Menu digitalization, upselling & choice: digital signage in QSR

In restaurants — especially in fast food and snack-focused outlets — signage plays a central role. It informs customers about the menu, hours, pricing, combos, or promotional offers. Yet many establishments still rely on physical supports: laminated menus, chalkboards, printed panels, often hard to read or quickly outdated.

Faced with this, more and more professionals are seeking more flexible, modern solutions. That’s where screen-based signage, or digital menu boards, come in. The goal isn’t just to "look better," but to gain efficiency, responsiveness, and comfort - for both teams and customers.

Why screens are replacing printed signage in restaurants

The digitalization of restaurant displays isn't limited to major chains. Today, many independents, food courts, fast-casual and takeout brands are choosing to place a screen behind the counter, in the window, or even in the dining area.

The reason is simple: menus change often. Is a product out of stock? A special offer starts at 3 PM? The dinner menu replaces the lunch one? With a screen, updates happen in just a few clicks - no printing, no on-site setup required.

For franchises and restaurant networks, digital signage is also a great way to centralize content management while allowing local adaptations for communication.

Already using a TV or USB setup?

Many restaurateurs have taken a first step by displaying their menus on a TV connected to a USB stick or computer. It’s cost-effective and works — until it’s time to change a price, remove an item, or post a temporary offer.

Basic setups show their limits quickly: no remote management, no scheduling, no feedback on screen status, and poor visibility in bright light.

This is where a solution like Zebrix comes in. It maintains the simplicity of use, but allows real-time remote control of what displays in one or multiple venues — all from a web interface that requires no technical training.

Case study: How Exki enhanced the dining experience with screens

EXKi, a well-known chain in Belgium, chose to upgrade its signage by installing Samsung professional displays, managed via Zebrix. These screens include single and double-sided formats, visible even in daylight thanks to their matte finish and high brightness.

But beyond the visual impact, Exki uses Zebrix to adjust its menu content based on inventory in real-time. Customers are never frustrated by unavailable dishes. Each location also displays visuals tailored to its local identity, while staying consistent with the brand’s image.

Discover the use case

Digital signage meets multiple operational needs

Screens aren’t just for menus. They can:

• Display operating hours

• Guide customer flow

• Announce new items or promotions

• Share information with staff or delivery drivers

In a quick service restaurant setup, screens accelerate order-taking by showing available dishes clearly. In the window, they attract passersby and increase foot traffic. Inside, they enhance ambiance and support upselling.

Market trends and stats to know

Digital signage adoption is part of a wider transformation in food service. In France alone, the quick-service restaurant (QSR) market generated over €21 billion in 2023, with a 26% increase since 2019 — driven by the growth of new outlets (Source: Républik Retail).

According to various studies:

• Sales increased 5–8% on featured items with digital signage

• Purchase intent grew by nearly 30%

• Customers viewed the experience as more fluid and modern (Sources: Digilor, Nielsen, Digital Signage Today)

  
  

Zebrix: a smart, flexible solution for restaurant owners

Zebrix lets you manage all screen content from a single web interface. Plan menus by time of day, change prices or items in seconds, and control one location or a nationwide network with equal ease.

The system runs on the cloud, accessible from any computer or tablet, and doesn’t require IT training. Whether you're an independent restaurant, a growing franchise, or an international chain, you stay in control of what your customers see — in real time.

More visibility, more control, less effort

Going digital with restaurant displays is more than a trend. It’s a way to respond to real challenges: improving efficiency, increasing visibility, and providing a better customer experience without adding complexity.

 Want to display menus, promotions or useful info without printed posters?

Contact us for a free demo and see how Zebrix is already powering digital signage for brands like EXKi, Starbucks, and Hawaiian Poke.