How to Integrate QR Code Ordering in Your Restaurant or Cafe in Canada

Running a busy restaurant or cafe in Canada? Whether you're streamlining dine-in service, offering contactless options, or giving guests more control, QR code ordering can be a game-changer. Here's how to make it work for your business.

What is QR Code Ordering? 

QR code ordering lets guests scan a code at their table to browse the menu, place orders, and pay—all from their phone. There’s no waiting for servers or printed menus to update. It’s faster, more flexible service that meets modern diner expectations.

What Canadian Diners Are Saying

According to the Toast Consumer Preferences Survey 2025, 45.5% of Canadians prefer using contactless cards to pay. 

Only 8% prefer QR code menus over printed ones, but nearly 20% have no preference (suggesting strong growth potential). Meanwhile, 40% of diners rank price as their top consideration when choosing where to eat, followed closely by convenience and experience. Transparency also matters: only 28% feel restaurants are very transparent about portion sizes and value.

That’s where QR code ordering helps. Guests can browse the menu on their terms, view dish photos and dietary icons, and customise orders without friction. And operators benefit from more efficient service, better data, and fewer paper updates.

Steps to Integrate QR Code Ordering in Canada

1. Choose a System Built for Restaurants 

Look for a provider who understands the hospitality world inside and out. Toast’s all-in-one platform handles everything in one place - QR menus, ordering, payments, and keeps your menu updated automatically across all channels.

2. Set Up Menus That Convert 

Keep it clear and mobile-friendly. Use concise item names, mouth-watering photos, and smart categorisation. According to our data, 82% of Canadian diners say item description, icons, and visual design impact what they order (source: Toast Consumer Preferences Survey 2025).

3. Connect Front and Back of House 

Integrate QR orders directly into your kitchen workflow with a Kitchen Display System (KDS). At Gusto 54, this helped reduce ticket times by 40% and improve service flow.

4. Train Your Team

Even the best tech won’t deliver results without proper team adoption. Make time for hands-on training that covers not only how the QR code ordering system works, but also how to guide guests through the process. Staff confidence with digital tools plays a critical role in improving the guest experience and reducing service errors.

5. Make It Visible 

Make QR codes easy to spot, whether that’s on tables, receipts, takeaway bags, or entrance signage. Use clear prompts like “Scan to order,” and offer printed menus for accessibility. Include a brief how-to visual for first-time users. 

6. Optimise Based on Insights 

Once you’re up and running, use your reporting dashboard to monitor popular items, drop-off points, and conversion rates. Test different promotions or menu layouts and optimise accordingly. 

Legal & Accessibility Considerations in Canada

Digital menus should meet WCAG 2.1 accessibility guidelines to ensure usability for all. Provide a printed or verbal menu for guests without smartphones. If collecting guest data, make sure your platform complies with Canada’s privacy law (PIPEDA). 

For official guidelines on accessibility and data protection, refer to the Government of Canada’s digital accessibility standards and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

Final Thoughts 

QR code ordering isn’t about replacing people, it’s about freeing up your staff to focus on what matters: hospitality. With the right tools and training, restaurants across Canada can speed up service, raise average cheque sizes, and meet evolving diner expectations head-on.