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New cafe opening guide

Prepare your cafe menu without leaving it as a last-minute opening task.

A new cafe menu is more than a list of product names. Categories, drink sizes, options, prices, images, and update responsibilities should follow one structure before opening day. Em QR Menu brings that structure to mobile screens.

The counter and seating area of a contemporary cafe being prepared for opening

Before opening

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Confirm the menu data first, then place the QR code on the table.

Coffee recipes, hot or iced options, drink sizes, extras, desserts, and food can depend on decisions from different teams. Moving to design before consolidating this information can create product-name or price differences among the till, printed list, and digital menu.

During Em setup, categories, products, variants, prices, descriptions, and images are organized into a publish-ready structure. If frequent changes are expected, the separate Emadmin product lets authorized staff manage content. A setup without a panel can also be considered for a more stable menu.

An Em QR Menu product list open on a phone in a guest’s hand
Testing on a real phone before opening reveals category, price, image, and readability issues early.

Opening discipline

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Build a menu that works on day one and remains manageable afterward

A sound setup provides more than a polished menu: it creates pre-opening data checks and a clear post-opening update routine.

01

Arrange categories around the service flow

Coffee, other hot drinks, cold drinks, food, and desserts follow a clear order that guests can scan quickly.

02

Match sizes and options from the start

Small, medium, and large variants are organized with the relevant prices, reducing repetitive and confusing product rows.

03

Reduce the risk of premature printing

Products and prices that change close to opening can be published at the same QR menu address without generating a new menu file and QR code for every revision.

04

Plan for international guests from day one

Once the required translations are prepared, Em can present the same menu structure in its 12 supported languages.

Em QR Menu features

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Real product capabilities available to every business

Em is the QR menu interface used by guests. Emadmin is the separate product offered to manage menu content.

Fast on-device search

Once the menu has loaded, search runs on the device so guests see matching products and variants as they type.

Categories, products, and variants

Instead of a long PDF, categories, product details, images, variants, and prices are presented in a mobile-friendly layout.

A menu experience in 12 languages

Guests can switch between 12 supported languages with one tap and browse the same menu structure in their language.

Tools that support product choice

The preference wizard, AI-assisted recommendations, and a personal short list help guests narrow down their options.

Business details and themes

Address, map, opening hours, payment methods, and social accounts can appear in a side panel, while colors can reflect the brand.

Content management with Emadmin

When Emadmin is used, categories, products, variants, prices, campaigns, and language content can be updated through the panel.

Three-stage preparation

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How is a new cafe QR menu prepared for launch?

The schedule should work backward from opening day and leave time for content delivery, review, and table-side testing.

  1. 01

    Collect product names, categories, variants, prices, descriptions, and available images in one inventory.

  2. 02

    Prepare the menu structure, brand colors, languages, and business details in Em, then review them on different phones.

  3. 03

    Publish the approved address, test every QR code with phone cameras before printing, and assign an owner for future updates.

Business-specific guides

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Continue with the guide for your opening or pricing decision

Review new-business preparation and QR menu costs separately for the practical needs of cafes and restaurants.

Next step

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Explore the product, try the demo, and estimate the cost

Frequently asked questions

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What to know before choosing a QR menu

How early should QR menu preparation begin before a new cafe opens?

The exact timing depends on product count, image readiness, and language scope. A reliable plan leaves separate time for content entry and checks on different phones before QR materials are printed.

Can setup begin if not all product photos are ready?

Yes. The structure can begin with the category, product, variant, and price inventory, but the team should decide which images must be live at opening and when the remaining images will be added.

Is Emadmin mandatory for a new cafe?

No. A cafe with infrequent menu changes can consider a setup without a panel. Emadmin is better suited to cafes that want staff to update products, prices, campaigns, or language content frequently.

Does the QR menu automatically synchronize with till prices?

No. The standard scope does not promise a till integration. The business should establish an operating process that keeps till and published menu prices current from the same approved source.