Digital Menu vs Paper Menu: A Cost Comparison
We break down the real costs of paper menus versus digital menus for a typical restaurant over one year.
Industry4 min readMenuy Team
The Real Cost of Paper Menus
Most restaurant owners don't track how much they spend on menus. Let's break it down for a typical 30-table restaurant.
Paper Menu Costs (Annual)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Initial print (60 menus) | $300–$600 |
| Quarterly reprints (price changes, seasonal updates) | $800–$2,000 |
| Menu covers/holders | $150–$300 |
| Design updates (freelancer) | $200–$500 |
| Total | $1,450–$3,400/year |
And that doesn't count the hidden costs:
- Staff time managing menu changes
- Lost sales from outdated pricing
- Customer frustration with "sorry, that item is no longer available"
Digital Menu Costs (Annual)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Menuy Starter plan | $108/year |
| QR code tent cards (one-time print) | $30–$60 |
| Total | $138–$168/year |
Even the Pro plan at $288/year is a fraction of paper menu costs.
The Savings Add Up
For a typical restaurant, switching to digital menus saves $1,200–$3,200 per year. That's money you can reinvest in your business.
But the financial savings are just the beginning. Digital menus also give you:
- Flexibility: Update anything, anytime, in seconds
- Insights: Know what customers actually look at
- Reach: Multi-language support for international customers
- Sustainability: Zero paper waste
Making the Switch
The transition is easier than you think. Most restaurants keep a few paper menus as backup for elderly customers or tech-averse diners, while serving the majority of customers digitally.
Start with Menuy's free plan to test the waters, then upgrade as you see the benefits.
Ready to create your digital menu?
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