leave anyone feeling confused and overwhelmed, often leading them to default to familiar options or forgo a drink altogether. Ever heard of a buzz ball? Well, I had one in a cocktail once and it was amazing....but I didn't know what it was when it was listed on the menu, so I had to trust the process and just go with it.
Some restaurants have tried to address this issue with tablets that provide additional information and tasting notes. However, these solutions often fall short. If guests don't know how to articulate their preferences or navigate the menu, the tablets are of little help. Plus, the technology itself can be expensive, prone to software issues, and require constant upkeep.
With Preferabli, guests simply scan a QR code on the menu and answer a few simple questions about their tastes and preferences. Everybody already has a phone in their pocket, so no hardware needed. The software then generates personalized recommendations from the restaurant's existing beverage list, complete with Fast Facts and Product Profiles, flavors and pairing suggestions.
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This approach not only demystifies the ordering process but also encourages guests to try new and exciting options they may have otherwise overlooked. And because Preferabli integrates seamlessly with the restaurant's menu and inventory, there's no need for costly hardware.
The beverage menu doesn't have to be a maze for guests. With the right tools and technology, restaurants can empower their guests to make informed and satisfying choices.
#BeverageMenuSolutions #GuestExperience #RestaurantTech
Sales Manager @ One Direct Health Network | Business Development, Medical Device Sales
5 个月Will, thanks for sharing!
Volta Systems Group Technology Ambassador
6 个月I don’t like when people try to get smart with the list and sort them by some stupid way. I just saw one sorted by categories as “Fresh and Juicy” and “Bold and Daring”. I ordered a beer
Sr. Manager of Retail Merchandising & Training LACTALIS AMERICAN GROUP
6 个月To answer your question from above...My preference is a drink menu that has a "featured cocktails or wines" page(s) in the front, then goes into greater detail in the pages to follow. I find that when someone picks up a drink menu the customer most likely knows if they are a beer, wine, or cocktail customer...They may just browse at the menu to refine their decision - Example: I enjoy a Old Fashioned cocktail...many offer a "traditional" one, but they might also offer a "specialty" one of their own design. After reading your article (and link above), I would use a QR code to discover more about my choices. Well written article...Thanks for sharing your thoughts!