QR Menu & Payment for Hospitality Businesses in the Nordic Market

We created this solution for cafés, restaurants, bars, and hotels

<2s load

Instant access
Live updates

Real-time sync
1 dashboard

Better management

About the Project: Improving the Service Flow with a QR Menu

The system includes digital menus that update instantly, integrated payment processing, tips for waiters, a management dashboard for owners, and built-in tools for promotions and customer feedback.

One important thing to notice here is that this QR menu solution wasn’t built to replace servers or remove human interaction. Instead, we believe it can eliminate the waiting parts of dining so the actual service moments can be better.

The goal behind building this solution was to make ordering and paying faster and easier, so staff can spend more time with guests and less time running back and forth with menus and checks.

Challenges of Building a QR Menu Solution

When developing this solution for Nordic businesses, we’ve tackled the following challenges:

Managing Payment Security

Building a QR-code menu with payments in the Nordic countries came with a few real challenges. Instead of using one global option like PayPal, they mostly use local payment apps such as MobilePay, Vipps, and Swish — each with its own rules and setup process. We also had to make sure everything followed strict payment-security standards.
Split Transactions Management

The bigger challenge was handling split payments. The logic for dividing a bill accurately while maintaining transaction security across multiple payments required careful architecture.
Making It Work with Existing Systems

Most restaurants already have POS systems, kitchen display screens, and payment processors they like. We couldn't ask them to replace everything. The solution had to integrate with various existing platforms through APIs, send orders in formats different kitchen systems could understand, and sync data bidirectionally without creating conflicts or duplicates.
Handling Real-Time Menu Updates Across All Access Points

We needed a system that could push updates without guests having to refresh, while keeping the experience smooth and avoiding conflicts when multiple people order from the same menu simultaneously.
Supporting Multiple Venues and Menus From One Platform

For clients running multiple locations or different concepts, the architecture had to support separate menus, different pricing, location-specific promotions, and individual analytics — all manageable from one central system without database conflicts or cross-contamination of data between venues.
Implementing Multi-Language Support

Restaurants in tourist areas and international hotels needed menus available in multiple languages. We had to architect a content management system that could store menu items, descriptions, and dietary information in several languages without duplicating the entire menu structure.

Solutions We’ve Implemented

Built a Progressive Web App for Instant Access

We created a lightweight progressive web app using Next.js and TypeScript that loads in under two seconds on any device. Guests scan the QR code and the menu opens immediately in their browser. We also optimized every asset, compressed food photography without losing quality, and implemented aggressive caching so the menu loads fast even on slow connections. The interface adapts automatically whether someone's using an iPhone, Android, tablet, or any other device.
Implemented WebSocket Connections for Live Updates

We used WebSocket technology to maintain persistent connections between the server and every active menu session. When a manager marks something as sold out, we push that change instantly to every open menu without refreshing.
Developed a Secure Split Payment Engine

Integrated Stripe's payment processing with full PCI DSS compliance and built our own logic layer on top for handling complex splits. The system lets guests select which items they're paying for, calculates their portion including tax and tip, and processes each transaction independently. All payment data is encrypted in transit and at rest. The entire payment flow happens in a secure iframe that meets banking standards.
Created a Real-Time Dashboard with Smart Data Handling

We built the dashboard using React with TypeScript and server-sent events that push updates as they happen. TanStack Query handles efficient caching and server data synchronization, while React Hook Form manages form interactions with minimal re-renders. Instead of polling the database constantly, we trigger updates only when something changes (a new order, a payment, a menu edit). Restaurant managers see what's happening live without the system ever feeling sluggish, even during dinner rush.
Architected Multi-Tenant Database Structure

Designed a database schema that keeps each venue's data completely isolated while running on shared infrastructure. Every restaurant gets its own menu tables, order history, and customer data that other clients can't access. We built an admin layer where restaurant groups manage multiple locations from one login, with permissions that control who can edit what.

How the QR Menu Works In Real Life

When guests arrive, they sit down and see a QR code on the table. They scan it with their phone camera. The menu opens in their browser immediately.

They scroll through, tap what they want, customize it if needed, and hit send. Kitchen system receives it exactly like any other order. If you have runners or servers who bring food out, nothing changes for them. The only difference is that they didn’t have to take the order in the first place.

During the meal, guests can add more items anytime: another drink, dessert, whatever. Each addition goes straight to the kitchen.

When they’re ready to leave, guests pull up the menu on their phone again, tap to view their bill, and pay. If they’re splitting the check, they can do that without bothering anyone. Once payment goes through, the table status updates in your system automatically.

On your end, you log into the dashboard whenever you need to make changes (adjust prices, set up a promotion, check which tables have paid, review feedback, export data for your accountant, etc). It’s all in one place, accessible from any device with a browser.

Key Deliverables & Benefits for HoReCa

QR Code System

Customized with your branding that guests scan to access digital menus.
Digital Menu Platform

Displays your full menu with food photography, descriptions, prices, and real-time availability.
Payment Processing Integration

Handles transactions securely right at the table, including split bills and tipping for Nordic payment providers (MobilePay, Vipps, Swish) and Stripe.
Restaurant Management Dashboard

A place where you control your menu, pricing, promotions, and see analytics on what’s selling.
Guest Feedback and Review System

A system that captures opinions and encourages positive Google reviews.
Promotion Tools

Create happy hours, loyalty programs, seasonal menus, and limited-time offers.
Multi-Language Support

So that international guests can browse your menu in their preferred language.
Real-Time Reporting

Shows what’s happening in your restaurant right now and what trends are developing.
Email Notification System

A system for sending invitations to venue administrators with secure signup links.
File upload management

Use it for venue avatars and menu item images.

Technologies

Node.js
NestJS
TypeScript
PostgreSQL

Restaurant Software Development

Custom restaurant software development: POS, ordering, CRM, and integrations.
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UX/UI Design

Desktop and mobile app design for all your business ideas that saves time and budget.
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Mobile App Development

Design and build highly responsive mobile apps that are easy for users to navigate and enjoy.
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Summary: A QR Menu Solution for Modern Businesses

This QR menu and payment solution addresses one of the fundamental tensions in modern hospitality: guests want fast service, but they also want to feel taken care of by real people.

The system handles the transactional parts like browsing the menu, placing orders, and paying the bill. And the staff can focus on the parts like greeting guests warmly, answering questions, making recommendations, checking if everything’s good, and being present.

At SpdLoad, we build solutions that make HORECA businesses run better without sacrificing what makes them human. This project shows our approach: identify the friction points in restaurant operations and design technology that removes them.