Smart menus are dynamic and interactive digital menus that are designed to enhance the dining experience for customers at restaurants or other food establishments. These menus utilize technology such as touchscreens, tablets, or mobile devices to provide an innovative way for customers to browse through menu options, customize their orders, and place their food and beverage selections.
Unlike traditional paper menus, smart menus offer a variety of features and benefits. With a smart menu, customers can visualize the dishes or drinks they are considering before making a decision, as these menus often include images or even videos of the items. Smart menus also provide detailed descriptions and nutritional information for each item, allowing customers to make more informed choices based on their dietary preferences or restrictions.
Furthermore, smart menus can offer additional features that enhance the dining experience. For instance, customers can use the menu to request special accommodations or modifications to their orders, such as requesting certain ingredients to be omitted or added. Additionally, smart menus may provide real-time updates on the availability of certain dishes or drinks, reducing the chances of disappointments or delays in service.
Overall, smart menus aim to improve customer engagement, streamline the ordering process, and enhance the overall dining experience by leveraging technology and interactive features. They provide an efficient and convenient solution to traditional menus, offering customers a more personalized and engaging way to navigate their food choices.
The word "smart" in "smart menus" refers to the use of advanced technology or intelligence in creating or operating the menus. The etymology of "smart" comes from Middle English "smerten" or "smert" meaning "painful" or "sharp". Throughout history, the word evolved to also mean "keen, active, quick, clever, or elegant". In the context of technology, "smart" usually refers to devices or systems that are able to connect to the internet, adapt, or provide enhanced features. Therefore, "smart menus" implies menus that incorporate modern technologies to provide innovative and intelligent features.