Restaurant ordering · QR, waiter and kitchen workflow
Restaurant Ordering System for QR and Table Orders
IAMenu is a restaurant ordering system that connects the live menu with table identification, guest QR orders, waiter workflows and kitchen statuses. Guests use a browser without downloading an app; the team chooses whether requests call a waiter, require approval or enter the kitchen workflow. Payment stays in the restaurant's existing system.
How does a restaurant ordering system work?
An online ordering system turns a guest or staff selection into a structured order with its source, table, items and status. IAMenu can carry that order from QR or waiter entry through approval, preparation and service.
1. Scan THEIR table's QR
Each table has its own permanent QR. The system already knows which table the order comes from — no asking, no scribbling.
2. Order from the live menu
The same digital menu with photos, reviewed allergen information and enabled languages. The cart supports notes for individual dishes.
3. It rings on your board
The order enters the kanban with a sound alert. Approve, prepare and serve by dragging between columns — each dish can be marked ready separately.
4. The bill, whenever they want
The guest requests the bill from their phone. Payment happens on your usual POS: IAMenu never touches your money or takes a cut.
The 4 ordering modes: you decide the control
Not every restaurant works the same way. The ordering system has 4 configurable modes — start conservative and open the tap when your team is comfortable.
| Mode | What the guest does | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Call waiter | Just signals with one tap; you take the order in person | Classic-service floors that want speed without changing the flow |
| Show list | Builds a selection but doesn't send it — shows it to the waiter | Smooth transition: guests choose calmly, staff confirms |
| With approval | Sends the order; you approve it before it reaches the kitchen | Full staff control over what enters the kitchen |
| Straight to kitchen | The order is auto-accepted | Maximum speed: big terraces, high turnover, small teams |
QR ordering FAQs
Do guests need to download an app to order via QR?
No. They scan the QR on their table with the phone camera, your digital menu opens with photos and allergens, they build their order and send it. No apps, no sign-up. They get a link to track their order status and request the bill whenever they want.
How does the restaurant receive the orders?
On a kanban-style board with columns per status (new, accepted, preparing, ready, served) and a sound alert when an order arrives. You drag orders between states, mark individual dishes as ready, assign orders to specific cooks, and there is a full-screen kitchen mode for the kitchen tablet.
Can I choose how much control I keep over incoming orders?
Yes — there are 4 modes depending on how your floor works: "call waiter" only (the guest signals and you take the order in person), show-list (the guest builds a selection but does not send it), approval (the order reaches you and you approve it before it enters the kitchen), or straight-to-kitchen (auto-accepted).
Does IAMenu charge a commission per order?
No. QR ordering is available on eligible paid plans. IAMenu charges the monthly subscription shown on the pricing page and does not add a percentage or per-order fee. Current plan availability and limits are the source of truth.
Does IAMenu process the guest's payment?
No, and that is deliberate: payment stays with your existing POS, the way most restaurants prefer. IAMenu manages the order itself (what the guest wants, which table, what status) and your team charges as always. No middleman in your money.
Does it work for takeaway orders?
Yes. Guests can mark orders as dine-in or takeaway, and staff can log manual orders from phone, WhatsApp or the counter with their source recorded. Everything lands on the same board and in the same history.
What happens if someone tries to order after closing time?
The menu shows a clear message with your next opening time and your phone number. You configure how many minutes before closing you stop accepting orders, and the system cuts off automatically. Built-in anti-spam protection prevents fake orders.
Can I see order analytics?
Yes: average ticket, kitchen and service times (measured from real status changes), best-selling dishes, peak hours, order sources (QR, phone, counter) and cancellations. Plus a full history with CSV export.
Menu, orders and floor in one system
QR ordering runs on the same menu that supports translations and reviewed allergen information. Your team can also use Waiter Mode. One dashboard, with no per-order commission added by IAMenu.