Print vs. Digital Menu with Evergreen
When it comes to showcasing your food and drink offerings, your menu is one of the most important marketing tools you have. It shapes first impressions, sets the tone for your brand, and directly influences buying decisions. But as technology evolves, so does the question: should your restaurant stick with traditional print menus, go fully digital, or use a hybrid of both?
Let’s explore the pros and cons of printed menus vs. digital menus—and help you decide what makes the most sense for your business in 2025.
The Case for Print Menus
Print menus have stood the test of time for a reason. They’re familiar, tactile, and feel more traditional—especially in fine dining or casual dining environments.
Pros:
Tangible experience: Guests enjoy physically holding a menu.
Low-tech reliability: No power issues, screen failures, or app crashes.
Perceived value: In upscale restaurants, a well-designed menu can signal quality.
Cons:
Harder to update: Changes require reprinting and design adjustments.
Costly in the long run: Especially for rotating menus or seasonal items.
Not interactive: No video, images, or upsell opportunities.
The Case for Digital Menus
Digital menus are gaining traction fast—not just because they’re tech-forward, but because they’re flexible, efficient, and more engaging.
Pros:
Real-time updates: No need to reprint. Update items, prices, and availability instantly.
Cost-effective: Save on printing and paper.
Visually dynamic: Use videos, high-res photos, animations, or rotating specials.
Integrates with POS: Auto-86 items or reflect real-time inventory.
Touchless options: QR code menus support health and safety.
Upsell opportunities: Promote pairings, limited-time offers, or loyalty rewards.
Cons:
Initial setup: Requires screens or tablets and a digital signage solution.
Tech dependence: Power outages or connectivity issues can disrupt display.
Learning curve: Older customers or less tech-savvy guests may prefer print.
The Best of Both Worlds: Hybrid Menu Strategy
For many restaurants, the smartest approach isn’t print or digital—it’s both. Offering a printed menu for those who prefer it, while having digital signage or QR menus for tech-savvy guests, gives you flexibility without leaving anyone out.
Use print menus for your core offering, and use digital signage to:
Promote happy hours
Highlight beer and cocktail menus
Display rotating specials
Show off loyalty programs or social feeds
How Evergreen Makes Digital Menus Work for You
If you’re considering going with a digital menu, Evergreen is built to make that transition seamless. Whether you’re a single-location bistro or a growing restaurant group, Evergreen’s tools are designed to:
Display menus on TVs, tablets, and web widgets
Auto-sync with your POS (like Toast or Square)
Update in real-time from any device
Use your branding, not someone else’s
Feature food, drinks, and specials—all in one platform
From digital beer menus to full-service restaurant displays, Evergreen helps you maintain a polished, professional look that enhances your guests’ experience and drives more sales.
How to Decide What’s Right for You
Ask yourself these questions:
How often do you change your menu?
Do you run a high-volume or fast-casual operation?
Do you want to cut costs over time?
Does your audience value tech-driven convenience?
Do you want to promote items dynamically or visually?
If you answered yes to any of the above, digital menus might be the right move.
Evolve, Don’t Replace
Switching to digital doesn’t mean abandoning print entirely. It means evolving your customer experience to meet modern expectations while still offering comfort and familiarity.
Print menus can still serve their purpose. But if you’re ready to reduce costs, streamline updates, and make your menus work harder for you—going digital with Evergreen is the smart next step.
👉 Start your free trial or schedule a demo with Evergreen today.
