Branding Signage & Technology Blog | The Howard Company

5 Reasons Upgrading to Digital Menu Boards Is a Strategic Investment

Written by Spencer Esposito | March 28, 2025

For today's restaurant operators, the decision to upgrade to digital menu boards represents more than just a technology update; it is a strategic investment in operational efficiency and brand excellence. Let's dive into some of the measurable benefits that make digital menu boards a strategic investment. 

1. Measurable Revenue Impact

The financial benefits of digital menu boards are noticeable. According to our research, restaurants that implement digital menu boards see an average increase of 2-5% in store sales. To put this in perspective, a single location with $1,000,000 in annual revenue can expect to generate an additional $20,000 with just a 2% improvement; the potential for revenue impact is high. For multi-location operations, this increase becomes substantially more powerful across the system. When considering multiple locations, even a modest improvement in sales can translate into significant revenue growth across your entire organization.

 

 

2. Operational Cost Reduction

Upgrading to digital menu boards can also deliver immediate operational savings by eliminating several recurring expenses that your business may have. The most significant cost reductions come from printing, which typically runs between $200-300 per location, and shipping fees, which range from $50-100 per location. You can also see considerable savings in labor hours previously spent on manual menu changes and the physical deployment of new materials. 

 

 

3. Streamlined Content Management

Another key reason to upgrade is how digital menu boards help manage your promotional content. Seamlessly implementing day-parting strategies and deploying targeted promotional campaigns through your integrated content management systems is easy and efficient. When new items need to be featured or prices require adjustment, changes can be made instantly across single or multiple locations. This centralized approach can be particularly valuable for managing limited-time offers and addressing inventory challenges by strategically promoting specific items.

4. Enhanced Customer Experience Through Visual Impact

The impact of digital displays on customer behavior is also notable. Studies have shown that engaging digital content reduces perceived wait times by 15%, significantly improving customer satisfaction. The visual influence on purchasing decisions is particularly noteworthy: 85% of customers are influenced by visual elements in their ordering decisions. Even more compelling is that 20-30% of customers who view video content make unplanned purchases, while one in five customers select promotional items when presented with appealing visual displays.

 

5. Optimized Menu Presentation

Finally, digital menu boards excel in their ability to present your offerings in the most effective way possible. The clarity and consistency of digital displays ensure that every item is presented at its best, while dynamic content capabilities allow for strategic promotional placement and enhanced upsell opportunities. Limited-time offers can be seamlessly integrated and removed, maintaining menu clarity while driving featured item sales.

The Reason to Upgrade

Choosing to upgrade to digital menu boards represents a decision that impacts every aspect of restaurant operations. Digital menu boards impact revenue growth, operational efficiency, and branding excellence. For business owners focused on long-term growth and operational excellence, digital menu boards aren't just an upgrade; they are an essential investment in the future of your business.

For additional information you can download our digital menu board infographic here!