Static vs. Digital Menu Boards: What’s Best For Your Business?

When it comes to deciding between static menu boards and digital menu boards, there are many factors to take into account. Static and digital signage both offer unique strengths that may fit one business over another. 

• Not affected by internet outages/power outages
• Can fit well with minimalist restaurants and shops
• For indoor static menu boards, you can choose custom cut shapes and sizes with different layering for more customizable signage
  
  

Static signage with custom cuts

Below are some of the key benefits of digital menu boards. 

Benefits of Digital:

• Adaptive menu boards that can rotate weekly specials, limited time offers and other menu changes in a simple way
• Dayparting features that allow you to schedule menus depending on the time of day. A great example of this would be switching out your breakfast menu with your lunch menu at 11:00 am
• Data feeds allow for easier price management and price changes
• Animation and movement can be added for brand enhancement and visual intrigue
• For digital drive-thru menu boards, order confirmation systems can showcase customer orders on the screen for them to review. There are many other benefits of order confirmation systems that you can read here.
  

What Option Should You Choose?

Choosing what menu boards to use is a big decision for your business. You should do a deep dive into some of these benefits and consider if service would be better with one over the other. Or would you like to utilize both solutions before going fully digital?

A hybrid menu board provides the best of both worlds as it can be customizable into as many static or digital screens as you need. One popular example is configuring two static panels with one digital screen.  You can have an order confirmation system, animations, and rotating limited time offers, while still offering two static boards that showcase your most popular and high margin items. 

Two door hybrid drive-thru menu board (left is static, right is digital)

with an optional non-illuminated wing for extra branding 

Making an informed decision on what your business needs and what your customers should experience is essential.