If you change prices, rotate specials, or just want lines to move faster, a digital menu (on TV/tablet/monitor) is your highest-leverage upgrade. Below is a practical, non-fluffy guide—what it is, why it works, real-world proof, what you need, and exactly how to start.
Ready to get one set up for you? Skip ahead to the CTA sections—“Get a Digital Menu in 48 Hours”—and head to alejandro7 dot com. Alejandro7.com
Why digital menus work (and keep working)
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Instant updates & dayparting. Swap breakfast/lunch/dinner, promos, or sold-out items across all screens in seconds. Major chains invest in digital boards largely for this flexibility—Wendy’s publicly highlighted the ability to adjust items and run value deals with its digital menuboard rollout. AP News
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Shorter, felt wait times. Digital signage reduces perceived waiting; controlled studies show guests feel lines move faster when screens inform/guide them. ScienceDirect+1
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Sales lift you can plan around. Industry benchmarks often cite ~3–5% sales uplift when boards are executed well (clear design, featured add-ons, daypart swaps). Vendor and market studies put typical lift in the low single digits—treat this as directional, then measure your own mix. delphidisplay.com+1
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Compliance made easy (if you’re a chain). In the U.S., chains with 20+ locations must display calories on menus/menu boards; digital makes updates far easier and more legible. U.S. Food and Drug Administration+1
Who benefits most (and what to show)
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Quick-service / fast-casual & drive-thru: rotate by daypart, spotlight bundles, feature value during off-peak. Operators report smoother ordering and easier promo execution with digital boards. QSR Magazine
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Coffee / tea / boba / bakeries / ice cream / juice bars: seasonal flavors and LTOs shine with visuals; keep allergens and sizes obvious. QSR Magazine
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Bars, breweries & taprooms: rotating taps and limited releases update instantly (no more chalk edits).
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Food trucks, pop-ups, ghost kitchens: frequent price/menu changes done centrally across every screen.
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Salons, barbers, spas: digital “service menus” prevent reprint costs and clarify add-ons.
The simple stack (what you actually need)
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Screens (bright enough for your space, properly mounted)
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A tiny media player or a smart commercial display (runs the menu app)
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Menu CMS to schedule dayparts, change items/prices, push updates remotely
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Templates & content (clear prices, big categories, enticing photos/video)
Reality check on ROI: Even with commercial displays, many operators see payback in 12–18 months when you combine reduced printing/rollout costs with modest sales lift and cleaner ops. SageNet
Launch plan (copy/paste)
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Pick your “hero” 8–12 items per daypart; cut clutter.
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Design a rush-hour version (fewer choices, big prices).
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Feature 2 add-ons (drink + dessert / side + sauce) in every layout.
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Schedule by daypart; add weather-based swaps if relevant (iced vs. hot). AP News
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Measure weekly: attach rates, best-sellers movement, average ticket.
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Iterate visually, not just price. Move winners “above the fold.”
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For chains: keep calories and nutrition info current in the CMS. U.S. Food and Drug Administration
FAQs (fast answers)
Will this really speed up my line?
Studies find digital signage reduces perceived wait, and QSR ops reports connect boards with smoother drive-thru ordering. You’ll feel it most during peak. ScienceDirect+1
Is there proof of sales impact?
Benchmarks consistently cite low single-digit lift (commonly 3–5%) when boards highlight profitable items and rotate smartly. Start conservative and track your data. delphidisplay.com+1
What about “dynamic pricing”?
Big chains clarified they’re using digital boards mainly for flexible featuring and value offers, not surge pricing. The value here is smart promos and clarity—not sticker shocks. AP News+1
Get a Digital Menu in 48 Hours (Done-for-You)
What you get with Alejandro7:
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Plug-and-play templates matched to your brand (QSR, café, bar, truck, salon)
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Remote updates & daypart scheduling (we can manage for you or hand you the keys)
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Mobile-first versions for QR/table, if you want both
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Performance check-ins (what’s selling, what to promote next)
Ready to go live?
Visit alejandro7.com and tell us your business type plus how many screens you want. We’ll recommend hardware, set up your first layouts, and push your opening playlist—so you’re selling with a digital menu, not talking about one.
Sources & further reading
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FDA menu labeling (20+ locations; calories on menus/menu boards). U.S. Food and Drug Administration+1
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AP News: Wendy’s investment in digital menuboards and clarification on pricing intent (flexibility/value). AP News
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QSR Magazine on drive-thru digital menuboard impact and operator adoption. QSR Magazine
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Peer-reviewed research: digital signage reduces perceived waiting time. ScienceDirect
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Benchmarks on sales lift & ROI context for digital menus. delphidisplay.com+1