How to Create a Pro Plan Restaurant Menu QR Code [Complete Guide]
The Pro Plan Restaurant Menu QR Code is a powerful feature that lets you build beautiful, mobile-optimized digital menus directly within TheQRCode.io platform. Unlike traditional menu QR codes that link to external PDFs or websites, this built-in menu builder gives you complete control over your menu design, updates, and customer experience—all without needing external hosting or design tools.
⚡ Quick Summary
- Time needed: 10-15 minutes for first menu
- What you need: Pro or Business plan subscription
- Cost: Included with Pro plan ($29/month)
- Best for: Restaurants wanting professional, easy-to-update digital menus
- Key advantage: No external hosting needed—everything built-in
What is the Pro Plan Restaurant Menu QR Code?
The Pro Plan Restaurant Menu QR Code is a specialized QR code type available exclusively to Pro and Business plan subscribers. Instead of linking to an external URL (like a PDF or website), this QR code type includes a built-in menu builder that lets you create, customize, and manage your restaurant menu entirely within TheQRCode.io platform.
✅ Built-In Menu Builder
Create and edit your menu directly in TheQRCode.io. No need for external tools, hosting, or design software.
📱 Mobile-Optimized
Menus are automatically optimized for mobile devices with responsive design, search functionality, and easy navigation.
🎨 Branded Experience
Customize colors, add your restaurant name, and create a fully branded menu experience that matches your restaurant's identity.
🔄 Instant Updates
Update prices, add items, mark items as unavailable, or change descriptions instantly—no reprinting needed.
Pro Plan Menu QR Code vs. Regular Menu QR Codes
| Feature | Regular Menu QR Code | Pro Plan Menu QR Code |
|---|---|---|
| Menu Creation | External tool (Canva, Google Docs, etc.) | Built-in menu builder |
| Hosting | External hosting required | Hosted by TheQRCode.io |
| Updates | Edit external file, re-upload | Edit directly in dashboard |
| Mobile Optimization | Depends on external tool | Automatic, built-in |
| Search Functionality | Not available | Built-in search |
| Branding | Limited customization | Full color customization |
| Plan Required | Free plan available | Pro or Business plan |
Step-by-Step: Create Your Pro Plan Restaurant Menu QR Code
Step 1: Upgrade to Pro Plan
The Restaurant Menu QR Code type is exclusively available for Pro and Business plan subscribers. If you're on a Free or Starter plan, you'll need to upgrade first.
- Log in to your TheQRCode.io account
- Navigate to your dashboard
- Click "Upgrade" or go to Settings → Billing
- Select Pro plan ($29/month) or Business plan
- Complete the upgrade process
Step 2: Create a New QR Code
Once you're on a Pro plan, you can access the Restaurant Menu QR Code type:
- From your dashboard, click "Create QR Code"
- The QR code generator modal will open
- In the "QR Code Type" dropdown, select "Restaurant Menu"
- You'll see a "Build Menu" or "Edit Menu" button appear
Note: If you don't see "Restaurant Menu" in the dropdown, make sure you're on a Pro or Business plan. Free and Starter plan users will see an upgrade prompt instead.
Step 3: Build Your Menu
Click "Build Menu" to open the full-screen menu builder. This is where you'll create your restaurant menu:
3a. Restaurant Information
- Restaurant Name: Enter your restaurant's name (required)
- Description: Add a brief description of your restaurant (optional)
- This information appears at the top of your menu
3b. Theme Customization
- Primary Color: Choose your main brand color (used for headers, buttons)
- Secondary Color: Choose an accent color (optional)
- These colors will be applied throughout your menu for a branded experience
3c. Create Categories
- Click "Add Category" to create menu sections (e.g., "Appetizers", "Main Courses", "Desserts")
- Name each category clearly
- You can reorder categories by dragging them
- Categories can be collapsed/expanded on the customer-facing menu
3d. Add Menu Items
- Within each category, click "Add Item" to create menu items
- For each item, enter:
- Name: The dish name (e.g., "Grilled Salmon")
- Description: Brief description of the dish (optional but recommended)
- Price: Item price (e.g., "$24.99" or "£18.50")
- Available: Toggle to mark items as available/unavailable
- You can add multiple items to each category
Pro Tip: Start with your most popular items. You can always add more items later by editing the QR code. The menu builder saves your progress automatically.
Step 4: Save Your Menu
Once you've added all your categories and items:
- Review your menu in the preview
- Click "Save Menu" to save your changes
- The menu builder will close and return you to the QR code generator
- Your menu data is now stored with the QR code
Step 5: Customize Your QR Code Appearance
After saving your menu, you can customize how the QR code itself looks:
- Colors: Match your restaurant's brand colors
- Logo: Add your restaurant logo in the center (with error correction)
- Style: Choose rounded corners or square style
- Frame: Add decorative frames or borders
Step 6: Generate and Download
Finalize your QR code:
- Click "Generate QR Code" or "Save"
- Your QR code will be created with a short URL (e.g., theqrcode.io/r/ABC123)
- Download the QR code image in high resolution (PNG, SVG, or PDF)
- Test scan the QR code to verify it works correctly
Step 7: Print and Display
Print your QR code and place it strategically:
- Table Tents: Print on 4x6 inch cards, one per table
- Window Displays: Larger prints (8.5x11 inches) for windows or entrance
- Counter Displays: Place near ordering areas
- Include clear instructions: "Scan for Menu"
Key Features of Pro Plan Menu QR Codes
Built-in Search Functionality
Customers can search across all menu items instantly. Perfect for large menus or customers with specific dietary preferences.
Mobile-First Design
Menus are automatically optimized for mobile devices with responsive layouts, touch-friendly navigation, and fast loading times.
Full Branding Control
Customize primary and secondary colors to match your restaurant's brand. The menu header displays your restaurant name prominently.
Item Availability Toggle
Mark items as available or unavailable instantly. Unavailable items are clearly indicated to customers, helping manage inventory and customer expectations.
Analytics & Tracking
Track how many customers scan your menu QR code, when they scan, and view analytics in your dashboard. Understand customer engagement patterns.
How to Update Your Menu
One of the biggest advantages of Pro Plan Menu QR Codes is how easy it is to update your menu:
- Go to your dashboard and find your menu QR code
- Click "Edit" on the QR code
- Click "Edit Menu" to open the menu builder
- Make your changes:
- Add new items or categories
- Update prices
- Change descriptions
- Mark items as available/unavailable
- Reorder categories or items
- Click "Save Menu"
- Changes are live immediately—no reprinting needed!
Real-World Example: A restaurant owner updates their daily specials every morning. With the Pro Plan Menu QR Code, they simply edit the menu in their dashboard, change the specials, and save. Customers scanning the QR code that day see the updated specials instantly—no new QR codes needed, no reprinting required.
Best Practices for Pro Plan Menu QR Codes
✅ Do This:
- • Use clear, descriptive item names
- • Add descriptions for complex dishes
- • Organize items into logical categories
- • Keep prices up to date
- • Mark unavailable items promptly
- • Use brand colors consistently
- • Test the menu on multiple devices
- • Update specials and seasonal items regularly
❌ Avoid This:
- • Leaving outdated prices
- • Forgetting to mark items as unavailable
- • Using vague item names
- • Creating too many categories (keep it simple)
- • Ignoring mobile preview
- • Using colors with poor contrast
- • Not updating seasonal menus
- • Forgetting to save changes
Pricing & Plan Information
Pro Plan Features
- Price: $29/month (or $290/year with annual billing)
- Restaurant Menu QR Codes: Unlimited
- All QR Code Types: Full access
- Analytics: Advanced tracking and insights
- Customization: Full branding and design options
- Support: Priority customer support
Free Trial: New Pro plan subscribers get a free trial period. Try the Restaurant Menu QR Code feature risk-free and see if it's right for your restaurant.
Real-World Use Cases
🍽️ Fine Dining Restaurants
Use Pro Plan Menu QR Codes for seasonal menus, wine lists, and chef's specials. Update daily specials instantly without reprinting expensive menus. Customers appreciate the ability to search for dishes and see detailed descriptions.
🍕 Fast Casual & Quick Service
Perfect for restaurants with frequently changing menus or daily specials. Update prices instantly, mark items as sold out, and add new items as they become available. The search function helps customers find items quickly during busy periods.
☕ Coffee Shops & Cafes
Display drink menus, food options, and seasonal specials. Update seasonal drinks instantly. The mobile-optimized design works perfectly for customers scanning while waiting in line.
🍺 Bars & Pubs
Show drink menus, food options, and daily specials. Update happy hour prices, mark items as unavailable, and add seasonal drink menus. Perfect for establishments with frequently changing offerings.
Troubleshooting
Problem: Can't see "Restaurant Menu" option
- • Verify you're on a Pro or Business plan (check Settings → Billing)
- • Refresh the page and try again
- • Contact support if the issue persists
Problem: Menu changes not appearing
- • Make sure you clicked "Save Menu" after making changes
- • Clear your browser cache and scan again
- • Wait a few seconds for changes to propagate
Problem: Menu not loading on customer phones
- • Check that the QR code is printed large enough (minimum 2x2 inches)
- • Ensure good lighting when scanning
- • Test the QR code yourself before printing
- • Verify internet connection on customer devices
Conclusion
The Pro Plan Restaurant Menu QR Code is a powerful tool that simplifies menu management while providing customers with an excellent digital dining experience. With built-in hosting, mobile optimization, search functionality, and instant updates, it's the perfect solution for restaurants that want professional digital menus without the complexity of external tools.
Quick Recap:
- Upgrade to Pro or Business plan
- Select "Restaurant Menu" from QR code type dropdown
- Build your menu using the built-in menu builder
- Customize colors and branding
- Save and generate your QR code
- Print and display strategically
- Update menu anytime without reprinting
Ready to Create Your Pro Plan Restaurant Menu QR Code?
Upgrade to Pro plan and start building beautiful, mobile-optimized restaurant menus today. Free trial available.
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