Ez-Runner Articles

Boosting Food & Beverage Sales at Busy Centres Across the UK

Written by Matt Larkins | Feb 18, 2025 12:01:03 PM

For activity centres, gyms, and other F&B providers, peak hours can be both a blessing and a challenge. Long queues, slow service, and crowded counters often mean lost sales, as customers either skip ordering entirely or settle for the quickest option instead of enjoying a full experience.

A seamless digital ordering solution—using QR codes, mobile menus, and easy payment options—transforms how customers interact with food and drink services, enhancing both revenue and customer satisfaction.

1. Cutting Queues and Capturing More Sales

Busy venues often struggle with long lines at food counters, especially during peak times. Customers who don’t want to wait may simply leave without ordering, leading to lost revenue.

A digital menu accessible via a QR code allows customers to browse, order, and pay from their phone, eliminating the need to stand in line. This means:

  • More people can place orders at once, reducing bottlenecks.
  • Customers can take their time selecting food and drinks rather than rushing their decision to avoid holding up the queue.
  • Staff can focus on preparing food instead of handling payments, speeding up service.

By making ordering easier and faster, venues can capture more food and beverage sales, even during the busiest periods.

2. Encouraging Customers to Stay Longer and Spend More

The easier it is for customers to order, the more likely they are to stay longer and spend more. Without the frustration of long lines or slow service, customers can relax, socialise, and enjoy their time at the venue.

  • Better customer experience – When customers don’t feel rushed or forced to wait, they enjoy their visit more, making them more likely to return.
  • Increased social visits – If ordering food and drinks is effortless, customers are more likely to invite friends, leading to larger group spending.
  • Higher spend per visit – When ordering is simple, customers may add extra items they wouldn’t have considered in a traditional queue-based setup. They might decide to grab a coffee after their workout, share a dessert with friends, or order another round of drinks.

3. QR Code Ordering for a Frictionless Experience

By placing QR codes on tables, walls, or near the till, customers can scan and instantly access the full menu. This means they can order whenever they like—without needing to flag down a server or wait for a cashier.

This is particularly valuable for:

  • Gyms with cafés, where members might want a smoothie or snack after their workout.
  • Trampoline parks and activity centers, where parents may want to order drinks while watching their kids play.
  • Busy food courts, where multiple customers want to order from the same outlet without crowding the counter.

4. Feature Items and Visual Menus to Boost Sales

  • Push special promotions – A "Feature Item" section on digital menus allows venues to highlight seasonal specials or bestsellers, increasing impulse purchases.
  • Enticing food photography – High-quality images of meals make food look more appealing, encouraging customers to order more. A well-presented digital menu can significantly boost sales compared to a text-only menu.

5. Personalised Ordering for Customer Satisfaction

One-size-fits-all doesn’t work when it comes to food. Digital ordering allows customers to:

  • Add special requests, such as extra toppings or dietary preferences.
  • Customise meals to their liking, improving their overall satisfaction.

What Does this Mean for You? 

By removing the frustration of long queues and slow service, digital ordering solutions help venues increase revenue while creating a better customer experience. Customers stay longer, order more, and enjoy their visit—leading to more return visits and higher lifetime value.

For gyms, activity centres, and F&B providers, embracing digital ordering is not just about convenience—it’s about maximising business potential while keeping customers happy.